whats the difference between M950 & M951 XTR cranks?

[KeepItSteel]

does anyone know? they look identical. perhaps the rings are a different width to facilitate 9 speed chains on the M951?

 

[Tallpaul]

I didn't think XTR went mega-9 until M952 in late 1998 :?

I've no idea what the difference between M950 and 951 cranks are though, I suspect none. Did they re-profile the chainrings or change the shifting ramps?

 

[FluffyChicken]

I cannot see any difference other than a slight aesthetic change to the small ring (around the bolts)

M952 was when they brought out '9 speed'

I would not have thought chain rings would warrant a new number (unless it was something radical). It' didn't when the M900 had it's chain ring altered.

I've been looking here http://members.home.nl/children-of-the-korn/XTR950.htm

Not looked in the catalogues yet, not sure if we have them here.

checked cats, only have '96 mombat has no info either.

 

[choppstar10]

I know this is old but just incase anybody was still wondering, the 951 is a slightly different shape, you can see it more beefy round the pedal hole.

I know this as i just bought a 'pair' of 950s which turned out to be a 950 and a 951!! oh well thats ebay for ya!

just stumbled across this thread after doing a google search. Oh well now ya know

Phil.

 

[sastusbulbas]

I found 950 to be more durable, particularly the finish on the crank arms and the first generation of 950 rear mechs were in my opinion just a wee bit better in fit and finish. I ran 950 on my Dean and 951 on a Klein, the first got twice as much use and seemed to last twice as long if I remember correct.

951 BB was more of an Ultegra too was it not IE a sealed steel unit not the lightweight collar and plastic center, I found it to be a slap in the face with regard to getting what you paid for, but I ran Dura Ace anyway as I prefered the Q-factor and chainline.

 

[Orion]

I always thought 950 was 8 speed triple, 951 was the 8/9 speed singlering DH cranksets, and 952 was the 9 speed triple.

 

[scant]

the rings were the same between the 8 & 9 speed. there were tiny washers/spacers between the tabs to differentiate between 8 & 9.

 

[choppstar10]

I also found the difference in finish while sanding them down, the 950 arm had a really hard etch primer or similar under the top colour while the 951 had nothing under the top coat.

I like the more slender shape of the 950 too, not sure why they would have changed it, cost cutting or strength issues maybe.

So now immleft with the decision, do i put the odd cranks on, or beg around for a spare left 950??

Nobody else would notice but deep down I'll know that it's not quite right and it may cause me mental health issues in later life!