Mountain Biking - What is "Custom Shimano" ?

I've been looking at a couple of bikes at the Specialized website and have come across this "Custom Shimano" label which I don't really understand. For example, this spec is from the Stumpjumper HT Expert Carbon:

CRANKSET: Custom Shimano FC-M762, 2pc., 15.5:170mm, others: 175mm

By the enumeration "FC-M762" I would think this is an XT-level part. However it doesn't say XT, not even on the part itself. It also doesn't say if the part is of Hollowtech II construction as the regular XT version of that part should be.

Here is the link (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45869&eid=4342&menuItemId=9247) to the bike I'm using as an example. Most of the Specialized MTB's are like this however. They say Custom Shimano and an enumeration for the Crankset instead of Deore, or SLX, or something like that.

And here is the link (http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/mountain/deore_xt/product.-code-FC-M770.-type-fc_mountain.html) to a regular Shimano XT crankset.

So is this basically an XT crankset or is it different ?

Probably just the usual Special Ed way of branding others' equipment as their own and/or to provide a specific color/finish. It does say 2 piece crank, so I'd say it's pretty safe to assume it's a HTII type, as well as being in the M76x series. Custom maybe because current XT is M77x series....bargain leftovers?

Probably just the usual Special Ed way of branding others' equipment as their own and/or to provide a specific color/finish. It does say 2 piece crank, so I'd say it's pretty safe to assume it's a HTII type, as well as being in the M76x series. Custom maybe because current XT is M77x series....bargain leftovers?

I just noticed when you enlarge the picture of the bike that it has the "II" symbol on the crankarms. So it must be Hollowtech II. I wouldn't think a bargain leftover would be used on a $3,300 bike. I don't like how it doesn't say XT however, takes away from the bling factor.

I wouldn't think a bargain leftover would be used on a $3,300 bike. I don't like how it doesn't say XT however, takes away from the bling factor.

Then why isn't it an M77x? Leadtime to get a version without Shimano's normal graphics?

Sometimes electronics manufacturers sell the same product with different model numbers to different retailers so they can be marketed as exclusives (and to avoid pricematching). I wonder if this is similar.

I work for a Specialized dealer. I asked the inside rep about this when I bought my Stumpy. You are correct in your assumption that what you are looking at is an XT crank. It just doesn't have the finish and the carbon/alloy middle chainring that the "true" XT crank has. He says it's so they can hit a lower price-point while still offering higher quality components.

I work for a Specialized dealer. I asked the inside rep about this when I bought my Stumpy. You are correct in your assumption that what you are looking at is an XT crank. It just doesn't have the finish and the carbon/alloy middle chainring that the "true" XT crank has. He says it's so they can hit a lower price-point while still offering higher quality components.

The composite/steel ring that now comes with the M77x crank didn't come with the M76x....also the crank arms differ in shape rather than just graphics (have both).