Originally Posted by
cyccommute
You aren't the only one who reads these posts. Geachguy is asking about options and the differences between cranks. If something happens to a crank in the middle of nowhere -not an event that's all that likely to begin with - an external BB crank requires less specialized tools to remedy the problem. It really is a simpler superior crank.
It's not just saving 200 grams of crank weight. How likely do you think it's going to be to find a tool to remove a square taper Shimano bottom bracket and a replacement for that bottom bracket in the Backofbeyond? Like I said above, you could remove and install an external BB with a pair of pliers. If you used a BB with removable cartridge bearings, you'd be likely to find those size bearings since they are a standard generally used bearing size.
The XT equipment...well maybe not this year's hubs...is highly durable. I have XT and XTR equipment that I expect will last for decades because it's not really all that delicate.
You're not going to find ANY BB in the middle of nowhere, you'll HAVE to find a bike shop. If you're in a third world country you probably won't find a external BB but you would be certain to find a square taper. It may be a loose bearing BB but it will work. Speaking of loose bearing BBs, they've got them all beat for reliablity. When a cartridge bearing BB goes out (square taper, splined, or external), it's toast, while a loose bearing BB can be fixed.