Originally Posted by
stardognine
I haven’t looked up date codes on those cranks yet, but read a little online about the cranks. These pre-date the Deore group, and were the “budget-conscious” alternative to XT. They were only made for 2 or 3 years, so it’s no wonder I never heard of them before. Or if I did, I forgot. 🤔😉
They don't actually predate Deore- which goes back to like 81; and had those HUGE pedal holes and I think it looks like Hobbit inspired graphics... Until M730 comes around, the hierarchy is a little fluid. Generally, XT, Deore then Z series... I'm not sure what goes under that- but I also think Z series stuff could fit directly under XT prior to MT-60. It's nice stuff- the levers were on some really nice bikes, the Z206 is a total "all business" front derailleur that handles a triple but also specced on doubles.
I'd rather have a Sugino AT or a Shimano FC-6206... then I guess an M730...
I think my 87 High Sierra was specced with MT-60 Deore and Suntour XC Sport. My MT-60 cranks got hit by a car in 91.