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Submitted by
Carl
a Weekend Warrior
from RSA Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Strengths: | Looks good, smooth, easy to service, Shifts. | | Weaknesses: | Chainrings, BB | | Similar Products Used: | LX, Race face Evolve XC | | Bike Setup: | Anthem Team | | Bottom Line: | Review for Hollowtech II M760 Shifts well. Looks good. Stiff and strong. My middle chainring will last 2 chains and the life of a cassette (2000 miles). They are "consumables" like tires and brake pads. Replace them when needed. XTR will last longer but costs a lot more. The BB is marked by a "Do not disassemble". Which means that it is possible to disassemble. The bearing can be replaced by another sealed unit for $2-3 by a keen handyman. I like my XT crank. It can be less pricey though. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeroen Hanselaer
a Cross Country Rider
from Antwerp, Belgium Date Reviewed: November 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | GOUVY - Ouren - Irhhausen | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Some Dutch internet store | | Strengths: | Looks good, easy install (octalink) Good performance | | Weaknesses: | None ( AFTER 7 YEARS of Intesive XC abuse) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized crankset, Race Face EVOLVE XC | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Hardrock (Customized = only frame left original) | | Bottom Line: | I had them for 7 years, used them on all kinds of roads & trail and weather and they just ruled. Even the chainrings last long, if you keep them in good condition. Realy great crankset. ( i hope the Race Face ones i put on my other bike will keep as long) | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john francis
a
from brea,ca,usa Date Reviewed: November 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | gooseberry mesa,utah | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | la habrc cyclery | | Strengths: | crank is light and easily worked on | | Weaknesses: | i have had to replace the small and middle rings after less than three months | | Similar Products Used: | lx crank, shimano wheels, shifters, | | Bike Setup: | santa cruz bullet | | Bottom Line: | I was very disappointed with the durability and life of the components will concider changing manufacturer in the future for crank components. Shimano must have known that this was the weak part of the crank because my dealer tells me that the 08's have a different middle ring. The replacement that was installed isn't aluminum and should last longer,but after spending good money on a crank set less than three months is rediculous | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Kuhl
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | I haven't picked one yet | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Lightweight and strong as heck | | Weaknesses: | I haven't had any problems at all | | Similar Products Used: | Deore, Acera | | Bike Setup: | 2007 TREK 3900 SRAM X-9 shifters SRAM X-0 rear derailleur Shimano XT crankset/front derailleur/chain/cassette Marzocchi Bomber MX Pro 100mm fork Avid Juicy7 brakes w/ 185mm/F, 160mm/R Cane Creek SOLOS headset Bontrager carbon stem and bars CrankBros CandySL pedals Mavic CrossTrail wheels w/ Kenda Nevegal 2.1" | | Bottom Line: | I actually picked up a set of the M770 chainrings that will go on these cranks when I move them over to my Remedy. I don't think I'm hard enough on this bike to warrant these cranks on it so I'll move them to where they will be better suited. Keeping these chainrings on the new Bontrager cranks, though. They're bulletproof. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
V T
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, Pa USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Brady's Run | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Strengths: | shifting,strength,rigidity,looks | | Weaknesses: | q-factor too high | | Similar Products Used: | bontrager, Lx | | Bike Setup: | GF Cake 3 dlx, ritchey carbon stem & flat handlebar, ITM carbon seatpost, Lx RF, FD, & RD, WTB Laser saddle, Mannitou R7 Platinum SPV | | Bottom Line: | Best choice for shifting,durability and weight. Drive: Shimano XT FC-M760 Crankset integrated crank and bottom bracket setup Ring Size: 44-32-22T Speed: 9 Arm Length: 175mm Bolt Circle Diameter: 104/64mm Crank Arms: Forged Aluminum/Hollow Type HOLLOWTECH II Outer Chainring 7075 aluminum Middle Chainring: Aluminum Inner Chainring: Aluminum Chainring Bolts & Nuts: Aluminum (bolt), Steel (nut) Weight(including BB): 860g
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay Spradlin
a Weekend Warrior
from Wooster, AR...USA Date Reviewed: August 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Cadron Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay, I think | | Strengths: | Stiff and Strong | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy if your're a weight wennie | | Bike Setup: | Leader 526, FOX F100RLC fork, XTR shifters and Brakes, Mavic Crossride, XT drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding this crank for over 2 years and have had no problems at all. I'm not a hardcore rider, I do it mostly for the exercise, but I am 6-4 235 and can be hard on equiptment. overall I'm very satisfied. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Prattville, AL, USA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Thompson's Loop (Tsali) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Looks good and light weight | | Weaknesses: | Creaked from day one | | Similar Products Used: | Older XT crankset | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Blur LT w/ Sram X.0, XTR, Chris King, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this crankset new off of ebay. I had an older model XT crankset that always did great. This new one creaked and popped from day one. It performed ok but I decided to try an FSA V-drive Megaexo. Another problem I had was the chainrings being to weak. I broke a toothe off within the first couple of weeks. I wouldn't recommend this crankset. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Port Elizabeth South Africa Date Reviewed: June 5, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Harkerville, Baviaanskloof | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Same as below | | Weaknesses: | Initially the chain would skip off the middle ring when standing under full power while the rear shock is open and the rear wheel hits a bump. We moved the 2nd spacer from the tight hand side to the left so that the rings are closer to the frame. This seems to have improved the problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Truvativ | | Bike Setup: | Anthem Team with RP23, Reba Race, XT brakes dual control, Mavic X819 with MAxxis Crossmark UST tyres, XT crankset (duh!), XT derailleurs. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update over my last post. Intitially I was not happy with the cranks. LBS could not help. A fellow racer pointed out that by moving the extra spacer to the left would help. This seems to have done the trick. I do however ride more in pro-pedal 2 setting nowadays and this problem used to only appear when the shock was set open. Did a 144km enduro recently and not once did the chain skip off the front rings. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Port Elizabeth South Africa Date Reviewed: May 20, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Harkerville | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Looks cool, says XT on the side. Shifting is good | | Weaknesses: | Chain slips off the middle chain ring under pressure when hitting a bump on the rear wheel. Very annoying when doing cross country racing. | | Similar Products Used: | Truvative | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Giant Anthem Team, Reba Race, Fox RP23 full XT, including brakes, Mavic X819 rims | | Bottom Line: | I saw the complaints about the chain slipping off the middle ring and unfortunately I ignored this. Wanted full XT on the bike and upgraded the cranks to match. Only had the bike for 2 weeks now and sure to break teeth or chain soon with this problem. Hopefully the LBS can help me sort this out. LOL! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Port Elizabeth South Africa Date Reviewed: May 20, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Harkerville | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Looks cool, says XT on the side. Shifting is good | | Weaknesses: | Chain slips off the middle chain ring under pressure when hitting a bump on the rear wheel. Very annoying when doing cross country racing. | | Similar Products Used: | Truvative | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Giant Anthem Team, Reba Race, Fox RP23 full XT, including brakes, Mavic X819 rims | | Bottom Line: | I saw the complaints about the chain slipping off the middle ring and unfortunately I ignored this. Wanted full XT on the bike and upgraded the cranks to match. Only had the bike for 2 weeks now and sure to break teeth or chain soon with this problem. Hopefully the LBS can help me sort this out. LOL! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Salmons
a Cross Country Rider
from Rolla, MO, USA Date Reviewed: April 23, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$115.00 | | Purchased At: | E*** | | Strengths: | Weight, good looks, shifting | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Alivio | | Bike Setup: | Pimped out Pirahna | | Bottom Line: | These cranks (Hallowtech II) are awesome. They are super light and the advertised weight includes the BB. My shoes do not rub the cranks. The shifting action is really smooth although I do not run the biggest ring. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: April 20, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | NOTHING | | Weaknesses: | very heavy slips of chainrings sometimes so thick that it always hits the side of my Sidi dhoes and loosens them | | Similar Products Used: | Truvativ RaceFace & Fsa= the best | | Bike Setup: | Specialized epic | | Bottom Line: | These cranks are overpriced overrated and way too heavy | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Pike
a Cross Country Rider
from River Edge Date Reviewed: April 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Local Rides | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesport, Park Ridge, NJ | | Strengths: | Light, Stiff, good looking, smooth shifting. | | Weaknesses: | Chain pings off middle/large ring under stress. | | Similar Products Used: | FSA Something | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Prophet 800, Complete XT Drivetrain, new Mavic rear wheel. | | Bottom Line: | Since owning these cranks the chain has skipped off the center ring under load especially on rough terrain / steep climbs with minimal pressure. I spent a few hours at the LBS demonstrating this, we tried,
- New XT middle ring - Race Face Middle ring - Reducing links in the chain
The result is that nothing has been able to stop the chain pinging off when you apply pressure and move over an obstacle. We finally pinpointed the crank as the issue after putting a 2006 XTR on the front and the problem dissappeared.
I finally opted for 2007 XTR front which I should have on friday. Very dissapointed, these lasted less than six months.
Cyclesport rocks and have supported the product / installment as best they were able, I must have bought the friday afternoon job lot. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Amandio
a Cross Country Rider
from Barrie, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 2, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Lighter than my Bontys, look cool | | Weaknesses: | don't know of any | | Similar Products Used: | stock Bontragger cranks | | Bike Setup: | Trek Liquid 25 stock except cranks. | | Bottom Line: | I read all the hype about outboard bearings and my cranks were looking tired so I though I'd fork out the cash for these things. They do look much better than my old Bontragger cranks and they are lighter however at the end of the day I really can't notice any difference between one and the other. I put power to the pedals and lo and behold they turn the cranks... lol.. They are firm and stiff but again I would expect nothing less. The outboard bearings are a cool bragging feature but don't see any difference in performance over the standard ISS drive bearings. One thing I have noticed however is that since I replaced the cranks I have been getting very occaisional chain suck. This never happend with the Bontragger cranks. They were put on by my LBS so they are installed right. If you can find these at a discounted price go for it. They are definetely good cranks and look cool too. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a
from Jacksonville, FL Date Reviewed: March 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | San Felasco State Park, FL | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR.com | | Strengths: | Looks great, very stiff crankarms, smooth, shifts great. | | Weaknesses: | Chainrings are weak. Teeth break off easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Raceface Ride XC & Evolve XC | | Bike Setup: | Trek Fuel 80 w/ custom build, Reba Team, full XT drivetrain & brakes, Answer Carbon Bar & Mavic Crosslands. | | Bottom Line: | This a great crank for XC/ All Mountain riding. You can get a good deal on them if you shop around. The crankarms are very stiff and light, and they look great!! They shift very smoothly. However, the chainrings are weak, teeth break off easily. I switched out the middle chainring to a Raceface and haven't had a problem since. Be aware that the chainrings are weak. I give it 4 chili's b/c of the chainrings. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Richardson Date Reviewed: March 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Grapevine | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$165.00 | | Strengths: | Looks great. Stiff. Smooth | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano LX (1999 model) | | Bike Setup: | Raleigh M40, LX Hydraulix Brakes, Mavic 317 with XT Hubs | | Bottom Line: | This crank is really nice. I dont ride very hard, mostly around town, but this crank is awesome. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Pike
a Cross Country Rider
from River Edge, New Jersey Date Reviewed: February 4, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Local Rides | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Light, Stiff, good looking, smooth shifting. | | Weaknesses: | Will post a follow up review following rear-hub replacement. | | Similar Products Used: | FSA [Dont Know] Stock with bike | | Bike Setup: | Standard apart from XT Crankset. | | Bottom Line: | I believe its fait to post a follow up review, my initial assesment of the XT crank causing the skipping was incorrect.
I found that there were 2 issues with the Prophet I was riding that have caused the chain to skip.
- Gromets on rear suspension had worn - Cannondale rear hub was failing.
Richard | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Pike
a Cross Country Rider
from River Edge Date Reviewed: December 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Local rides | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Light, Stiff, good looking, smooth shifting. | | Weaknesses: | Middle ring throws chain under stress. I changed the rear casette and chain and it's now worse, having read the reviews I need to replace the middle ring. | | Similar Products Used: | FSA Something (whatever came with the bike) | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Prophet 800 (2005) | | Bottom Line: | I'm very dissapointed.
I replaced the crankset and front derailluer when the original FSA bottom bracket wore out. I am new to riding (9 months) and don't weight very much (165 @ 6ft). I felt running all XT would resolve the shifting issues I had with the FSA and LX front derailleur. As soon as I used it the chain jumped off the middle ring under stress and sudden jolts, now the chain just falls off and I have several bruises from skips when climbing steep inclines and one precarious moment when crossing at a light to get to a trail, the crank skipped so badly I almost lost the bike with a truck loominng.
Not really recomended for riding under streess or as a hard wearing component, odd as I was told this was the bees knees. For all the quirks of the FSA (cheap BB) it never skipped under stress. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zoltan
a Cross Country Rider
from Hungary Date Reviewed: November 20, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Local bike shop | | Strengths: | Stiff, smooth, perfect function (2006 Hollowtech II) | | Weaknesses: | Chain skips in the drive in period, afterwards it is perfect. | | Similar Products Used: | Deore | | Bike Setup: | Secialized Stumpjumper HT, Hayes Discs, Mavic 717, RS Reba Team, XT drive train | | Bottom Line: | During the first 100 miles on my new bike I had several problems with my drive train, the chain came off the middle chain ring and skipped under heavy driving. I brought the bike to the shop for first inspection and adjustment after that the cranck - the whole drive train - works very well. No skips just smooth function. The parts need some drive in period and adjustment. I am 210lbs and I don't do DHs, but it is perfect for cross country. Don't ge dissapointed by the few negative reviews, think of the large majority of riders, who dont write here... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: November 7, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Stiff | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | CODA | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale hardtail, all XT level parts. | | Bottom Line: | These are great- stiff, responsive cranks. I've ridden them for 5 years - mountain biking, touring and commuting, with no problems. Highly recommended. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis Allen
a Downhiller
from Lewiston Date Reviewed: October 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Tamarack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | fullcycles.com | | Strengths: | Looks great, light, easy to set up, EXTREMELY STIFF, functions perfect and smooth. | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Similar Products Used: | rf turbines, rf n shores, hozfellers, hussefelts, atlas. | | Bike Setup: | ALOT! | | Bottom Line: | I here different opinions from different people about what is the best and I laugh alot at the comments. I have run the big DH set ups and the lighter stiff items as well. I gave these a shot (fc-m760) and whoa! they are a heck of alot stiffer and way smoother throught the peddling motion than alot of the other stuff I have tried. These are great cranks with a beefy BB that attach easily and can be ridden worry free. I weigh 210lbs and they are great, I huck Urban, DH and ride alot of big drops to transition as well as flat and I DO NOT CONCERN MYSELF WITH MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE XT CRANKS. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach
a
from Colchester, Vermont Date Reviewed: August 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Kokopelli's | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$235.00 | | Purchased At: | blueskycyling.com | | Strengths: | lightweight. | | Weaknesses: | middle chainring skips. | | Bike Setup: | enduro pro, juicy 7's, marzocchi, sram. shimano. | | Bottom Line: | the middle chainring has skipped since i got it. my lbs called shimano about the situation and they sent me an lx middle chainring, works a little better but still skips. i am going to purchase a raceface middle chainring. SHIMANO SUCKS!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neal
a Cross Country Rider
from TX Date Reviewed: August 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Northshore | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Big Teeth on this guy | | Weaknesses: | I dont think that the teeth were made very strong, about 3 of mine have already chipped and ive only had the bike for about three months | | Similar Products Used: | Deore Crankset | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Disc: Easton monkeylite bars, lizarskin grips, Shimano XTR Cassette, All fox racing shocks, avid seven hydraulic disc brakes, 50/50 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a very nice crankset, it gets the job done. Only thing is that they should have made it a little bit stronger....I would recomend this product to anyone who wants a good crankset for not that much money. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Belgium Date Reviewed: July 25, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Intersport | | Strengths: | Very stiff, smooth action, light, tough, etc | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | Topbike with lx all around, suntour axon e-rl xc fork | | Bottom Line: | For the wear issues on the middle and sometimes the outer chain ring, the problem that i found was that certain chains perform perfectly, no wear, no suck nothing, and if you get these cranks, then up grade the bb cup which will save you all the creaking, and wear. The best bb cup is the race face x type. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodney Scholes
a Weekend Warrior
from NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: July 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | local State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | bikeshop where I work | | Strengths: | See my review below - 6 months ago. | | Weaknesses: | as above | | Similar Products Used: | as above | | Bike Setup: | Kona Dawg - see my review below - 6 months ago. The only thing I've changed is the fork. Have sold Talas RLC (never used travel adjust) and fitted new 07 Fox Vanilla 140 RLC. 5 chilis to Fox for an awesome coil/oil fork. | | Bottom Line: | Have had no problems with the cranks. Outboard bearings are one of the best innovations in the last few years. Ok the rings wear maybe faster than some others , but I'll put up with it - they're still the best shifting cranks I've found. To those who are concerned with using a plastic fixing bolt in the left crank I'd recommend you purchase an alloy XTR bolt part no. Y1E511000 and intall it with the right installation tool part no. TL - FC16 (hand tight, then back off 1/4 turn). Also make sure you use a torque wrench to tighten the pinch bolts up to 15 newton metres and check bolt tightness regularly. Proper installation is important for every component. Bottom line - the best quality (strength/low weight/great shifting)for money cranks on the market. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Mannheim, Germany Date Reviewed: June 22, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Black Forest Singeltrails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$155.00 | | Strengths: | Good Performance for the price. Universal availability. Reliable. Relatively Lightweight. | | Weaknesses: | Caps should be supplied to cover up the hole in the bb spindle to prevent mud from entering...but thats mainly a matter of style I guess. | | Similar Products Used: | Cook Bros F Crank, Simano XT non-hollowtech | | Bike Setup: | Intense Tracer, Complete XT Gruppo, Fox 100 RLT, Thomson Stem and Seatpost (...) | | Bottom Line: | First off, the drivetrain is one of those areas on a bike, where, depending on the level and frequency of riding, an enormous amount of mechanical stress is applied to the components involved. Just ask youself, how many hundreds of times you shift during a powerful ride in the hills! This means, that even slight errors in proper adjustment will develop over time which can have a pronounced effect on drivetrain performance (such as shifting accuracy, chain friction, squeaking noises, etc.) and a tendency to get worse (and more annoying) if not treated correctly.
I had my XT Hollowtech II crankset installed by a very competent German mechanic and have never had better shifting performance on this bike since then. I must say, however, that I installed new XT shift pods as well. For compatibility reasons, I try to stay with XT for drivetrain gruppo.
I think that these cranks do a great job, weigh relatively little, and are very stiff. To me, the risk of poor performance appears to be no higher than with most other cranksets on the market - even some much higher priced ones with more bling-factor. None are perfect or failsafe. So considering what else is out there, these are definitely a good buy considering that they offer tons of reliable performance for that price.
So, 5 Chilis for value and, since there's always room for improvement, 4 for overall.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Kuchta
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO, USA Date Reviewed: May 24, 2006 |
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