2X9 is the new trend and reference for XC racing MTB's with just two chainrings.

Most modern-day competitions barely require the use if the inner chainring of the
crankset, proven by the a popular trend of removing the inner chainring to save weight.
Removing the inner chainring doesn't improve the chainline and shorten the wide MTB
crank axle, meaning athletes still pedal with widely spaced feet. Additionally, the risk of
the chain falling off the middle chainring also increases, because these chainrings are
designed to be "unstable" thus aiding downshifts to the design-intended inner chainring.

1. Reduced Q-Factor from 163mm axle width. By removing the inner chainring,
the whole crank can be made thinner, allowing Q-Factor of 163mm (compared
to 170mm for most MTB3 cranks). Athletes will barely notice the difference
between their Road bike cranks and the XC2 cranks.

2. Optimized chainline. The two chainrings that remain are bought closer to the
frame, improving the chainline of these two rings and allowing 8 in most cases 9
use of the full cassette with both chainrings. Because the chainrings are closer to
the frame, the chain wears less due to less "crossover" and transmission
efficiency increases. The risk of derailment is also reduced, improving race-day
reliability of the system.

3. Weight savings: By shortening the length of the axle, removing the inner
chainring, it's spider fixation points and making both the axle and the crankarm
more hollow a consequence, a significant amount of weight can be saved in
regards to a mtb3 crank. A 175mm Ágilis XC2 with it's specific Q-Rings and a
ceramic BB1 weighs in at 742g (748 with steel bearings).

4. Increased rigidity: Both the shorter axle and the straighter crank profile cause
the XC2 crankset to be more rigid, minimizing energy loss and improving race
day performance.

5. 5 arm 110/74 bcd chainrings: This spider configuration guarantees broad
chainring availability to those who do not want to ride Q-Rings and the ability to
offer finer Q-Ring OCP adjustment than 4-arm MTB rings (the larger BCD and
5 crank arms allow OCP hole dispersion less than half as great as on MTB Q's)

6. DTT EVO axle adjustment offers easier crank width adjustment with increased
reliability. A new steel bolt has replaced the old aluminium one, increasing ease
of adjustment and improving reliability of the crankset, with 0 weight penalty.