Hollowtech BB and chain casing
5 min read
Asked by: Frank Riche
What is the advantage of hollowtech crankset?
Its outboard bottom bracket bearing system provides better weight distribution and more pedaling stability, allowing for more efficient power transfer. The HOLLOWTECH II crankset has been developed by pursuing the optimum balance of stiffness & rotating performance in a lightweight and beautiful crankset design.
Are all hollowtech BB the same?
Since the spindle is part of the right crank, there’s no issue of compatibility. All Hollowtech II cranks work with all Hollowtech II bearing units. Any crank that fits on one type of spindle will fit on all spindles of that type, but if the length is incorrect, the chainline/clearance will vary.
What cranks are compatible with hollowtech?
2. Compatibility of cranksets and different BBs
| Crankset standard | BB compatibility |
|---|---|
| Square taper | Threaded (british, italian) |
| Octalink | Threaded (british, italian) |
| ISIS | Threaded (british, italian) |
| Hollowtech II | Threaded (british, italian), BB30, BB30A, PF30, OSBB, BB86, BB90, BB92, BB95, BBright, BB386EVO, |
Is hollowtech lighter than square taper?
Lighter. Hollowtech bottom brackets are much lighter than square taper units.
Is hollowtech smoother than square taper?
Hollowtech is a bit stiffer and easier to take apart, but square taper will last much longer.
How do I know which bottom bracket I need?
To find out the size of bottom bracket needed, measure the inside of the bottom bracket shell in your frame, it will be 73mm, 70mm or 68mm. Some older frames may have Italian threaded bottom brackets, instead of the more modern English.
How long do bottom brackets last?
As for a bottom bracket, on the low end, maybe 5000 miles. The basic Shimano one most people use (UN51/55/similar) can reasonably expect 10k+ miles. But sometimes you get unlucky and get a bottom bracket that lasts maybe 500 miles.
Is BB30 compatible with hollowtech?
Our Shimano BB30/PF30 68mm ROAD BB. It is compatible with Shimano™ Hollowtech II cranks. High-grade Enduro 2437 steel bearings are fully sealed and are a fantastic replacement BB for your Shimano™ drivetrain. See photos and Manual!
When did hollowtech 2 come out?
Shimano’s Hollowtech II cranks, unveiled in 2003, essentially ushered in the current era of crank design by integrating the axle into the design of the crank. From that point on, the weight, stiffness and reliability of cranks improved, plus, they were easier to install and service.
Is a bottom bracket sleeve necessary?
It really depends on the design of your frame. If there is a hole in the BB shell where the seat tube is, it’s possible for water/moisture to get in the bottom bracket shell and cause problems with you bearings. Most carbon frames do not have any holes in the BB shell so it’s not needed.
How do you tell if a cranks will fit my bike?
The two most important factors are axle diameter and crank length.
- Axle diameter: The two common axle diameters are 19mm and 22mm, so check before you buy that your bottom bracket is compatible. …
- Crank length: This is measured from the centre of the bottom bracket axle to the centre of the pedal axle.
Do all bottom brackets fit all bikes?
To a certain extent which bottom bracket you end up buying is up to what kind of frame you have. Certain frame materials and drivetrain options only support one type of Bottom Bracket. There are two main types of bicycle bottom brackets in today’s market, namely, threaded and press-fit BB’s.
What does Square Taper mean?
Traditional cotterless cranksets use a tapered square spindle (axle) end. The sides of the end taper at a 2 degree angle compared to the centerline, 4 degrees compared to each other. Square, tapered end of cotterless crank spindle with fixing bolt and washer.
What is a square tapered crank?
Quote from video: 03:31 Fit A Bike’s Square Taper Crankset A square taper crank is the most common, this will usually be aluminium, with square holes that fit onto a tapered square-section axle. A nut or a bolt pulls the crank onto the taper to jam it on.
How is BB spindle length measured?
Quote from video: So it's at its maximum width and then you come in here and just measure it and you're going to measure from the base. All the way to the tip of the splines. Okay easy enough right.
Why does my cranks keep coming loose?
If you’ve been repeatedly riding with a loose crank arm it could be that it’s now damaged. You could try tightening with lots of torque, grease on the square taper and threadlocker (e.g. blue Loctite, but in a pinch any kind of glue works) on the threads.
How do I remove a hollowtech 2 crank?
Quote from video: Easiest way just to completely remove. Them. Pull that out. The side crank just comes straight off like that no need for a crank puller or anything like that okay we've removed the left side.
How do you remove a hollowtech bottom bracket?
Quote from video: Move the ring spanner to the right side. And start it moving clockwise. Keep going until the unit comes.
How do you fit a hollowtech bottom bracket?
Quote from video: Place the required o rings on the spindle. Next apply lubricant to the thread in the frame of the bank. Slide the bottom bracket into the frame and thread it into place in a counterclockwise.