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What is the highest-level Shimano MTB series where the crankset arms aren’t hollow/bonded?

4 min read

Asked by: Chad Sharma

Are Shimano cranks Hollow?

Shimano’s Hollowtech cranks are renowned for their combination of low weight and stiffness, achieved using a unique hollow (hence the name) aluminium alloy construction that’s markedly different to the carbon designs favoured by the competition.

What is hollowtech crankset?

HOLLOWTECH technology is an ultra-lightweight hollow crankarm created by SHIMANO with the company’s own proprietary forging technology that also maintains rigidity.

Is Shimano 105 a hollowtech?

SHIMANO 105 HOLLOWTECH II Road Crankset 2×11-speed.

Are 105 crankset Hollow?

105 cranks and below are hollow-forged so they’re fine. I’ve worked in shops so I’ve had plenty of conversations with other industry folk. In addition to Shimano literature that the public doesn’t have access to. 5800 is hollow forged but R7000 is bonded, while 4700 and lower are not hollow.

Which is better square taper or HOLLOWTECH?

Hollowtech is a bit stiffer and easier to take apart, but square taper will last much longer.

How do I know which Shimano crankset I have?

Shimano cranks are all identified with model information above or surrounding the area on the backside of the pedal threads. For example; FC-6700/6750 = Shimano Ultegra. The crank length is often located in the same area, which is helpful to note before placing an order.

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.

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 Shimano Sora crankset hollowtech?

Shimano Sora R3000 Crankset (Grey) (2 x 9 Speed) (Hollowtech II) (165mm) (50/34T) – Performance Bicycle.

Is tiagra better than 105?

Tiagra offers excellent value for money but 105 is certainly the better groupset and we’d recommend going for it if your funds allow because of the better brakes, the small weight saving and the upgrade to 11-speed.

Is tiagra a hollowtech?

Taking many features from pro-level equipment, the Shimano Tiagra 4700 Hollowtech II Semi-compact Chainset offers the rider ease of installation, durability, and enhanced performance.

What is Shimano BBR60?

The Shimano SM-BBR60 is a bottom bracket of type BSA or ITA, which is recommended for Ultegra, 105, GRX, FC-CX70 and other Hollowtech II compatible cranks with 24 mm axle. It convinces with improved smooth running and low weight, but is just as durable as its predecessor.

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.

Are square taper bottom brackets good?

Square taper bottom brackets are more prone to wear



The failure moment on a bicycle bearing is usually from an external factor, such as contamination. So you get a bit of grit in there, the balls spins around and then grinds itself into one of the races. So that’s how that fails.

How do you change a square taper crank?


Quote from video: So just loosen this take this off like that then using a crank remover tool here. I want to do is just go ahead and thread this in. And hopefully these aren't stripped.

Is Shimano Sora crankset hollowtech?

Shimano Sora R3000 Crankset (Grey) (2 x 9 Speed) (Hollowtech II) (165mm) (50/34T) – Performance Bicycle.

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,

How do you remove hollowtech crankset?

Quote from video: You're gonna unscrew it and then you can put an actual 5 millimeter tool right here if that plastic cap is a little tight. You could even stick a screwdriver in one of these holes.

What makes up a crankset?

The crankset comprises the two crank arms to which the pedals are attached and between one and three chainrings that the chain runs over. Cranksets are typically comprised of the chainring(s)… In modern designs, it also typically includes the bit in the middle – the axle or spindle – that connects the two sides.

How long should a crankset last?

As long as crank arms are checked regularly for tightness they should last for years and years. I have vintage Sugino Aero Tour (AT) crank arms that I have used for over twenty-five years without any wear to the square tapers. I’ve installed and worn out four or five chain ring sets using the same crank arms.

What should I look for in a crankset?

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.