Meek
01-12-06, 05:24 PM
Do any mountain bikes run octalink bottom brackets? If so, which brands of cranks are available for octalink bb's? Only Shimano? Which years, models? Thanks.
Mountain Biking - Octalink Q
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dminor
01-12-06, 05:37 PM
Octalink is a propreitary Shimano thing - and one reason I can't stand them. . .and why ISIS was developed. I don't think any other manufacturer makes compatible parts, because the licensing fees would kill 'em. Shimano does this on purpose all the time. Shame on them:(
DiRt DeViL
01-12-06, 05:37 PM
There are 2 versions of Octalink, Octalink 1 was the BB used on XTR cranks and Octalink 2 was used on Deore, LX and XT cranks.
Don't have the models at hand but all models before the outboard bearing models use Octalink.
Which manufacturers use Shimano cranks as OEM will depend on the model, for example some high end Gary Fisher and Trek bikes come with XT cranks.
Don't have the models at hand but all models before the outboard bearing models use Octalink.
Which manufacturers use Shimano cranks as OEM will depend on the model, for example some high end Gary Fisher and Trek bikes come with XT cranks.
Meek
01-12-06, 05:42 PM
Thanks for the replies. I am trying to find a crank suitable for the Ergomo powermeter I got today which is an octalink version. If it is new and typically used on road bikes, will the newish XT's or hopefully the XT-R's fit? I might be the first person trying to put it on a mountain bike! :)
willtsmith_nwi
01-12-06, 05:50 PM
Octalink is a propreitary Shimano thing - and one reason I can't stand them. . .and why ISIS was developed. I don't think any other manufacturer makes compatible parts, because the licensing fees would kill 'em. Shimano does this on purpose all the time. Shame on them:(
I'm not fond of Shimano's play on Octalink. Though it is a decent standard and splines are WAY superior to square taper interface.
Now I just wish that the other manufacturers didn't mess up the ISIS design. It is only really appropriate for light use. Apparantly the size of the spindle forces manufacturers to use small bearing that break easier (this is also an issue with Octalink, just not nearly as bad).
Because of this, everyone is moving toward two piece crank sets with external bearing cups. It allows them to use large/strong bearings. It does increase the Q-factor ever so slightly. But those of us who are larger and NEED the external cups probably won't be bothered by a slightly wider pedal profile.
I'm not fond of Shimano's play on Octalink. Though it is a decent standard and splines are WAY superior to square taper interface.
Now I just wish that the other manufacturers didn't mess up the ISIS design. It is only really appropriate for light use. Apparantly the size of the spindle forces manufacturers to use small bearing that break easier (this is also an issue with Octalink, just not nearly as bad).
Because of this, everyone is moving toward two piece crank sets with external bearing cups. It allows them to use large/strong bearings. It does increase the Q-factor ever so slightly. But those of us who are larger and NEED the external cups probably won't be bothered by a slightly wider pedal profile.
dminor
01-12-06, 05:53 PM
Thanks for the replies.Sorry about that. You were seeking solid information and I instead gave you a rant. I'm prone to that occasionally. Just ask the other folks :D Hope you get what you're after.
Pheard
01-12-06, 08:00 PM
Yea I just ordered an xt octalink crank. Yes you have to buy a spline bb made by shimano specially for the crank. But I think it will be for the best in the end. I mean I got the bb for 20 bucks on sale, not really expensive.
Raiyn
01-12-06, 11:37 PM
Thanks for the replies. I am trying to find a crank suitable for the Ergomo powermeter I got today which is an octalink version. If it is new and typically used on road bikes, will the newish XT's or hopefully the XT-R's fit? I might be the first person trying to put it on a mountain bike! :)
You're likely looking at trouble. See this article
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bbsize.html#shimano
You're likely looking at trouble. See this article
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bbsize.html#shimano