Bicycle Mechanics - Installing an Octalink BB

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Plainsman
08-17-07, 06:14 PM
Do I need 2 different tools to install a 105 series Octalink V1 BB and cups? The tool I have is the Nashbar BB tool with 20 grooves. I only know outboard bearing stuff, so this is new (though older tech) to me.

Thanks!

capwater
08-17-07, 06:54 PM
That's the correct tool.
Plainsman
08-17-07, 10:27 PM
Great, thanks.

HillRider
08-18-07, 08:45 AM
Clamp the bb tool to the cup by running your qr skewer through the hole in the tool and the hollow spindle. That way you can apply a lot of torque without the tool slipping out of the splines.
MrCjolsen
08-18-07, 09:33 AM
Depending on the tool, you may need to invest in a large washer with a small hole.
DMF
08-19-07, 06:35 AM
I've never had to do the clamping thing. Just be careful to keep the wrench square to the frame.
HillRider
08-19-07, 08:41 AM
I've never had to do the clamping thing. Just be careful to keep the wrench square to the frame.
The clamp assures you do keep the tool square despite applying a LOT of torque to remove or replace the bb. I've always found it reassuring to use the qr and it costs nothing.
mr.tool
08-20-07, 06:47 AM
if it's out board bearings,make sure you "face"the bottom bracket!
HillRider
08-20-07, 08:57 AM
if it's out board bearings,make sure you "face"the bottom bracket!
Octalinks are not external bearing bb's.
Plainsman
08-20-07, 11:21 AM
Thanks for all of the advice, this Octalink deal sounds like a slightly more complicated procedure than installing a Hollowtech II or MegaExo BB. From an above post, it sounds like the bargain socket type tool that came in my Nashbar tool kit will do the trick, but is the tool the same for ISIS and Octalink splined BBs? (And as a side note, I was wondering, is ISIS a word that you pronounce, like (Ice-iss), or is it just an acronym that you always spell out. I don't even know what it stands for.
HillRider
08-20-07, 04:40 PM
The Park BBT-2 fits both Octalink and ISIS bottom brackets so the Nashbar tool should also.

ISIS is an acronym for "International Spline Interface Standard." It is a public domain design intended to provide a splined crank interface like Shimano's patented Octalink but not require a license from Shimano. I also pronounce it as a word (Eye Siss) but it originated as an acronym.

For those who really want the minutae of the ISIS design, here is a .pdf giving all of the gory dertails:

http://www.isisdrive.com/isisdrive/ISIS_Drive_Standard_Document_revD.pdf