Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano BB question

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Shimano BB question

ls0725
01-21-10, 11:58 AM
i have been checking on Shimano bottom bracket types and noted that there is a Hollowtech and an Octalink. Are they the same thing? What is the difference between the 2 if ever not the same?

Do they use the same tools to remove/install?

Thanks replies to the newbie question.

kycycler
01-21-10, 12:42 PM
Easy answer is NO they are not the same. For hollowtech you need a hollowtech crank. The octoliink is a cartridge type bb. For this type you need a crank set that is compatible.
CACycling
01-21-10, 02:17 PM
In Octolink, the spindle is part of the BB (much like a traditional square taper BB). In Hollowtech, the spindle is part of the crankset.

operator
01-21-10, 02:33 PM
i have been checking on Shimano bottom bracket types and noted that there is a Hollowtech and an Octalink. Are they the same thing? What is the difference between the 2 if ever not the same?

Do they use the same tools to remove/install?

Thanks replies to the newbie question.

Octalink is like a square taper shimano cart bb except the square taper is a splined interface. Hollowtech is an external bottom bracket design. Cranks and bbs are not interchangeable between the two.
well biked
01-21-10, 02:41 PM
Keep in mind, there were Octalink cranks that were Hollowtech. The "hollowtech"name means the crankarms are hollow more or less, some fancy Shimano tech. Hollowtech II is the next generation and are external bearing-
operator
01-21-10, 03:06 PM
Keep in mind, there were Octalink cranks that were Hollowtech. The "hollowtech"name means the crankarms are hollow more or less, some fancy Shimano tech. Hollowtech II is the next generation and are external bearing-

Op is talking about hollowtech bb's, I don't think any of those were external?
well biked
01-21-10, 03:14 PM
Op is talking about hollowtech bb's,

Ah, I see. The OP should disregard what I said unless there's confusion between "Hollowtech Octalink" cranksets that use Octalink bb's, and Hollowtech II cranksets that use the external bearings.
DMF
01-21-10, 03:42 PM
Hollowtech II is external.

Hollowtech (I) is Octalink (the axle of which is hollow).
davidad
01-21-10, 05:21 PM
Poke around in here. Look for the part break down drawings. http://techdocs.shimano.com/techdocs/index.jsp