Octalink BB v2 durability?
 

Just changed to a Octalink BB v2 from a HT. Before you ask why, its because my current crank is already worn out and my LBS suggested i changed to a brand new crank to keep my triple crank setup on 10 speed..

Question, are they more durable than the Hollowtech? I do not use mine for racing but rather for high mileage commuting back and forth to work and home and maybe some recreational riding. HT is the 105 cranks and FC-R453 are the ones with Octalink v2.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...798541ee26.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5e0d8d702a.jpg

Just as a twin engine airplane has twice the chance of an engine failure than a single engine airplane, you've just doubled your chances of a crank arm loosening. <grin> very small slim chance though.

Personally I'd prefer the further outboard position of the bearings in the Hollowtech over the Octalink or any cartridge type BB. However I'm not at the physical level wattage output that it will ever matter. It's just that it strikes me as a better place to put the bearings.

But since you've switched, I wouldn't worry about your choice. If it comes up a shorter or longer life than what the previous did for you, let us know at that time.

One of my older bikes has Octalink. I haven't kept close track, but I would guess that I got at least 30k miles on the last BB.

Sounds reassuring ! This is just my bike for commuting and running errands. Although if I push it, I can easily pace a normal roadie.

No issues with my Octalink BB after 20k miles either. Very solid BB. Just make sure the crank arms are mounted perfectly on the splines before tightening and check every once in a great while that the bolts aren't coming loose as these are easier to fecker up the crank spline grooves if loose than Square Taper or Hollowtech. Having said that, as long as you torque the crank bolts properly to begin with it won't be an issue.

Why would you downgrade from Hollowtech II to a lower grade older crankset with steel chain rings, when 10 speed triple chain rings are still available new?
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...4&category=675

For commuting, you are probably fine with the octalink, maybe better to just to put on commuter miles.

But if I were you, I'd pick up new chainrings (50-39-30) for your 5703 crank. Besides online stores, they are also available on eBay. If you ever want to use your 105 crank again, you will be all set.

John

Edit Added: If it is a 5603, it might be tougher to find the chainrings.

A small point but Octalink cranks were called Hollowtech but Hollowtech 1. The current external bearing versions are Hollowtech II.

That said, I had excellent service from two 9-speed Ultegra triple cranks (FC-6503) using Octalink V1 bottom brackets. They had over 30,000 miles each before being retired still in good working order.

I'm in Singapore and it would take some time to ship over! I'll consider this though if I need to put it on another bike :)