Octalink Q
 

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.

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:(

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.

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! :)

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.

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.

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.

You're likely looking at trouble. See this article
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bbsize.html#shimano