cordia75

Hi guys,

would like your opinions on the above. The new 105 crankset (10spd) incorporates the new Hollowtech technology while the Ultegra 6500 crankset (9spd) uses Octalink. As well as weight, which in your opinion is better?

barba

I would go with the 105 ten speed because I think the external BB idea is a good one. There are great deals to be had on 9 speed stuff, though.

cordia75

Thanks. I have a Ultegra 6500 9spd crank installed, but friends recommend the new 105 Hollowtech crank, which will cost a bit seeing that it is just out in the market.

Nessism

If you already have the 6500 crank I'd leave well enough alone. Upgrade when you need to, not because you want to for some very minor performance difference.

cordia75

Thanks, Nessism. it is good to hear some good advice. Sometimes i'm so caught up trying to catch the Jones of bike upgrading that I lose my sanity :x

red house

Isn't the Ultegra 6500 a Hollowtech crank as well?

barba

If you already have the Ultegra, I agree with Nessim that you shouldn't bother unless you have some specific complaint with your current crank.

lennyk

I am using a 6500 double with the 6600 rear 10 speed because I'm a cheapskate

superslomo

I have a 6500 series crank, and it had a Hollowtech sticker on it originally... doesn't have the external bottom bracket, but while the sticker is gone I think they were all "hollowtech". I don't know how the stiffness compares to the 105 10 speed gear.

cordia75

er, my 6500 crank uses the octalink BB (??). Is it Hollowtech?

lennyk, high 5 man, i'm a cheapskate too (or at least i try to skim on extras *grin*)

DMF 

No.

The Octalink BB does use a hollow axle, so that might be what you were thinking of.

DMF 

For gosh sakes, don't try! It will happen all on its own.

There is nothing on your bike that needs upgrading - well maybe the saddle - except you.

barba

I believe the confusion is Hollowtech vs. Hollowtech 2. Hollowtech involved the forging of the crank arms with a hollow cavity in them (vs. a solid rod) and the introduction of the Octalink hollow BB. 9 speed stuff is Hollowtech. Hollowtech 2 was the introduction of the 2 piece crank BB system with external bearings. Someone correct me if I have this wrong, but this has been my understanding of the naming.

cordia75

You are right! I should upgrade myself most of all


ic. so the Ultegra 6500 crank is a Hollowtech one?

barba

I believe so (hollow arms/octalink).

sestivers

barba is right. So is Nessism.

The Ultegra 6500 crank also, in my opinion, looks nicer than the 105 5600 crank. And I really don't think you will notice any performance difference between the two.

DMF 

It may be, but I don't recall having seen it referred to as such. Maybe when it first came out...