So hard to buy a new crankset

wingnut

Have been out of the MTB scene for a whilte and need to buy cranks for my Kona Blast. Last time I was looking at cranks octalink was the latest thing. Now its all external BBs.

So it looks like I would have to get my bike machined etc for these new BBs. Seems like a lot of hasstle. I was hoping to buy the old type octalink but they are hard to get (though I can get them on Ebay). There are not much cheaper.

My question: is it worth the hastle going for the external BB s? Also will it interfere with the current front derailler setup in terms of chainring distances from the frame? I'm inclined to look for the older style ones atm.

djbproductions

I have updated my 2 mtb's to the external bottom brackets without any hassle. 1 of the bikes was an old stumpy from 1997 and at first I used the FSA external type bb (bottom bracket), but this failed after a few months so purchased a Truvativ GXP crankset and have had no problems ever since. The Truvativ cranks use GXP bb's so they cannot be swapped with other makes. CRC always sells this type and I would recommend the Truvativ Stylo 3.3, just make sure that the GXP bb is included in the sale as these can cost an additional eur20-30. I have had a look at CRC but it looks like as this is the season to do bike upgrades, the cranksets are a bit expensive now. I originally picked up my Stylo for eur100. Take a look at Race Face also, and these 2 look reasonable:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=26948
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=26946

While writing this, I took a look at merlincycles at the Stylo is only EUR89 and includes the gxp bb:
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/mountain-bike-chainsets/truvativ-stylo-chainset.html
And also they sell the race face cranksets abit cheaper, hopefully they dont charge P&P?

I am sure other mtb'ers will reply with more ideas.

Goodluck with your choice & upgrade.

tunney

wingnut wrote: »

Have been out of the MTB scene for a whilte and need to buy cranks for my Kona Blast. Last time I was looking at cranks octalink was the latest thing. Now its all external BBs.

So it looks like I would have to get my bike machined etc for these new BBs. Seems like a lot of hasstle. I was hoping to buy the old type octalink but they are hard to get (though I can get them on Ebay). There are not much cheaper.

My question: is it worth the hastle going for the external BB s? Also will it interfere with the current front derailler setup in terms of chainring distances from the frame? I'm inclined to look for the older style ones atm.

Provided the frame doesn't require facing it's simple to change octalink to external BBs

Morgan

Just buy this and don't worry so much:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=28020

wingnut

Looking at the frame, I am certain it would need facing, these external BBS have to sit right in against the frame and be perfectly parallel, right?

I would just wonder

1. How good local bike shops in Ireland would be at facing the frame
2. What would it cost to face the frame.

djbproductions did you get the frame faced??

BTW I am only looking entry level anyway at deore cranksets and bbs.

wingnut

Reading a bit more on the net implies that facing might not be necessary - the plastic spaces even out the faces. It says the big problem is having the threads parallel, largely depends on the quality of the frame. What is the likelyhood a 2003 Kona Blast might take an external BB without facing/chasing.

lazy-biker

don't see it being a problem

should work no trouble as konas were generally built well

djbproductions

wingnut wrote: »

Looking at the frame, I am certain it would need facing, these external BBS have to sit right in against the frame and be perfectly parallel, right?

I would just wonder

1. How good local bike shops in Ireland would be at facing the frame
2. What would it cost to face the frame.

djbproductions did you get the frame faced??

BTW I am only looking entry level anyway at deore cranksets and bbs.

No I didnt get the frame faced (atleast I assume my LBS didnt) although the BB removed (square taper) was rusted and bearings mashed. The old stumpy had alot of wear and tear around that area but once the new BB was fitted it worked extremely well. As a poster above states the spacers help the allignment. I am sure a good LBS will advise best option and if required to face it shouldnt cost much extra. My LBS only charges a fee for installation no matter how difficult the job. When I first moved over to the external BB I was also very unsure after reading reviews only. I wouldnt use anything else these days, but just be aware that depending on the terain and weather you might need to change the BB every 6-12 months.

blorg

Morgan wrote: »

Just buy this and don't worry so much:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=28020

There is a hole in that crankset.

wingnut

I just went with the old Octalink jobbies in the end. CRC selling the Deore BBs for €5 so happly days. Whole new drivetrain now should keep me going for a while.