replacing power spline - go for isis or hollowtech

frootloops
frootloops Posts: 5
edited September 2007 in MTB buying advice
Hi,

The bottom bracket on my I-drive 5 was playing up a bit, so I ordered an FSA Platinum isis BB thinking it was the same as power spline, but of course it isnt. As far as I can see there is only one power spline bottom bracket, and it is a pretty budget affair so I dont want to go back to that.

So now I have nice shiney new BB that my cranks wont fit.

Just looking for a bit of advice here. I have read bits and bobs in the forum that suggests ISIS has inherent problems, and that hollowtech is the way to go?

So I have what I think is an OK isis BB, and was looking at :
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3932 for cranks, coming in at about £65 total.

Would you folks suggest sending the ISIS BB back and getting some model of hollowtech, possibly the saint setup http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3404 as it seems like they are the dogs b*.

Is facing a frame to get a good hollowtech setup something that could be done at home with the correct tools, and if so what would those tools be?

any advice appreciated.

cheers.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    the correct tools are abour 600 pounds. LBS job.

    just get cranks to work with your new bb.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Splasher
    Splasher Posts: 1,528
    If you want a bomb proof bottom bracket without the need to face your frame you could get the following:

    XT Octalink BB http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=1002

    And

    XT Octalink Crank http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=2737

    They will outlast Hollowtech II.
    "Internet Forums - an amazing world where outright falsehoods become cyber-facts with a few witty key taps and a carefully placed emoticon."
  • blimey, £600! what is facing exactly, is it re-cutting of the threads in the frame to make them stronger?

    Splasher, that XT crankset says "For use with Super Narrow HG chain" . I'm not entirely sure what one of those is, so would I have to change that too?

    cheers
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    have a read of park tools. it uses parts of the bb thread tool and a face cutter.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    You should be changing your chain anyway with new chainrings. Chain width notmally depends on how meany gears you have.
  • Splasher
    Splasher Posts: 1,528
    frootloops wrote:
    Splasher, that XT crankset says "For use with Super Narrow HG chain" . I'm not entirely sure what one of those is, so would I have to change that too?

    It just means a standard 9 speed chain, Shimano or SRAM.
    "Internet Forums - an amazing world where outright falsehoods become cyber-facts with a few witty key taps and a carefully placed emoticon."
  • thanks for the info folks. I had another thought anyway, i wondered if the i-drive bottom bracket hanger would even need facing.

    probably gonna go for the xt kit recommended anyway.

    cheers