Up grade to Hollowtech II chainset & Bottom Bracket?

Mozza1

I foresee myself using my 9 speed Ultegra for as long as spares are available ( and for reasons I’ll explain in another post sometime). So I was thinking about making my 9 speed better & one thought I had was I could replace my chainset/BB with the new Hollowtech II outboard bearings/chainset. What I really want to know though, is there any noticeable difference in the two systems? Hollowtech II is perceived as much stiffer & has a better shift change. But would I notice a difference to warrant the change?

whyamihere

In my opinion, yes. As well as the performance advantages, the ease of taking the cranks off and replacing the bearings etc is worth it alone.

Mozza1

And there are no compatibity issues with 9 speed chains on 10 speed rings?
I ask because my LBS years ago when needed a new chainset, told me that the 9 speed rings weren't compatible with the 8 speed I was running at the time.
Have to say I hadn't thought of the maintenance benefit.

salsarider79

9speed chains will be okay on 10speed, not the other way around cos of chain widths.
Mozza1: I'd be down the LBS today begging. I hate not riding the Hollowtech II outboard bearings/chainsets. They are so much stiffer, but you'd not understand how much until you try one. Try the SRAM Rival's. They are beautiful and cheap too

maddog 2

I run one and would definitely recommend them. Much stiffer than the older designs.

No problem running them on 9spd either.

Check CRC for some good deals ATM - they have the Ultegra triple for £70 I think, which is a v. good price. I run a R700 compact.

Mozza1

Thanks for your replies.
The only thing that puts me off is the Options of 53-39 or 52-39……..I find my 53-42 perfectly acceptable for my part of the world plus I don’t like the thought of the chain shifting over such a large range; can’t believe that it shifts that smoothly or quietly.
I have thought of changing the rings to TA rings but that's pretty expensive to do.

John.T

Not too sure about the Rival chainset. The rings are great and change the best I have ever had but the finish on the cranks has been rubbish. It has corroded badly in about 18 months.
Outboard bearings are much easier to work with.
I am using 50/34 on the Rival and also Ultegra SL. Both change with no trouble at all. As good or better than the Dura-ace 9sp 53/39 I used to use.

maddog 2

you live in a flat part of the world then.....

Simon Notley

Yep, I think hollowtech II is a must have - they are just so much easier from a mechanical point of view and I would imagine the performance is also better although I have no way of measuring. I like them so much, I even went out of my way to track down a single speed hollowtech II chainset (Shimano Alfine if anyone's interested) for my fixie rather than going with tha abundant and cheaper square taper options.

Simon

Mozza1

flat enough for 53-42
I've allways used that combo-since I were a lad & next month I'm the big 4 'O'
I think though that if I stay fit enough the 42 will be fine for as long as.

Simon Notley

If it's flat enough for 53-42, it's flat enough for fixed

Mozza1

Fixed? Eh?
Just noticed that Shimano do 53-42 in DA but not Ulterga :evil:
Just one question: WHY?

maddog 2

because they wouldn't sell any 42-53 Ultegras?

Old school mate. I suspect the DA is for specialist stuff like timetrialling/triathlons.

zenzinnia

I rode 52 - 42 since a kid too but a couple of years ago chabged to 53- 39 and I really like it. There's no problems with the change and you get a little bit more of a wider gear set-up (or you could get a new casette with closer ratios to keep the same bottom gear). I find it's a good balance and I like the ratio change between the two front rings.

k-dog

Just noticed that Edinburgh Bikes have a bunch of sale stuff. Double DA for £125 seems a good deal.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... 921c014619

Ultegra for £62 as well.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... 921c014619

Only "normal" tooth combos though.

Steve I

I wouldn't bother if your current setup is running ok. I've got FSA Gossamer Mega EX0 on my cross bike, and I've used Shimano Tiagra Hollowtech II on my road bike for 15 months. Both creak occasionally and require removal to re-grease. The left Gossamer crank resolutely refuses to stay play free on the axle. The bolts don't come loose, but the crank arm always has some slight play. I've given up trying to fix it.

Quite frankly, I think the system is inferior, even to the square taper axle. BTW, I fitted a Shimano Hollowtech I to my mountain bike 4 1/2 years ago, and it's never given the slightest bit of trouble, ever. Never ever touched it, no creaks, loosening or rough bearings, and the bike gets used off road.

I've not noticed the new system to be any stiffer than the inboard bearing design. If you're putting that much pressure on the cranks it's the frame that flexes the most, not the bottom bracket spindle.

fast as fupp

major downside of hollowtech 2 and ultratorque- the bearing seals are rubbish and let in water