Hollowtech retrofit

sturmey
sturmey Posts: 964
edited April 2009 in Workshop
Is there any reason why I can't fit a Hollowtech bottom bracket and crankset to a steel frame which previously had a square taper bottom bracket fitted? The frame is 10 years old Reynolds 531 but has done less than 100 miles from new.
Is it really necessary to get the bottom bracket shell re-faced (as I have heard) or is this for perfectionists?
Plus one further question : I have heard that spacers are used in various combinations behind the bottom bracket cups. Anyone have any guidance on this? I.e. where we get the spacers from and how many to use and when? I didn't get any spacers with the cups I've just bought.

Comments

  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    sturmey wrote:
    Is there any reason why I can't fit a Hollowtech bottom bracket and crankset to a steel frame which previously had a square taper bottom bracket fitted?
    No

    Is it really necessary to get the bottom bracket shell re-faced (as I have heard) or is this for perfectionists?
    Not necessary no, but some claim it extends the life of the BB

    I have heard that spacers are used in various combinations behind the bottom bracket cups. Anyone have any guidance on this? I.e. where we get the spacers from and how many to use and when? I didn't get any spacers with the cups I've just bought.
    Depends on the BB cups and chainset. MTB std. setup (on 68mm shells) use three spacers (two driveside, one NDS). For road setups some have spacers and some don't. Hope have very thin spacers.

    LBS will have them. Or CRC online.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • sturmey
    sturmey Posts: 964
    Thanks for replies.

    Parktools website doesn't help me much though- it doesn't say what the spacers arrangement is with FC4500 cups on a 68mm shell with a band-on front derailleur- which is what I need to know.
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    from memory (not what it was...) it doesn't need any spacers

    and this doc seems to confirm this

    http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techd ... 614887.pdf
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    sturmey wrote:
    Thanks for replies.

    Parktools website doesn't help me much though- it doesn't say what the spacers arrangement is with FC4500 cups on a 68mm shell with a band-on front derailleur- which is what I need to know.

    It does - have a look at the Shimano hollowtech section. It depends what chainset you're using.
  • sturmey
    sturmey Posts: 964
    Shimano Techdocs seems to answer question, thanks Maddog.

    Rob, I still can't find a picture or reference which relates exactly to my bottom bracket/cups/chainset/front derailleur arrangement- sorry,if I'm being thick.
    On a different note, I am coming to your part of the world this weekend -staying near Brecon for a week-and bringing bike with me of course.I don't know the area very well at all. Any 'good rides' down there?
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    What chainset is this for?

    There is some fantastic riding round Brecon! If you want a nice challenging ride, head up the road at the west end of the main street on the right which heads up to Upper Chapel, then follow it to Builth Wells. Head on the New Radnor road out of Builth, and quickly turn right onto NCN route 8, down the east side of the River Wye, to Boughrood and Glasbury, then on to Hay on Wye. From there take the road to Capel Y Ffin, over the Gospel Pass, follow your nose to Abergavenny and have a nice flat finish to Brecon on the A40, or a slightly lumpier one on the B4558.
  • sturmey
    sturmey Posts: 964
    << What chainset is this for? >>

    It is for a 50/34 double on a 68mm English bottom bracket.

    Thanks for the suggested route.I will definitely venture out towards Builth and Hay-on-Wye..Looks like I'm going to need some granny gears and some good brakes.