octalink v's alternative system

theboykidney
theboykidney Posts: 95
edited January 2010 in Road buying advice
Hi there,
Currently building a bike and went for octalink crank and BB (great deal!). Due to manufacturing issues, i have to send the cranks and BB back, giving me the opportunity to change the whole system.
So the question is - should i switch to some other type of system? since going octalink, I've heard some pretty negative stuff, but wanted to run it by you guys and see what the general consensus is.

Thanks for any advice,
TBK

Comments

  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    Shimano HT2 or Sram GXP is newer and stiffer. Not tried Campag's UT but I suspect it is too. The cups need to be fitted properly but overall it is a better sytem IMO.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • edindevon
    edindevon Posts: 325
    From a functional point of view, I don't think I could say anything negative about the octalink system. As the previous poster pointed out, there is newer technology available, but I haven't read anything to convince me that the average club rider will enjoy any real benefits from this.

    To me the biggest downside of octalink is that the range of compatible chainsets is dwindling. So, for example if you want a compact chainset, you have to have to pay well over the odds, whereas you can get an Hollowtech II compatible compact chainset for £40.

    Edindevon
  • Chris James
    Chris James Posts: 1,040
    I have an octalink chainset on my bike, done about 4000 miles so far with no probs.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,335
    As said,

    it's getting a bit obsolete. I've had Hollowtech (105) for 4 years, done about 14 K miles and never had any issue with it.
    left the forum March 2023
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Octalink BB & chainset on my mtb still going strong after 12 years, so nothing wrong with it from a durability point of view, but as already mentioned, it has been superseded so the choice of replacement octalink stuff is limited and prices are relatively high.

    I'm on hollowtech II 105 and so far so good. I just wish the price of 10 speed chains and cassettes would come down a bit!
  • theboykidney
    theboykidney Posts: 95
    thanks for your thoughts guys. appreciated.
    HT sneaks my vote as it seams like its the new kid on the block and will be easier to pick up reasonably priced parts.

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