Why is this so cheap?

ricktabor1

Hi,
I am thinking of putting a 105 chainset (double) on my bike. The chainset in the link at CRC for £25. It seems really cheap - is there a reason for this? Is there a probem with Octalink bottom brackets or something?

Seems too good to be true.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=2647

turkeytickler

I used a 105 crankset of that era for years and it was a fine piece of kit - I seem to remember getting more than £25 for it on eBay when I finally got rid of it!

Its a good price and there is a good selection of ring sizes and crank lengths.... grab yourself a bargain!

Wheelspinner

Octalink BB's aren't the world's greatest, but there's nothing really wrong with them at all.
They are not the lowest friction BB's. I've got a DA one installed with their 9 speed crankset, and that still has a bit of drag in the bearings, but not enough to really worry about.

Your only long term concern is that the only thing that fits them is Shimano cranks of that vintage... But if you plan on installing and leaving it there, no worries.

Bargain price... sounds good.

sungod

it's just that it is the obsolete 9 speed stuff

works fine, i bought some last year before it got this cheap and it was a bargain then, now it is a really great deal

Wheelspinner

sungod wrote:

it's just that it is the obsolete 9 speed stuff

This is true, Shimano changed to the Hollowtech BB design with 10 speed, BUT, it's worth noting that you can still use the 9 speed cranks with 10 speed chain and derailleurs. To be really finicky, you can change the chainrings, as the machining of the 10 speed rings is the difference, not the crank spider arms. The 9 speed ones are machined to have a *very* slightly wider spacing than 10 sp. If you swap the rings, you get a perfect 10 sp set up on your "old" crank and BB.

Just buy it. Bargain always makes you feel good!

mroli

I've bought one and got the octalink BB on Wiggle for about £20 (ish) as well. Looks like a great deal - just got to fit it now!