New BB time, what am I looking for?

trigger118

I'm putting a new BB in my friends bike, have got the old one out and what it says is:

Shimano
BB-ES30
68
BC1.37 x 24

L - 121 - R

Now I understand the L and R bits because thats pretty obvious, im assuming the 121 is therefore the spindle length?
And 68mm is the BB shell width?
I'm not sure on the 1.37 x 24 bit though, could someone help with that?

It's an octolink system but I don't know what quality. If my friend wants to upgrade then how can i tell what to look for?

Sorry I know there's lots of questions there but my bike has a 2 piece crankset so never bought an internal bearing system!

Thanks for any help guys!

njee20

Thread diameter/pitch, not a variable, don't worry.

trigger118

so any octolink BB thats 68 and 121? is there any way of telling what quality this one is? its got no other markings on it.

cooldad

The number is the quality - ES30 - probably about Alivio.
70 is XT

I wouldn't worry too much about model and just find one that fits.

trigger118

Ok cheers guys,

another variable for you though I'm afraid, the LH crank thread is screwed, I was surprised I managed to get the thing off at all, if she decides that she wants a new crankset too (danger being if I put it back on then it will never come off again) then is it worth a different type of BB? Hollowtech II? The frame needs facing first anyway but does that sound like a good idea or just simply a waste of money?

trigger118

Ok, forget all of that gents.

New question, I'm pretty sure that the answer is a yes but will these fit?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=2337
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=58156

My main concern is over the 22mm diameter spindle they mention, but octalink is octalink no?
It doesnt mention teeth numbers on the crankset but I'm assuming they will be fairly standard, the old one was a 44T big and 22T small, I didnt count the middle ring.

Just wanted to double check before I ordered for her!

Thanks guys

trigger118

wow im stupid, I see now that the crankset is 44T - 32T -22T but I'm not sure on crank length, and the only BB in stock thats 68 - 121 says E-type? what does that mean?

Sorry I'm a numpty guys!! cheers for any help!

benpinnick

My advice would be to get a brand new deore crankset with BB for £55, rather than your options. SOmething like: http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/m ... inset.html

trigger118

That's definitely gonna fit? Sorry just want to be 100% before I order something for a friend, the chainline is then just set up on the spacers for the BB right?

The Rookie

Octalink doesn't normally need an extracter at all, so even if the thread fails, a sharp tap with a hammer will see it off.

Add £15-20 for shell facing if you fit that Deore (yes it will fit).

trigger118

just out curiosity, are 2 piece cranksets a standard axle size then? i cant see any measurements at all for BB shell size or anything?

cooldad

trigger118 wrote:

just out curiosity, are 2 piece cranksets a standard axle size then? i cant see any measurements at all for BB shell size or anything?

Yes to first question, come with spacers for 68mm and 73mm BB's

trigger118

ah ok,

thanks for your help guys