Upgrading chainset - are my BB options limited?

rodgers73
rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
edited August 2013 in Workshop
My bike currently has the Shimano FC-R453 Octalink triple chainset on it. This is attached to a BB-ES25 68x118 bottom bracket.

My planned upgrade is to a 105 5700 triple. Can I team this up with any BB or am I restricted to certain types/sizes? I don't have any preferences particularly, although I've heard BB30 isn't up to much.

Also I want to keep the Q factor the same - do I achieve that by ensuring the new BB is 118mm wide? Or is there more to it?

Frame is a Spesh Secteur.

Thanks

Comments

  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    the 105 c/set you mention needs a different BB to the one you have. It requires separate BB cups.

    Ignore BB30 as that is frame specific and not what you have.

    The cups you needs are ('British' or 'BSA') HT2 road cups, like these

    cheap - http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/r ... acket.html

    middle - http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/r ... acket.html

    You should also get your BB shell faced when you do this, to ensure the BB lasts well, although this isn't essential.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    OK, sounds like the best move is to let the LBS order the right BB once I've got the rest of the parts together. I thought BB was something you could choose based on apparent advantages of each type - glad its more straightforward than that.
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    The BB just has to match the chainset.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer

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