Allez chainset upgrade (square taper)

duckson

I have a 2011 Allez that is running mainly 105 5700 after an upgrade from 2300.
However i am wanting to fit a compact chainset as currently it's a double.
I think the bb is a square taper (Shimano 2300 chainset) so can I just swap it for a compact square taper chainset?
Eg
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobi ... lsrc=aw.ds

Or is there more to it than that?
Could I change the bb type to give me more chainset options?

Spec;
http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/ ... ezx2#specs
Bb is listed as Cr-Mo axle, 68mm x 113 mm.

nigelgos

I have a 2011 Allez, the frame takes a BSA English threaded BB.

lancew

If you're upgrading the crankset I'd do the BB at the same time. Its only an extra £7 to £12 and you'll be getting a far more current set up.

duckson

So this bb;
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobi ... prod108701

With this crankset;
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobi ... nt=Default

For example?
Obviously I'll need tools of some description no doubt.

lancew

That was what I was thinking. But I must confess I'm not 100% on the pairing. I got a Deore crankset for my MTB in Jan which came as a pair and its a very easy job to swap it. Its a skill that is also used when swapping over your chainrings etc.

Also you'd need a square taper BB removal tool to get your current one off anyway.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJWTK/job ... e-tool-kit
I have this kit and I've rebuild a few bikes with it. I have a few extra tools* that I've used but for the most part its pretty good.


*Good wrenches, adjustable wrench, cable cutters, torque wrench collected slowly.

dgunthor

yes, that'll do nicely. you could get the 5800 105 chainset which has a new bolt circle diameter - all chainrings fit (no more compact or standard cranks - one size fits all)

tools:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/s?q= ... ch+bb+tool
and
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... rp-prod689

slowbike

I can confirm that you can replace the square taper BB with Hollowtech II BB on the 2011 Allez - as I have done this myself.
I did nothing more than remove the old BB (which was knackered anyway), clean then fit the new BB & chainset...

keef66

Some would suggest you get the BB shell faced before fitting the Hollowtech stuff. Facing doesn't affect cartridge type BBs but it can influence bearing life with external type BB cups. Allegedly.

I'd go for a 5700 compact to match the rest of your stuff...

Matthewfalle

Lancew wrote:

That was what I was thinking. But I must confess I'm not 100% on the pairing. I got a Deore crankset for my MTB in Jan which came as a pair and its a very easy job to swap it. Its a skill that is also used when swapping over your chainrings etc.

Also you'd need a square taper BB removal tool to get your current one off anyway.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJWTK/job ... e-tool-kit
I have this kit and I've rebuild a few bikes with it. I have a few extra tools* that I've used but for the most part its pretty good.


*Good wrenches, adjustable wrench, cable cutters, torque wrench collected slowly.

That Jobsworth kit is the same as the Aldi one save for different coloured plastic handles, so you could save yourself the appalling Planet X customer service and buy it From Aldi.

Then again, I've held one and it seems to be made of cheese, so I'd personally buy the bits you need individually from Park Tools/your favoured equivalent.

lancew

My issue with the park tools is the price.

For the cheesy quality of those kits (I have a rebranded one from eBay that I got about two years ago) you get yourself a starter on lots of the issues that starting to do your own bike mechanical work is going to throw up. Also aren't the aldi ones only available on specific dates?

Once some of the parts start to wear out you can start to replace them, but its not always possible to drop £100+ on a park tool setup.

Just for park tools square bracket removal tool and a BB removal tool its over the £30 for the planet x full kit.

homers_double

Or ask your local shop to remover the square taper as you shouldn't be putting a new one in anyway so will never need the tool again.

Then just buy a normal shimano BB tool.

keef66

Or get them to remove the old BB, chase and face the BB then fit the new one? No tool purchase neccessary...

homers_double

For the sake of a fiver I'd go with buying the tool for future use and maintainance.

k-dog

Definitely worth getting it faced. I went through a few Hollowtech II BBs until I had that done. The last one lasted much longer. Worth £15 at my LBS.