Re: Advice regarding Octalink BB/Crank

On Jun 8, 6:00 pm, jobst.bra...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
Jay Beattie wrote:
I have owned one Octalink setup.  I consistently had problems
with the crank bolts loosening, and the cranks loosening on the
splines.  Very frustrating.
I'm now looking for a compact crank, and the majority of the
offerings on the Bay are Octalink.  Can I learn to install an
Octalink set-up satisfactorily?  What's the trick?
Problem with Octalink and Isis is that if you didn't install them
properly the first time and you damaged the teeth or groves you
are screwed.  You need to make sure that you install them and the
fit is exact.  Either square taper or the new external BB's are a
lot more tolerant of mistakes.  If you have a choice go for either
one.  You'll find a lot of Octalink and ISIS on sale because they
are getting phased out.  I have had ISIS and it has worked
fine.  But I am always very careful making sure to get proper
fit.  However I'd rather use square taper. I have a brand new
campy chorus triple square taper that I bought for $30 on
ebay.  If the Isis fails, I'll toss it and install the campy.  You
should be able to find some compact square taper cheap if you look
around.
Not so.  All Octalink transmitting high torque loosen their
retaining bolt, new or used, and installed by experts and amateurs
alike.  What do you perceive is the opposite from "install them
properly the first time"?  How does one "damaged the teeth or
groves" on installation?
How are you "always very careful making sure to get proper
fit".  How does one not get a "proper fit?"
Because with the Octalink BB (at least the original design) you
could get the feeling of proper engagement and actually be slightly
off.  You had to look carefully to make sure the splines were
properly engaged. This is not myth or lore -- lots of people made
this mistake, including me (working in a hurry).  It results in
early crank death.

You didn't exactly say so, but it sounds like some installations are
made without engaging the spline and trying to tighten it into place,
tooth on tooth.  Why don't you come right out and say so.  That way
people who have these cranks would be able to use the information.
The word "properly" is suitably mysterious for someone not skilled in
mechanical assembly.

Properly means that by feel, it seems to fit like a puzzle piece, but
in fact, there is a misfit. I have not had any problem with loosening
with an Octalink absent a problem with the initial installation.-- Jay
Beattie.
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Advice regarding Octalink BB/Crank
    ... offerings on the Bay are octalink. ... You need to make sure that you install them and the fit is ... I have had ISIS and it has worked fine. ... mistake but not caught it before riding, and then the crank is toast. ...
    (rec.bicycles.tech)
  • Re: Advice regarding Octalink BB/Crank
    ... I'm now looking for a compact crank, ... offerings on the Bay are Octalink. ... Problem with Octalink and Isis is that if you didn't install them ... How are you "always very careful making sure to get proper fit". ...
    (rec.bicycles.tech)
  • Re: Questions for Jobst Brandt
    ... I'm now looking for a compact crank, ... offerings on the Bay are Octalink. ... Problem with Octalink and Isis is that if you didn't install ... How are you "always very careful making sure to get proper ...
    (rec.bicycles.tech)
  • Questions for Jobst Brandt (was: Advice regarding Octalink BB/Crank)
    ... I'm now looking for a compact crank, ... offerings on the Bay are Octalink. ... Problem with Octalink and Isis is that if you didn't install ... How are you "always very careful making sure to get proper ...
    (rec.bicycles.tech)
  • Re: Advice regarding Octalink BB/Crank
    ...  You need to make sure that you install them and the ... could get the feeling of proper engagement and actually be slightly ... You had to look carefully to make sure the splines were ... early crank death. ...
    (rec.bicycles.tech)