Granny gear learning...

[Jisch]

So I'm replacing the drivetrain on my bike. This is my first bike with external BB bearings. I ordered a granny and middle ring 64/104 just like what's on there. I wanted steel so I got Shimano Deore.

The granny gear has ears that point in where the bolts go through. These ears are too long to fit over the External bearing bottom bracket (also Shimano BTW). A few minutes with the hacksaw took care of the problem, but something to consider if you have external bearing (X-type).


John

[MMcG]

Square taper all the way baby! ;) :)

[Jisch]

Square taper all the way baby! ;) :)

Talk to me in 11 months when you're square taper BB is still running smooth while I've had to replace my X type, oh wait....

John :D

[MMcG]

Lol!

[Slappy]

Square taper all the way baby! ;) :)

I'm with you!

[Jisch]

I would probably not choose this X-type if it hadn't come on my bike, however, I probably would have done a splined interface. I can say categorically that the X-type bearings from RaceFace suck. Jury is still out on these Shimanos - they roll well now!

John

[xcslowpoke]

I have RF cranks with a shimano XTR external bearing set. Works like a champ! Had nothing but problems with the RF X-type bearings (creaking & broken cover) while others had complete seizures. Have a set of Truvativ on my SS that have been no issue either. Wouldn't go back to square if you paid me. I wore out way too many square BBs.

[Jisch]

Great to hear that the Shimano XTRs are better - that's what's in my bike now.

John

[heckler19]

Just to confirm all your experiences, a buddy of mine trashed a new RaceFace Deus X Type BB doing a stint on a 24 hr. team on a wet weekend. I've got 2 seasons on an XT external type with no problems, still going. We've also had good experience with the old Octalink spined BBs. I'm not big on change for change's sake, but square taper advocates should get over their fixation with them. Anyone I know who has been into mountain bikes for a long time has ruined at least one crankset when an arm got loose on a square taper in the middle of the ride. By the time you notice it, the crankarm is shot. I'd rather replace a BB than the crankset any day.

[Slappy]

I prefer square taper because I have about 12 usable pairs of them and a similar number of BBs. Never had a problem with any of the 'nice' sets, only with some of the cheapies. I'm riding RF square tapers that are creeping up on 10 years old on my 2 main bikes, and I've got a set on my big bike that's seen better than 100 lift days.

If it ain't broke, why 'fix' it? I say people shoud get over their fixation with the 'latest and greatest' and just make sure they tighten up their crank bolts :D

[Jisch]

This means little if they don't last, but the wrench to tighten an X-type bearing is a vast improvement over the internal BB tool. I know we're all super techs here on the board, but I'll admit to stripping (or near stripping as I still got it back out) a BB or two putting it in with that stupid internal splined tool. Its a much better interface between the tool and the bearing - and easier to keep straight.

Of course you could argue that the fact we need to buy yet another tool to service a BB is a ploy by someone to take our money.

John

[C.P.]

I prefer square taper because I have about 12 usable pairs of them and a similar number of BBs. Never had a problem with any of the 'nice' sets, only with some of the cheapies. I'm riding RF square tapers that are creeping up on 10 years old on my 2 main bikes, and I've got a set on my big bike that's seen better than 100 lift days.

If it ain't broke, why 'fix' it? I say people shoud get over their fixation with the 'latest and greatest' and just make sure they tighten up their crank bolts :D

Yup :fat: I also have a set of RF Square tapers on my big bike that's also seen the better parts of 7 years of abuse from me, that includes the SAME BB too, a good ole UN72. I always look at and even drool over the new stuff, but why switch 'em, when they STILL work great...

[dirtrider2]

Chris, you just cursed yourself BIG TIME! It is bad enough what you do to XT hubs!!! To remedy this bad mojo, you'll need to knock on wood twice, throw salt over your left shoulder, wear your lucky shirt backwards for 2 days and the clincher: go out and get a new BB and put it into your pack along with the appropriate tools.

Dave

[C.P.]

Chris, you just cursed yourself BIG TIME! It is bad enough what you do to XT hubs!!! To remedy this bad mojo, you'll need to knock on wood twice, throw salt over your left shoulder, wear your lucky shirt backwards for 2 days and the clincher: go out and get a new BB and put it into your pack along with the appropriate tools.

Dave

Ohhh...not good...yeah...Looks like my whole big bike "frame & fork upgrade" shopping thing just got taken to another level huh...
yeah...no more shimano freehubs for me...I seem to destroy those lately...