Which crankset?

[Chris-H]

My Viking has undergone some changes recently,its now running 10 speed 105 5600 shifters,105 short cage rear mech,sram cassette and chain and miche mach versus wheels, i now need to think about replacing the original crankset,its currently a square tapered fitment and my budget is £120 mark,have seen some 105 5600 hollowtech's but i dont know if they will fit my bb or if a 105 bb will fit my bike,please help before i make a costly mistake.

 

[black'n'yellow]

assuming your bike has a standard BSA threaded BB shell, then any compatible cartridge or external BB will fit.

 

[Chris-H]

Its a 2012 Viking,unsure if its a standard BSA threaded jobbie or not,any idea if the 105 is a square tapered fitment? Also what does it mean when it says its a hollowtech,any ideas?

 

[accountantpete]

Hollowtech BB's have external bearings. The bearings held in cups with thread into the BB shell - here's a video


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7EiOFwtAGw

 

[accountantpete]

BTW - if you go for hollowtech get your BB faced off as the bearings can get worn really quickly if you don't.

 

[black'n'yellow]

Hollowtech II BBs are external, different to Hollowtech 1. Eitherway, it is likely you will need a new BB for whatever crankset you buy, as any Shimano crank made in 'modern' times is unlikely to be square taper...

 

[Chris-H]

Thanks for the really useful info and that vid was very handy,cheers Pete,what does it mean to have the BB faced off,not heard of that before.

 

[black'n'yellow]

BB 'facing' ensures a consistent edge on the side of the BB shell for optimum contact with the BB cups. In practice, most of them are faced anyway, but a layer of paint can sometimes make the contact area uneven..