EBB for square-taper cranks?
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Well...I do want 'em, but I still don't even know what "hollowtech" cranks are and I still don't see how they install into that EBB.forwardcomponents said:
It's not that I'm a total dummy, I've replaced my own BB and stuff, it's just that all this bike stuff is pretty dang cliquey to a n00b and I haven't got the time to fark around with learning about English and Euro and BMX threads and 68 this and 73 that and Campy this and Square that and which Park tool to use before the Winter Solstice and whatnot. It's bollocks just trying to figure out which parts to buy.
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I will give it a shot. First of all, Hollowtech has nothing to do with the bottom bracket. It is a feature of Shimano cranks to make them lighter and stiffer. They are actually hollow in the middle. There is no EBB that will fit into a standard MTB frame that will fit a square taper BB. The EBB above and the Trickstuff eccentric will only work with the newer outboard bearing crank/bottom brackets. Most crank manufacturers use this system, and most of them allow you to use a crank form one manufacturer and a BB from another. The important thing is 'outboard bearing'. FSA, Truvativ, Race Face, Shimano, Surly all make cranks using this system, and probably others. If you want to use the above EBB, you only need to purchase a crankset, as the EBB will be the BB for the system. I hope that makes sense. Good luck!w00t! said:
Mark
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Here's a quick summary:w00t! said:
Outboard-bearing cranks have an axle-like spindle permanently attached to one crank arm, which then simply slides directly through the bearings and you attach the other arm once its through. Same thing with the BB, except its eccentric
bikeny has the details for you though
pic of a normal outboard bearing bottom bracket here
pic of a compatible crank showing the spindle that is permanently attached to the right-side crank arm here
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time for some devil's advocate options!
This EBB costs $125 plus about the same for a new outboard bearing crankset equals about $250 for the conversion. This does not include the new BB tool you will need.
For about the same you could upgrade to a nice steel SS frame. Its actually a bit less, but you will need a seatpost clamp. You could also possibly need a different size seatpost (27.2mm) and/or a different size bottom bracket if the shell is a different width.
A third option is the Yess ETR-B, as reviewed here. Based on user comments (and the concept behind the design) it is supposedly the best tensioner out there. ETR-B is $70 shipped. However, I think you would also need an e-type bb to use this with your existing crankset. I don't know the details on this one.
Here's another steel SS frame: On One Inbred. The seller still has the 26" Inbred in a few sizes with headset for $250. (This is where I bought my 29er Inbred)
This EBB costs $125 plus about the same for a new outboard bearing crankset equals about $250 for the conversion. This does not include the new BB tool you will need.
For about the same you could upgrade to a nice steel SS frame. Its actually a bit less, but you will need a seatpost clamp. You could also possibly need a different size seatpost (27.2mm) and/or a different size bottom bracket if the shell is a different width.
A third option is the Yess ETR-B, as reviewed here. Based on user comments (and the concept behind the design) it is supposedly the best tensioner out there. ETR-B is $70 shipped. However, I think you would also need an e-type bb to use this with your existing crankset. I don't know the details on this one.
Here's another steel SS frame: On One Inbred. The seller still has the 26" Inbred in a few sizes with headset for $250. (This is where I bought my 29er Inbred)
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Fair enough. There are many options, and this is another one.boomn said:
Lets look at the options you outlined. Some new frames can be inexpensive, but are they really the frames you want? This EBB allows you to use any frame at all, including one which you may already have.
The EBB tool is free, and it is included with the EBB.
The YESS tensioner is undoubtedly a fine product, but not everybody wants a chain tensioner. This EBB is for those people who want a clean chain line.
A new crankset? Maybe. Many people have one already, and might want to try it on a different frame.
This is just one more option among the many already out there such as the ENO, the Exzentriker, the tandem EBB (Bushnell, Carver or Cannondale), horizontal/track dropouts, and others I may have missed.
Whatever works. It's all good.
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Thanks for the explanations, gents. I'll come back and have a closer look when I'm sober.
boomn, I'm prolly just gonna get an On*One 29er someday soon, and I really dig the aluminum Jamis frame I have now, so I think EBB is the way to go. I was interested in the Yess ETR-B, but I don't have the BB for it and I'd probably just waste it on a rock anyways.
ENO hub is another option, but for whatever reason, me no likey. I dunno, can't explain it. I guess if I was gonna get some fancy hub it'd hafta say Paul on it.
boomn, I'm prolly just gonna get an On*One 29er someday soon, and I really dig the aluminum Jamis frame I have now, so I think EBB is the way to go. I was interested in the Yess ETR-B, but I don't have the BB for it and I'd probably just waste it on a rock anyways.
ENO hub is another option, but for whatever reason, me no likey. I dunno, can't explain it. I guess if I was gonna get some fancy hub it'd hafta say Paul on it.
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