Hollowtech II

[wheres_my_beard]

How do I find out what bottom bracket cups I need for my Whyte Kings Cross, for an upgrade to a hollowtech ii chainset? I'm looking at the Sora or Tiagra compact chainset.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Any English threaded HT II BB will fit. THIS one would work

 

[accountantpete]

You just need to confirm that the BB shell is between 68-73mm across.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

My LBS has quoted my £125 for a Tiagra Compact Cranset, with BB cups, BB shell facing and fitting. Is that a good all-in price?

 

[PpPete]

I'd say that was a little OTT.
My LBS quoted me £20 for shell facing a while back
If you shop around you can get the crankset and cups for £55

But why do you want to change from nice, simple, reliable square taper to Hollowtech II which is, at best, of questionable longevity....
From personal experience there is no performance advantage.

 

[byegad]

Certainly the only BB I've worn out is a HollowtechII, and that in only 4500 dry miles.

 

[Alembicbassman]

They don't seem to spin freely, I know that this resistance is tiny compared to the loading, but my 22 year old MTB cup/cone Biopace set spins like a top. You need to buy more bloody tools to service them as well ! Unfortunately all Shimano road sets except 2300 use them now. Luckily my new bike has an FSA chainset with square taper BB which I'm happy about.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

My 8 month old FSA crank arm square taper hole has become damaged after the bolt keeps working loose. The teeth are also.

 

[I like Skol]

I have also had poor lifespan from Hollowtech II and wouldn't actually spec it as an 'upgrade'. In fact, when this chainset wears out I will probably 'downgrade' to a superior square taper BB and chainset such has given me years and years of reliable service on my other bikes.

Can't you just buy a replacement square taper crankset to replace your existing damaged item?