[Closed] Arse brackets - please help!

original hollowtech were basically octalink fitting cranks with hollow arms, hollowtech 2 are external bearings

Ignore the spec and look at what you've got - if they're FC-M552 ([url= http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/SI_1LV0A/SI-1LV0A-001-ENG_v1_m56577569830706598.pdf ]http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/SI_1LV0A/SI-1LV0A-001-ENG_v1_m56577569830706598.pdf[/url]) with pinch bolts on the non-drive side then they're HTII and you just need a set of standard HTII BB cups

Some googling suggests BB30.

you should charge your battery, and consider moving to somewhere with better signal.

Weird - the ES 25 is, indeed a splined octalink one but I thought the M552 chainset was a hollowtech 2 so took the external bearing type of BB.

It is possible there was an OEM 552 which was old style hollowtech (octalink).

have you any photos?

*goes to have a look*

I'm pretty certain that Hollowtech on the cranks you have is just in relation to the construction of the cranks. ISIS is the bottom bracket type.

Hollowtech II is the external cup type bottom bracket that rely on the cranks have an integrated axle.

Take a look at the cranks and see if the have a hollow axle or if the cranks are bolted in at both ends.

M521 is an octalink set (ie Hollowtech, rather than Hollowtech 2). Without actually looking at the bike and what's on it I wouldn't guess, but I wouldn't trust the Specialized published specs on either part!

What year/model is it?

There's a few UK spec ones that do have octalink/hollowtech 1 cranks.

Thanks all 🙂 Signal pretty rubbish here at work but wifi good 😉 makes a change from messy gardens or long cable comments he he.

I am pretty sure the bolts are only on one side and no bolts on other but will have to double check! Thanks for linky Jonathan - yeah that looks like what I have.

Will take some pics later ! I contacted spesh customer service and they had no idea what was fitted.

It's a 2011 camber expert (spesh)

Right, UK spec for that bike is [url= http://www.specialized.co.uk/ie/gb/bikes/archive/2011/camber/camberexpert#specs ]HERE[/url] and is clearly wrong as the ES25 & M552 are incompatible.

Looking at the piccie in close up shows a hollowtech 2 chainset (a hollow axle all the way through).

Any Shimano HT2 BB will do (other brands are available).

Ignore the spec on the spesh website.

I bought the wrong BB for my Spesh FSR XC as I followed their spec instead of taking mine out and checking it first.

I mailed them and the reply was basically 'so what'

it's still wrong

Cheers Nobby ... Dug out a pic - yeah definitely hollow through one side, only one crank bolts off, and the other side has a plastic cap with star shaped drive in. So I think I am clear now! Thanks for all your help guys

[IMG] [/IMG]

Given the pic and the spec sheet disagree above, I'd just take it apart and have a look. If it is Octalink, you need to take it out to get the size anyway.

Also since you haven't taken it to bits yet, how do you know you really need a new BB and that there isn't something else going on such as something just being loose rather than worn out?

Edit: pic arrived while typing, I'd still disasemble before ordering bits to be sure it was the only issue

As you have already surmised that is a hollowtech II crank set and any f the externl hollowtech II BB's should fit.

Cheers guys 🙂 its grinding and there is a bit of play when I wiggle cranks (bolts tight)....it's been in there since new and has had a lot of abuse!

Thinking about sticking in an xt one for 21.99 on chain reaction ....unless anyone can suggest a really good alternative! I use the bike for commuting (22 miles a day) so don't fancy replacing too often! Don't mind spending a bit more if it's worth it

Edit - just ordered xtr one from rose for £22 all In! Bloomin good price from
Rose as usual.