Hi all,

I need to buy a new bottom bracket for a Specialized Hardrock.

I bought the frame a couple of months ago and am about to get it finished off. In my spares bin I have an old circa 2002/3 (buy good nic) XTR chainset (the grey one – good desccription I know 🙂 ) and the matching BB although this has started to firm up over time.

Questions I have though are:
Was this chainset Octalink?
I think I need a 68×113 BB – can anyone confirm?
What’s an E-type BB?
Anyone know any decent deals on them at the moment?

Cheers all, thanks in advance for replys.

Morgs

Was this chainset Octalink?

I suspect not – I think the splines were an odd depth on xtr?

E-Type – allows for the front mech mount to be sandwiched txixt bb cup and frame – has a slightly shorter axle as a consequnce, I think.

Cheers wwaswas…..any idea what type of BB I would need then?

The chainset is one of
these

I think;

Octalink v1- BB-M950 or BB-M952

would do but you need Mister P to come along an confirm it.

BBM952 was the correct BB for that chainset as wwaswas says. However they are not produced anymore so you would need to do an internet scour for one. There were two axle lengths, 112mm and 116mm but yours should say which length it is on the shell.

How much?!?

You can use a road Octalink, something like a BB-5500 or a BB-7700 but as they are designed for road use they may not last as long as you would like.

there was one on retrobike for £35 a few days ago. I’d bite his hand off.

cheers guys….managed to find a new one at the LBS minus the left hand cup. Checking it tonight, but £40 posted (LBS is about an hours drive away!) seems like a good deal looking at the prices on fleabay!

Thanks to you both – much appreciated!