BB axle length

Zugzwang said:

I want a octalink BB but my previous square taper etype had an axle lenght of 110mm the smallest octalink is 113mm. Should I just get the 113? Will it make much difference to the chainline? Could I miss out the spacer ring if it does?

Thanks.

The spindle length of the BB is determined by the crankset you are going to use and not by the one that you used to use. If you are going to use a Shimano Octalink (105 or Ultegra, for example) double, then use a 109.5. If you are going to use a Shimano Octalink tripple then go with a 118.5. If you are going to use some other brand, then check with the manufacturer.

Check here to verify what I've said though ...
http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/cycle/sac/us/en.html

Doctor Morbius said:

The spindle length of the BB is determined by the crankset you are going to use and not by the one that you used to use. If you are going to use a Shimano Octalink double, then use a 113. If you are going to use a Shimano Octalink tripple then go with a 118.5. If you are going to use some other brand, then check with the manufacturer.

Check here to verify what I've said though ...
http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/cycle/sac/us/en.html

Last time I checked, an octalink double BB spindle length was 109.5.

boudreaux said:

Last time I checked, an octalink double BB spindle length was 109.5.

You're right. I fixed it. Thanks.

Edit: I think he must have an MTB anyway if his BB spindle is 113. I'm looking at the ES51 now and it is 113.

Wouldn't it be great if these guys told us if they were using road or MTB?? 😉

I was going to buy a shimano deore chainset. What length should I use?

Zugzwang said:

I was going to buy a shimano deore chainset. What length should I use?

If the BB is for an MTB then disregard what I posted.

Get a SRAM chain. A PC-59 or PC-69 will work nicely.

I have a chain, I need to know what length of bb axle to get. I am going to buy a shimano deore triple chainset for a MTB, previous axle length was 110 mm.

Zugzwang said:

I have a chain, I need to know what length of bb axle to get. I am going to buy a shimano deore triple chainset for a MTB, previous axle length was 110 mm.

Then you mean a Shimano Deore crankset. Never heard of a chainset before.

You'll find everything you need to know about BB sizing here...
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bbsize.html

In the UK we call it a chainset. Thanks for the link!

Zugzwang said:

I have a chain, I need to know what length of bb axle to get. I am going to buy a shimano deore triple chainset for a MTB, previous axle length was 110 mm.

What you 'had' has nothing to do with it. what you need depends on what Deore and what vintage. Model #s are real helpful and I ain't gonna guess.