T
TomYoung
Guest
Hi all:
Without understanding the physics of the situation, I'll accept as
correct the assertion that a design defect in the Shimano Octalink BB
results in the left crank bolt loosening when riders stand on the
pedals with the right foot forward. Eventually this loosening of the
bolt can result in the trashing of the crank arm.
Apparently this process is different then the "loosening" of crank
bolts with square-tapered cranks: in this case the crank arms (both of
them) "elbow" their way up the taper within a few miles of riding,
relieving pressure on the bolt. The uninitiated say "these bolts have
loosened, I'd better tighten them up" which then allows the elbowing to
resume, followed by more bolt tightening in a vicious circle until the
cranks are destroyed.
Going back to the Octalink setup: it's not clear when sufficient relief
of bolt pressure starts to result in crank arm destruction. I'd assume
that this occurs when the torque falls below the minimum range
specified in Shimano's literature. It's also not clear how quickly
this loosening occurs, though I'm kind of assuming it doesn't typically
happen within a very short time. At least I didn't find a post that
said "I put new Octalink cranks on my bike and within an hour of my
left crank arm was loose."
Anyway, it strikes me that one strategy for getting good life out of an
Octalink setup would be to check the torque of the left crank arm after
every ride. As long as the bolt torque was above the Shimano minimum
you would be assured that the crank arm hasn't been damaged. If the
torque was reduced from the torque you initially set upon installation,
you'd re-torque to the installed value.
Could this work? I don't see why it wouldn't.
TIA
Tom Young
Without understanding the physics of the situation, I'll accept as
correct the assertion that a design defect in the Shimano Octalink BB
results in the left crank bolt loosening when riders stand on the
pedals with the right foot forward. Eventually this loosening of the
bolt can result in the trashing of the crank arm.
Apparently this process is different then the "loosening" of crank
bolts with square-tapered cranks: in this case the crank arms (both of
them) "elbow" their way up the taper within a few miles of riding,
relieving pressure on the bolt. The uninitiated say "these bolts have
loosened, I'd better tighten them up" which then allows the elbowing to
resume, followed by more bolt tightening in a vicious circle until the
cranks are destroyed.
Going back to the Octalink setup: it's not clear when sufficient relief
of bolt pressure starts to result in crank arm destruction. I'd assume
that this occurs when the torque falls below the minimum range
specified in Shimano's literature. It's also not clear how quickly
this loosening occurs, though I'm kind of assuming it doesn't typically
happen within a very short time. At least I didn't find a post that
said "I put new Octalink cranks on my bike and within an hour of my
left crank arm was loose."
Anyway, it strikes me that one strategy for getting good life out of an
Octalink setup would be to check the torque of the left crank arm after
every ride. As long as the bolt torque was above the Shimano minimum
you would be assured that the crank arm hasn't been damaged. If the
torque was reduced from the torque you initially set upon installation,
you'd re-torque to the installed value.
Could this work? I don't see why it wouldn't.
TIA
Tom Young