3 Reasons why I chose the Hollowtech over the Square Tapered Crankset System on my 3Sixty Foldie

[@ryhold]

That super hollow Litepro crankset bends like mad. Had to send mine back. I can’t believe you were using it.

[@dc2maniac]

Thank you for the in-depth review and sharing, helped me identify my upgrade decision

[@georgekopsias9159]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, they have guided me with mine.

[@BlackJacketWasp]

The hardest part of converting from a square tapered to a hollowtech is a seized square tapered bb. This is especially so if the factory uses a machine to crank-down the BB with very little grease (or worse, no grease). Took me two days and a lot of spraying of WD-40 into the BB threads with bike lying on the side. Ultimately it took a giant wrench to loosen the square taper BB. Worth it =D

[@fredphua]

Oh dear, I recall a similar experience of mine in the past. From then on, I never ever forget applying grease when I need to put back parts after maintenance. Haha anyway, glad it turned out well for you.

[@SingaporeUntold]

Just need a long leverage bar. Some people use the seat post

[@jaycahow4667]

You should have used penetrating oil which is designed to free up parts while WD-40 is not.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I got mine with a paid for First Service, so I had brought my new titanium/ceramic set for this, to be changed! I have built bikes from scratch but I normally ask for the thread to be at least cut or the crank being mounted by the shop.

[@mavericklimsk]

You forgot the 4th point, costs.

[@rangersmith4652]

What percentage of cyclists can generate enough torque to make the higher stiffness of Hollowtech stiffness over a solid-axle square taper system matter? I suspect ouside the pro ranks, it's very low. A lot of square taper BB sets are still going strong after 40+ years of service, but getting that life span does require proper installation and some simple maintenance.

[@jaycahow4667]

Most frames will flex long before their bottoms...

[@Randyquench]

hi! Great video. Can i check for your 360 bike 54T chainring, are you using a 9-speed bike chain for it?

[@fredphua]

Hey Julian, thank you so much. Yes I believe it was a 9 speed chain. I recall the higher speed ones (not sure if it's 10 or 11 onwards) have a narrower width and might cause the shifting to suffer a little because of the spaces between the cogs. Hope this helps! ;)

[@Randyquench]

@@fredphua Very helpful! thanks!

[@dean3396]

Hi Julian, great, poisoned

[@isbemorph]

i wish youtube had an option to turn the background banjo off

[@mjmetta]

Hi, I changed mine from stock square tapered to hollow tech within a week after riding it, I like the feel and the looks of Hollow Tech system, I am now with 50T with 13T cogs most of the time in Singapore context. What yours Chainring size in your video ? Great tech info and keep the videos coming 👍

[@fredphua]

Hi thank you so much. It is 54T, I'm still trying to figure out the right gear ratios that suit me better. May do a vid on that some time down the road. ;)

[@louiscastero6566]

@@fredphua Hey Fred, what about your chain used for the 54T crank? i intent to buy and upgrade mine similar to yours. Thanks for sharing as always~ Stay safe & take care bro.

[@fredphua]

@@louiscastero6566 thank you Louis, and happy that it helped. The chain I used are 9 speed ones. I believe there are widths to them, the 10 (or 11 speed, can't remember) ones are thinner and will be too narrow for the spaces between the rear cogs, affecting the shifting. Happy hunting! 😉👍

[@aaxel3211]

I am currently on 48 teeth, however i am unclear if i should get 56t or 53. Any tips on that :) ?

[@anup1132]

Does it make any difference in speed? Which one is faster and more reliable,

[@fender1000100]

Not so much speed. But smoothness and efficiency definately. Your weight and fitness effect speed..

[@anup1132]

@@fender1000100 thx 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@kokweichoo7166]

can u measure the square taper system without the chain guard which will be more fair

[@johnfitzgerald1192]

I read about bearings for the old tech with vintage bikes that allows less friction with the ground a force of gravity that allows the bike to move much faster.

[@nick37781]

😂wtf did I read just now

[@keithlim1075]

Excellent explanation

[@fredphua]

Appreciate the kind words Keith. 🙏

[@arijalharismartopo1401]

I got my 16" folding bike with 58T at the front, square tapered but it is amazingly comfortable, fast and does not require a lot of power. I think one of the most important factor is I use a quality BB, I use Shimano BB-UN26 cartridge, not really a fancy one, but it is a Shimano 😄

[@fredphua]

Good to know! Glad it works well for you, definitely quality stuff coming from Shimano.

[@arijalharismartopo1401]

@@fredphua Absolutely! By the way, your explanation is spot on..cheers ✌️

[@fredphua]

@@arijalharismartopo1401 Thank you, meanwhile stay safe and enjoy the miles! ;)

[@BK-pg5fr]

I go 56T with original Square Tapered BB and amazingly smooth ride. No need Hollowtech BB which is un necessary water of money

[@fender1000100]

Never a waste of money. If it improves the weight and efficiency of your bike. I have a budget folder. And I spent £500 to upgrade it. Took the weight from 30lbs to 24lbs. Now it's faster and easier on hills. The other day I rode my friends Tern Verge X11. Which is a state of the art performance folder. Man straight away I felt the difference. It is the DREAM MACHINE. I want one in the future.

[@r.williams8349]

Great video thank you!

[@edmundwongys]

do you have any knowledge for oval chainrings? would you mind sharing your opinion if yes.

[@fredphua]

Hey Edmund, I haven't tried oval rings before so won't be in a good position to comment. Maybe other folks will be able to help. 😊

[@mikeleon8203]

Hi I'm a newbie and just bought a a 3Sixty. The weight of the Hollowtech crank set is amazingly light compared to the original. Is hollowtech a litepro product? What are the tools i need to buy to change the parts. Appreciate your sharing. Thk

[@fredphua]

Hey Mike, thank you for leaving your comments. I'd suggest sending in to a shop if you are not familiar with the process. It might end up cheaper or almost the same price as buying the tools, so no point if you are only doing this one-off. My 2 cents worth.

[@mikeleon8203]

@@fredphua TQ

[@commuterxessentials3502]

Hi may I know what brand is the hollowtech crankset? Thanks

[@fredphua]

Hey there, this is a litepro (sorry, i forgot what series) and have since moved on to use another crankset that I'm pretty happy with on my new bike. Might want to check it out just for viewing pleasure. Cheers.

[@commuterxessentials3502]

@@fredphua thank you

[@cherylchia4445]

Hi, nice video! May I know where did you get your Hollowtech 2 crankset from?

[@fredphua]

Hey Cheryl, appreciate the kind words. I've gotten mine from AM Cycles in my description box, my trusty mechanic for a long time. Anyway, do look around for other awesome sellers too, sure there're plenty. Another word of caution which I should've mentioned in my video (follow up vid coming), which is the chain ring size. Do note that this crank comes with 54T chain ring which alters the gear ratio, making it more difficult to pedal for some riders. Sorry for the long winded answer, just thought I should be clear so everyone can make a good decision. ;)

[@josephhong2724]

@@fredphua hi is your original crankset comes with 54T? How do you feel overall with the 54T😊

[@fredphua]

@@josephhong2724 Hey Joseph, thank you for leaving your comments. The original is 48T if I'm not wrong and the new Crankset came with 54T (or 56? I can't recall exactly). Overall, it felt easier to reach higher speeds on flats for me. But do note that this will alter the gear ratio and would require higher "leg effort" to maintain a certain cadence. So the "feel" is highly subjective and varies amongst individuals (Terrain, fitness level etc.). In my plan to do a video to discuss this. Hope it helps. ;)

[@josephhong2724]

@@fredphua Hi thanks for the reply, I am new to this, I find your video and explaination and info is very useful for me to explore the pedal world further, thanks, really appreciate your effort😊❤️🌍👍🏻

[@fredphua]

@@josephhong2724 Pleasure's mine Joseph. I've learnt a lot from the community about the pedal world and really grateful to be able to give back somehow. Enjoy your new ride! ;)

[@basketmania1931]

Nice review sir, thanks

[@fredphua]

Thank you for your encouraging words. 🙏

[@aaronjack8413]

May I know where to get this litepro crankset /?

[@fredphua]

Hey Aaron, I had mine installed at A.M cycle some time back. But guess there are also many online retailers selling, can check them out. Will be using a different set up for my new ride. Might want to check out other manufacturers like Shimano, Rotor, Praxis for the cranks. Hope this helps!

[@rockcanbeastar3245]

Can I know where can I get the authentic litepro crankset?

[@fredphua]

Hey Caleb, apologies I have no idea how to differentiate them and therefore not sure where will it be available. Hope you'll manage to find it. 😁👍

[@DesChew]

When swapping out square taper to Hollowtech, can I use a smaller chainring? I am on roadie 50/34T, wish to down to 46/30T?

[@fredphua]

Hey Des, it's possible. The chainring can be swapped at any point (provided the BCD matches the crank), doesn't have to be only when you decide to swap out the entire crank. Hope this helps.

[@DesChew]

@@fredphua hey Fred, another question. I can use a MTB crankset instead of Road crank? As I wish for a smaller crankset.

[@savoirfaire8979]

I bought a cheap, small Glarewheel electric bike. It came with a square taper axle. It wobbles too much, and the crank arm no longer stays affixed to axle on one side. I plan on installing a Hollowtech system.

[@fredphua]

I just had a random thought, has this got anything to do with the torque generated by the motor? Haha far fetched but just came up. Anyway, hope the switch improves the situation for you. 😉👍

[@boredalchemist]

if you got PAS might be an issue

[@kopd2612]

Hi what 's crankset Brand?

[@fredphua]

Hey it is Litepro. I am not sure what series this is though, I just grabbed what I thought looked best with my bike. 😛

[@danhariz6864]

Hi guys! Just wondering! Do you think its possible to use the Sugino crankset for my 3sixty?

[@domestique3954]

Yes,it is possible with the BB in the right length!

[@shientoh]

Hi, how much did it cost to change from stock to your current setup? Including labor costs. Thanks!

[@harrypressman2]

Very interesting and technical video. A little frustrating to follow with the background music. If you must, drop the volume by at least 30%

[@fredphua]

Thanks.

[@fredphua]

Hey Harry, I re-watched this when I recalled this comment as I was making my new vid and the volume of the background music is indeed annoying. Didn't notice it initially. Good tip which I'll incorporate in the next one! ;)

[@ronnie4747]

Hi I have a 3sixty 3 speed was thinking to change the crank some says 56t is harder to pedal than 53t is this true tsk

[@fredphua]

Hey Ronnie, that increases the gear ratio and so will the relative effort to power through it. So yeah, I'd say what you heard has some truth.

[@ronnie4747]

@@fredphua so u think 53t is better ?

[@fredphua]

@@ronnie4747 I think it is very individual. In my view, the key really is to find the optimum point between the right gear ratio that is sustainable at a good cadence. Have a video planned on this topic. 😉👍

[@soonfoongloke4223]

i change from 48/13 to 56/14 on my 3 speed 3sixty.. happy with this setup..

[@DanielLimYH]

Hi, what chain did you have to change to to suit this?

[@fredphua]

Hey Daniel, I used the 9 speed chain. I think what matters more is the spaces between the cogs at the rear. 9 speed chains are wide enough to ensure the shifting are ok. More opinions online which u can check out. ;)

[@raphus]

i'm getting frustrated at this clicking sound when i pedal hard so your video just prompted me to get a hollowtech crankset to try out... how hard do you think it would be for a fairly inexperienced newbie to replace the crankset?

[@fredphua]

Hey thank you for watching. I would recommend going to a shop. Reason why I say this is because, there are tools you'll need to get to remove the current crank, and another set of tools to install the hollowtech ones. Might not be worth your while? Besides, always good to be supported by good mechanics. Person I bought it from is in the description box, hope it helps! Best of luck solving this, enjoy your ride! 😊👍

[@sevenpa1596]

I saw you at seletar!!! Are u testing ur crank? LoL

[@fredphua]

Hey, sorry if I didn't say hi in time. I thought it was a friend and was trying to recognize the face. 😁👍 anyway, was testing out suspension block for the next video, so riding a long all the drain covers. 🤣

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I have changed mine, on a Lightweight, to a Titanium square-set, with Ceramic balls. As I suppose that friction is more important than the type, but I suppose it will be the same with a more modern set, if it functions well

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I have had top racing bikes also with Hollowtech, but a LightweightH6LXBrompton isn't a racingbike intended to get the most power out of any push from my feet, but a special instrument for service and travel. And I like the one pedal being able to fold instead of having loose pedals to be lost in an absurd place, as is possible on the new Titanium Brompton! I have changed many loose parts to titanium, to make it as light as possible, also the metal clamps for holding my struts on my mudguards, as they are really "Heavy Metal".

[@jaycahow4667]

I have never seen any factual evidence that Ceramic bearings have any advantage. They were looked into for bikes used on Hour record rides and deemed insignificant and not used. Their main advantage is for bearings under tremendous pressures which bikes do not produce. Titanium bottom axles usually have a 180 pound rider weight limits compared to steel so be careful it does not break under heavy stress........

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

@@jaycahow4667 Metal balls come in many grades of quality, from rough black balls in cheap bikes, to highly polished and - round ones. And if Ceramic I expect they are made to a very low resistance, as Factual Tests also have shown!

[@jaycahow4667]

@@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188 Ceramic bearings low resistance has no noticeable effect on bicycles in the real world which has been shown in many tests. They are only noticeable under high pressures not obtained during cycling. They are a waste of money but you believe what you want..........

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

@@jaycahow4667 I have seen cheap "ball bearings" made from rough, black iron, with a lot of surface resistance and lack of precision when being made. And if I'm willing to pay an - absurd amount of money for an Absolutely Horrible Functioning, folding Bike on the hopelessly small and high resisting wheels, I may as well do it to the finest and lightest version possible! So even the minute less resistance from Ceramic Bearings isn't worth the money, of course, but for my own Pride and Joy of "knowing" they are there (As also my Titanium Crank, with ceramic balls)! I am to change even the "small clamps" on my mudguards (With original titanium stays from the Factory!!!) into carbon and aluminum, for a little less weight, as the originals are made from "Heavy Metal", even on a now much former "Superlight"! I expect my bike to be at least - 8,5 kilo in the end, and still with mudguards, as I'm not insane and have to ride in Rainy Denmark😄! Finn.

[@Bieffe]

Change the pedals?

[@fredphua]

Yeap, soon... soon! :D

[@soonfoongloke4223]

there is a major flaw with my 3sixty.. like to highlight it here for others to note. original brompton uses 3/32 width chain, the tensioner design for this chain width. 3sixty clone the brompton but uses 1/8 width chain and clog wheel for 3 speed. hence the chain dont sit properly on the tensioner wheels..

[@watiu9lei]

I carry my foldie often going to work, so I would defo like to lighten its weight

[@zeadon]

Hey for FYI, the music in this vid was too loud, I couldn’t focus on explanations

[@fredphua]

Thank you for the feedback. Through similar responses, I've reduced the volume in subsequent ones. Appreciate them.

[@kops888]

Hi Fred....like your sharing, but still waiting for your reply to shine....how much does it cost?

[@fredphua]

Hi thanks for the comment. I believe I've shared the cost link publicly in the PPF video. Hope it helps.

[@josephd9079]

Actually i upgraded my wife's bike and mine to Hollowtech . There are people in forum promoting creamic BB is better but no one actually prove or comment its better ? any way my is a hollowtech 1 and i feel its already better than stock 3sixty BB+ crankset.

[@fredphua]

Hey Joseph, thank you for your comment. Yeah, I can't really explain why hollowtech feels better too, glad I have fellow riders who confirm my suspicions! Haha meanwhile, ride safe man.

[@simonloh8242]

Hi Freddie, I intend to upgrade to hollow tech, could you share with me the model and brand for the crankset and bottom bracket feature in the video? Do you change your chain with the upgrade to 54T? If so, what speed chain? Thanks.

[@fredphua]

Hey Simon, I'm using the litepro hollowtech ii crank. Honestly, I didn't put much thought into this choice, I just bought it cause of the color theme. So you might wanna do some research, so far so good though lucky me. I'm on 54T and we will need to change the chain cause the original one won't be long enough. 9 speed chains will work cause of the width/thickness of the chain, it will fit the gaps between the cogs better and won't affect the shifting. Haha my long winded answer 🤣

[@simonloh8242]

Hi Freddie, thanks for the fast reply. I love the details, the info is so valuable for us for this modding journey. I enjoyed your videos as it provides neutral and good factors.

[@fredphua]

@@simonloh8242 appreciate it! Good luck with the crank, let me know what difference you feel. I'm sure others would love to hear as well! 😉👍

[@simonloh8242]

@@fredphua Hi Fred, out of curious, are you require to shorten the 9s chain? Pondering whether to DIY or leave it to the expert of the whole upgrade..

[@fredphua]

@@simonloh8242 my personal opinion, if it is your first conversion and you don't see yourself removing them, I'd say leave it to the mechanic? I don't think it costs a lot for labor, beats having to buy tools etc if this is a one-off thing. Anyway, chain length would depend on the chain ring size too, for 48 to 54t conversion I had to use longer chain. Happy modding. 😉

[@pupuman]

Hi Freddie can I know what is the brand of the hollowtech crankset in this video?

[@fredphua]

Hi it is called Litepro. I think there are different series, but i didnt take too much notice. Apologies.

[@pupuman]

@@fredphua Thanks for the reply I will go take a look :D I like the vintage look of the crank arms

[@fredphua]

@@pupuman haha yes, that's also why I went with this model. 🤣 have fun with your search! 😁👍

[@nlt0829put]

the hallow crankset should have a shield to protect your pants from getting pulled while you're paddling. That is big negative for me personally.

[@fredphua]

Hey thank you for this. Mind sharing more? I don't quite get this part and am interested to know. Helps me understand the pros/cons better. 😉👍

[@letsif]

Thank you for your info, but please ditch the music. Very distracting.

[@fredphua]

Good tip, appreciate it. 👍

[@nadzmararbisonalih2890]

Sorry, but your background music is too loud that I can’t understand most of what you’re saying. Hoping you can improve on this. Ride safe!

[@fredphua]

Thank you, that's good feedback. Ride safe too!

[@seductive_Octopus]

Me: I got a Brompton Friend: … don’t these things Cost like 1500~2000€ ? Why .. but a 300€ EBay bike Me: but wait .. there is more 🙃 Friend: 🤨? Me: … The Wonderful World of Brompton Upgrades Friend: 😮‍💨…. Me: Thx you Freddie

[@fredphua]

Haha I like the narrative! 😁 meanwhile, please ride and stay safe amidst the pandemic. Best wishes!

[@seductive_Octopus]

@@fredphua Thx I will do my best but do the same. 🙃 Stay and Ride save

[@tiongweiyeo6990]

Yes , hollow tech is better..i also up grade my bike to hollow tech..

[@GhettoSuguru]

Your mouth and the sound is out of sync

[@seigedan]

Waa, need to do by professional huh? So bike shop will have to hire master degree to repair bike. Your video is comparing old and new technology. Issit really necessary to make a video?

[@joegoh1968]

Square tapered cranks should be made obsolete. Dumbest design ever.

[@jaycahow4667]

Not every one shares your OPINION.......