BB Upgrade - Square Taper to Shimano Hollowtech II, SRAM GXP, DUB - Trek Marlin Upgrade

[@francissiu9549]

It's a downgrade. Square tapered are bombproof. It's heavier sure but for MTB it's bombproof.

[@marviorose7614]

You don't appreciate square taper until you start riding in a very dusty terrain with alot of fine gravel like stones. Those small particles really affect hollow tech and press fit bb

[@gravelking2.071]

I cycled around 11K km this year, including two long solo bike trips. 1300 km and 900 km. In the process I understood one thing: moving from square taper to any kind of BB with external bearings and hollow axles is actually a downgrade. Yes, they are lighter, but they provide zero difference in actual riding and pedaling efficiency (unless you are an UCI racer who counts every gram), and they are much less relieable. Over the last year I broke 2 axles on Hollowtech-II and GXP cranksets, and now I'm perfectly happy with a good, cheap and indestructible UN-55 square taper. Just for your consideration.

[@alex_n8863]

I'm setting up my old MTB for touring and reverting back from X1 Hollowtech to a square taper triple. I hear it's the future!

[@KC_Duck]

I was thinking that myself my brother has a hollowtech type to and he need a new one every year and I have a square taper only every got one of them

[@socas_nic]

Exactly what part of the axle you broke? You mean the splines of the non drive side?

[@safekeeping2923]

If Suguino hasn't gone hollow neither will I. However my ISIS drive on my cx bike has been going for 12-13 years now.

[@aSuspiciousPete]

It's kinda weird not using crank arm as your second wrench as it specifically designed to transfer rotational torque.

[@ifitsgotwheels]

Good video, but I have never seen a bottom bracket undone with 2 spanners before when 1 spanner is all that's needed. Use a single adjustable spanner to tighten the removal tool to the crank arm first, then use the spanner to tighten the 2nd part up whilst holding on the crank arm. Holding the crank arm acts as a better lever than the looser extra spanner, and it saves the spanner causing an unnecessary scratches in case it slips. Have fun.

[@jameson7199]

Now I feel relieved that my square tapered BB can be upgraded to modern BB.

[@vlad1421]

Same. Just got a marin bobcat trail 3 for birthday, and really wanted to make it more and more Enduro capable with time

[@jameson7199]

@@vlad1421 good for u! I Cant to convert mine. i've already ordered a new crankset for my bike. can't wait for it.

[@vlad1421]

@@jameson7199 wow man, I wish u a lot of fun with it!

[@daily_dose_of_nothingness]

I did already to MT210 Hollowtech 2019 latest (Alivio noobs calling it Altus while it's not)

[@jgoddard0757]

No long ago I did just such an upgrade to my Salsa Timberjack...the NX/powerspline was replaced w/ a GX/DUB BB. At the same time I converted to tubeless. BTW I really like the content of your channel...always very imformative and well presented! Thanks for all the time and effort you put into it.

[@smaug3045]

Just changed my square taper bottom bracket to another campagnolo square taper bottom bracket. Last one I had for 24 years pretty good if you ask me and yes I put a lot of miles into it.

[@mtbbiker6401]

Excellent video! I plan to make the upgrade to hollowtech BB and replace the 3x7 Tourney drivetrain on my Raleigh Tarus 2 with 1x10. I already upraded my freewheel to a shimano freehub and 8 speed cassette as stage 1. Your videos help a lot. Thanks for taking the time to produce them.

[@spygamer6750]

What is the specific name of your Shimano Hub?

[@mtbbiker6401]

@@spygamer6750 I replaced my formula freewheel hub to a Shimano FH-M525A Freehub. It's 135mm QR rear hub.

[@charlesforeman9438]

Hollowtech sealed bottom brackets are a burn on everyone's pockets, they will not last anyone 2 minutes. I've done top to bottom of the UK with old-style replaceable bottom bracket bearings that have lasted me over 70,000 miles. Then I was advised to change to the Hollotech as they were supposed to have been better quality, 6000 miles and they were shattered. Changed back to the old style and never looked back at Hollowteck again.

[@christiannielsen5082]

You need to face the surface before installing the bottom bracket . IT makes Them last a Lot longer. But Shimano bb are dirt cheap so it is not really and issue. I am a trained bike mechanic and i love the old threated bottom bracket. Do not like pressfit. Only invented to keep kost down

[@jacobpoucher]

@@LoveMTB wrong

[@michaelrowave]

Really appreciate your clear, concise breakdown of the options as well as your methocial approach.

[@PixelGod-Bs]

Hi do you think that'll be a good idea if ill switch from 10 × 3 to 10×1 by only changing a single front casette?

[@russellmills4878]

Square taper bottom brackets are useless on mountain bikes. The alloy crank arm soon wears its square hole and after that no amount of extra tightening/bonding solutions will ever get it to stay tight again. Fine for road application with torque gentle, constant and in one direction only but if you are using in mtb situations you put tremendous loads on the crank pedals during jumps and this creates the problem.

[@ronmartin5339]

Square taper bottom brackets are bomb proof! I changed all 5 of my bikes with Square taper after having a lot of problems, I can stomp the pedals if I want and I never have a problem! The video was well done though!

[@rangersmith4652]

That is why adjustable cup and cone square taper BBs were the standard for decades. Weight saving is the only valid reason to use anything more "modern."

[@braveheart0317]

My square tapered bb has already squeaking sound to it thats why i upgraded to threaded bb

[@podelsf]

Would love to see more upgrades being done on your marlin 6 since i just bought a 2020 marlin 7 and looking for things to upgrade 😁

[@rangersmith4652]

I don't consider Hollowtech to be an upgrade, just a change. Hollowtech is lighter than a square taper, yes. But that is about 90% of the reason for its creation, so unless saving a couple hundred grams matters to you, don't bother changing. Just service your cup and cone set or swap in a new sealed unit.

[@Greenjuiceman]

To be honest with you I really don't like hollowtech due to the 3mm ball bearings they use - these ball bearings are far too small for this main bearing which is most heavily stressed on a bicycle - I always up grade to cup and cone with 6mm ball bearings which gives a far smoother ride although they do need regular maintenance which I don't mind as they are so easy to do.

[@Greenjuiceman]

@@LoveMTB of course you are right but for an old git like me who does not mind the hassle I'll stick with the old

[@MarcoFonseca1983]

Hi, thanks for the video. When you installed the crank set how does it work with the axle? Because the other bottom bracket had an axle and the new one didn’t. So did you have to change the cranck set as well?

[@LoveMTB]

Changed both BB and crankset. Look for my “ Worth Upgrading” video for more ideas. Also have a TREK Marlin upgrade as well. Lots of info

[@12Bravojeepstuff]

Thank you, just what I was looking for. I wish to do this to bi old 90's Bianchi ocelot mountain bike.

[@smallw2050]

Has anyone run into the issue of the crank arms hitting the chainstays when upgrading? I haven't measured my BB shell yet but I have a feeling it's 73mm because the crankset won't function properly with spacers (too much resistance when spinning). Without spacers the crank arms hit the frame. (I have a GXP BB and sram apex crank) Any solutions or BB/crank combinations that come to mind that would work? It's a '95 or so marin pine mountain.

[@kbeightyseven1783]

I did, you just need to add a spacer when fitting the bottom bracket

[@interceptor7905]

I remember that bike Pine Mountain Marin.Brings back some memories.I was Gary Fisher fan,still am.

[@fra93ilgrande]

I upgraded my old 26er from Octalink (Hollowtech 1) to Hollowtech 2 💪🏻😎🔝

[@pavaniparadise2751]

I had same 73 MM BB. But my rear hub spacing is old type 135 MM. So I see a chianline issue . Did you have a better spaced hub (142 or boost)?

[@juanjuarez1099]

i would made this with the marlin 5 2019, but i wiss instale a platon sturney archer 48 t with a pinion a rosc 14-28(original of the marlin 5), the questions is:it possible.

[@barfo281]

What exactly is wrong with keeping a square taper bottom bracket?

[@LoveMTB]

Nothing is wrong with it works ok for certain applications

[@MountainBikeAdventures]

Looking for an upgrade to my bb un 55, 37-24t, 68mm x 110mm. If possible?

[@joncrisostomo2236]

What crank/chainrings are those in the vid?

[@gizmo6746]

I have a bb-mt500Pa, does this fit ?

[@coinop7278]

You didn't show how the hollow tech bolt works

[@DannerPlace]

Helpful, great video quality. Thanks!

[@LoveMTB]

You're welcome!

[@hael8680]

Thank you for video! Is there a weight saving by going from a spindle to a sub system?

[@robertp7209]

When I redid my old road bike, 68mm, the Shimano bottom bracket was 1/2 lb lighter than the original Campy cartridge type. Double Ultegra crank was lighter by 0.15 lbs over Campy triple racing crank. The triple had a slightly longer shaft, the Shimano was standard.

[@malp4650]

Ah, Finally found the tutorial I was after. Excellent!!

[@miket.220]

These look convenient, but I hear they are not as hardy or reliable as a square taper. On my old 2007 Trek 7100, the square taper cartridge BB never wore out. In 2019 I bought a new Trek Verve 1. The square taper BB in it lasted to this week, I just replaced it with a new Shimano square taper BB, works beautifully, hoping it lasts a good long time.

[@LoveMTB]

Depends on the use, it limits the cranksets you have access to. And it's heavy!

[@fredr5698]

What's the benefit of going from a square taper to a hollowtech type of crankset?

[@fredr5698]

Thanks good answer.

[@kingcarcas1349]

i'm considering it a luxury just to have a cartridge BB lol

[@sfafsashfdh6589]

@@kingcarcas1349 what is more low end than cartridge bb

[@piotr462]

@@LoveMTB The best sealed BB is square taper. Anyone who says diffrent is not realy good in bikes.

[@zacharykim4776]

If I have a square taper and am going to convert would I need to change my cranks?

[@jperg2tami]

Nice video... I was looking for this exact process as I have a Trek Marlin 4 and its been in need of a cleaning on the bottom bracket for some time. Thanks!

[@morrishudson778]

Great video! One thing I'm wondering though: the square taper BB I have in my Diamondback is 113.5 length. Does that matter for switching to a Hollowtech, or is that only relevant to the square tapered BBs?

[@NOAC91]

very good and straight forward video.

[@Moto_Rid3r]

Hello. I am thinking about replacing my tapered crankset on a 2021 diamondback hook with a 1x setup. I’ve already got my Deore xt 11s drivetrain. Now its time to change my chrankset and BB. I was wondering if the shimano xt bb-mt800 hallowtech ll will accomodate the Raceface Aeffect EXI Crank Arms 165mm 24spindle exi?

[@heavyload75]

upgrade is the other way around, lol

[@LoveMTB]

Always😎

[@randy1817]

I have a Shimano Tourney double chainring. It says to use a BB of 110mm. The BB I have is a Shimano un300 110mm, I'm worried that the crank will be too close the the frame and the inside chainring might rub against the frame?? Does the inside of the crank seat up against the chain stabilizer collar? The BB is for a non chain case.

[@Bailee97]

I have a power spline 118 x 68E/73 mm just wondering if someone could tell me what size hollow tech I would need as it’s the second time it’s gone already this year👎🏼

[@dirkbodschard3961]

Wrong title. Changing from square taper to Hollowtech is a DOWNgrade

[@tonylindsay9243]

How so??

[@darinsteele7091]

can i go from an octalink to a hollowtech ii BB ?

[@anganjsarkar]

Can we do the same with a Hybrid bicycle ?

[@LoveMTB]

For sure

[@nepllerena8775]

Just want to ask it is compatible to trek marlin if i will change my crankset to GRX 600 1X? Does bb is also fit to 73mm? Pls. Advise & thanks

[@tomacheteful]

What BB can I use to replace the square taper on my 2022 Marlin 5? I want to install Raceface crankset. Thanks youve helped me so much on my upgrade path.

[@butterairways]

What are the requirements to switch? Any certain measurements or will any octalink BB be possible to switch to hollowtech from?

[@xbnayshun2765]

Can you help?…I buy a 2010 giant faith 0 frame only…is it possible to restore using today’s parts?…beginner builder!

[@Thousand_yard_King]

Throw those adjustable wrenches away, they are the worst tool ever created and are only used by morons who don't know how to actually use tools. Get boxing open in wrench combinations and use them only for this application

[@TreFlip1992]

Knowing that this is possible is a weight off my shoulders, Not going to lie.. I hate Square taper BB's and their cranks.

[@juanjuarez1099]

not have problems with the transmition in this moment?

[@Sosaii666]

hi i have trek madone 5,9 groupset dura ace 7800 i would like to change to sram red but sram is bb30 can it be changed?

[@iand3028]

Changed four of my hollow tech fitted bikes back to square drive after getting fed up with wearing the hollowtech versions out. The most reliable of the hollowtech is the shimano. Don't touch the others. Had to resort to changing the chainset from GXP to shimano 105 after getting through three of their BB's in 12 months before I finally gave in! Each manufacture has their own BB design and chainset crank diameter, so you can interchange them.

[@LoveMTB]

Surprised by your experience I’ve had a GXP for 4 years and no problems, MTB use. Shimano is best with GXP close second

[@nigellee7892]

I’ve a few bikes myself - two with a Hollowtech BB and one with an old school Square Taper Bottom Bracket. In my experience too, I’m inclined to think that the Hollowtech wear more quickly than good quality Square Taper Bottom Brackets, however, at least the Hollowtech BBs are a little easier perhaps to replace than SQ Taper ones. The new Hollowtech Bottom Brackets are clearly more fashionable now and sexier than the old school SQ Taper ones, but in reality Square Taper Bottom Brackets remain a perfectly good and viable option on many bikes! Using a Hollowtech Bottom Bracket though, does of course provide access to and allow the use of a wide range of newer-style cranks which are not compatible with SQ Taper Bottom Brackets. I’d like to find out though whether swapping Square Taper Cranks with Cranks designed for Hollowtech introduces problems and issues with the bike’s Chain Line. Looking at the Crank on the frame in this video here, it would appear to be far too close to the chain stays, even without a chain on it. Changing a BB on a bike is a relatively easy thing to do, but if you’re changing the Chainset as well it’s only half the job and setting up a well-aligned and well-adjusted Chain-Set on it is quite another matter.

[@LoveMTB]

@@nigellee7892 I have a video about chainlines and cranks if you want to check it out. Actually two, Shimano - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJvVoYehf6xph8U and SRAM - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmG7ZKGirLSid7M

[@insomniacbritgaming1632]

I have a square taper on my Talon 2.5... I need to do this conversion

[@brandonlee8313]

Don’t forget grease

[@judevenalian5008]

1:57 ... bro, that tool has a socket fitting? Why are you waisting time with an adjustable wrench?

[@jonathanoxlade4252]

OK I have a bottom bracket tool but I don't think it's for sealed brackets so great now I need a new fucking tool bastards 😤

[@testdirver]

so the hollowtech would fit in most center bikes 2:40, mine look like yours, so what size did you buy, also those would fit with the press fit

[@dasbabu7261]

Someone tell me how many spacers do I require in each side for 1 by system no front derailleur and 68mm shell

[@nicholasjenkins8146]

Bought a bottem socket crank remover silver colour it does not fit into the groves 20 splines. But its the socket its got to much lip on the socket and slips of all the time

[@marcross3197]

What tyres have you got on there, I'm looking to use my trek Marlin for mostly road use and want thinner tyres cheers

[@kushkushogbomb1589]

Oh ok so did u use the Stock crank arms? From the 2x8 set up? CAUSE I got the same set up almost I got the Shimano 1x11 and I purchased the Deore XT Crankset 175mm and I was confused on what Bottom Bracket to get.. originally I ordered this one lundeng OEM ShimanoDeore XT BB-MT800 Bottom Bracket, 68mm / 73mm Black but it was going to take forever to get here from Amazon then I noticed SHIMANO (UN26 Cartridge Bottom Bracket its still the bb M800

[@sndsiwrite]

1,2 skip a few and it's done

[@LoveMTB]

Pretty much!😊

[@lakerrob5514]

I have a TY-501 42/34/24 with a HG20 8-speed now. Where I ride I don't really get out of the 34. I'd like to swap the cranks to a single 34 and leave the cassette alone for now. Is that possible and what crankset would you recommend for a lower end bike as an upgrade?

[@duchiennguyen8327]

Hi, I have an 1x8 drivetrain with square taper. I would like upgrade it to new Hollowtech and ect. , but I found only on the market crankset that only for 1x10, 1x11 drivetrain compatible. Can I still do it using the spacer to set the chainlink ? Thanks for help. Great Video !

[@nepllerena8775]

Hi LoveMTB! just want to ask advise what is the max chainring size I can upgrade to my trek Marlin 5. does 40 to 42T chainring will fit? Thanks for your help.

[@5Rivers79]

My old mountain bike that I’m refurbishing is 68mm width but the inner diameter 33mm. Will a hollowtech bb fit that diameter? Sorry I’m new to bikes so trying to learn as I’m rebuilding. Thanks

[@dinunclv]

Does it specify to use grease?

[@LoveMTB]

Use grease everywhere on the BB

[@drrrw]

Is the sram gxp bottom bracket compatible with hollowtech ii crankset?

[@dereksmith7965]

I have a classic Canondale super V 500 I want to upgrade the junk cranks on it this will work correct and it’s a 68mm body with this bottom bracket I could pretty much use any race face cranks? Thank you for any information you can provide have a great night

[@Muldrix1978]

Thanks for the great Video! Is it necessary to upgrade the crankset if i upgrade the bottom bracket? I also have a 9 speed bike, but at the front i can change the drivetrain from 3 to 1? On the back i go to 12 speed. Thanks for your help my Friend

[@fabiosemino2214]

super easy, Just upgraded my worn cheap square tapered crankset to an Alivio hollowtech II. Now it's lighter, stiffer, derailleur works better and it's easier to maintain

[@stilianivanov3377]

Square tapered BBs are pretty much maintenance free if assembled properly. Also they have better water resistance, since the tolerances are tighter. I give my bike hell everyday and still haven’t got any problems with it, I even converted it to 1x. I think there are better things that can be changed for that price, which would have much greater impact performance wise.

[@piotr462]

@@LoveMTB fc-t4060 44/32/22 weight about 1200 gr include bb. Fc-m470 ( for an example ) weight 696 grams + 260 grams for bb-es71 bb = 960 ( 1000 gr with bb-es25/300) . So what is cheaper, lighter and stiffer ? Gotch ya ;) or.. fc-m750 - 680 gr + bb-un72 - 260 gr = the same ( and still the stiffnes is better or the same as alivio fc-m4060 ) You all just didnt use good square taper crank or octalink crank. Maybe You were born to late ;)

[@samuelchowchow5104]

Why must remove the bb from the non drive 1st? Is it a need to or just preference.

[@cyclinglover3721]

Going from a good bullet proof system to a junk crap system

[@MrMichaelfalk]

but it's modern :-D

[@dan_lazaro]

But it's easily accessible.

[@dan_lazaro]

I don't use a piece of shit square tapered bb on bikes that I use for long distances lol. Only for commuting to school do I make do with the outdated stuff.

[@cyclinglover3721]

@@dan_lazaro well looks like u don't have a carbon frame.....and probably like to take apart the bb every day!!

[@HollyBoni]

Yeah my grocery getter has a Shimano Golden Arrow crankset with a cup and cone square taper BB (it's Swiss threaded, yay!). Still, it's simply an ancient and outdated design. BURN IT WITH FIRE! Modern outboard BBs are reliable, cheap, and pretty darn accessible, especially Shimano stuff. Press fit is a different story. But really, square taper is dead, so who cares. 💩

[@dhonquetalig1674]

I think i have the same size of your frame, can i use shimano bb52??

[@stephenbates2568]

Shimano Deore XT BB- MT800 Bottom Bracket Cups - English Thread Cups will this on fit my stumpy 2019 alloy st thanks

[@ryanaloc8367]

Does hollowtech bb has any complications or anything downside if you're still using Threaded type cogs ? I'm planing to upgrade on 3by hollowtech but i think there would be an adjustment complications with the crank cause of the hollowtech shell?

[@bruce5799]

You make it look so easy,your bike is new with sealed cartridge that comes off easy with no dirt. Well used old bikes have hard to remove,filthy,stubbon bottom brackets!!!.

[@Llamabanger]

Nice video, That said when I world tour (mtb frame), I throw in a cartridge square tape taper and crank, ! Less worry

[@tonielcock8891]

Rj I have a old shamano splin hollow and my tool won't work it protruding, someone said put a 5 pence piece in but my tool won't reach the threads. It's a non square tapper, any other way to get it of, I don't need it as lm putting a middrive ebike kit on

[@oiyo5124]

How tight is that 40 nm? My tool seems flimsy and am afraid I might overtighten and damage it. Cant seem to find any video where it shows how tight it should really be. Thanks!

[@oiyo5124]

@@LoveMTB Thank You Sir! Very much helpful!

[@mlee6136]

After buying the extractor tools and figuring out sizing probably easier cost wise to take it to local bike shop and have them do it. It’s not like you’ll need those tools again.

[@rahulsony569]

I am using polygon premier 5, which the cartridge BB. Can you name the exact tools required to service that ?

[@EASTENDGLEN]

shouldn`t the frame bb be machined first before installing that type of bearing?

[@kristinkreuk30]

Is it applicable on marlin 7 2021??what crankset with bb would you recommend??

[@klerss]

what gxp/ Hollowtech axle width would you use to replace 124.5 mm square taper axle?

[@raymondchew8894]

Does it mean both crankset and BB must be hollowtech in set ?

[@rickc303]

Please use the proper sized wrench, not adjustable

[@totoyfogi1032]

it is okay when you apply 2 spacer on drivetrain side?

[@makstyulpan1600]

Good afternoon, tell me why the teeth of the star are so close to the frame?

[@mtbridersanonymous9152]

Replacing my first bottom bracket this weekend, thanks for the helpful video

[@mtbridersanonymous9152]

@@LoveMTB yea, just learning how to work on bikes now hopefully I don’t mess it up 😅

[@mtbridersanonymous9152]

@@LoveMTB it’s on a trek FX2

[@mtbridersanonymous9152]

@@LoveMTB awesome back again, watching for the third time lol

[@paimei6798]

How do you know what to look for as far as fitment and measurements I have the specs for bottom bracket but don't know what any of these numbers mean I would take it to the bike shop but then I would have to choose from whats available I want to get the promax bb and shimano alivio 3x hollow tech crankset but dont know which model bb fits my bike so what do i look for I have a micrometer so far all I see is 68/73 for the models lol ?

[@alutious]

Your bike is soooo clean. I did alot of upgrades to my 20 year old mtb but i only cleaned and greased the bb, and replaced the 2nd chainring of the 3 by. I also got an 8s cassette on sale that was slightly bigger, 32T., $15. So i will keep that for awhile, but i am looking for 1 by solutions. I guess i can put on a shimano threaded through axle/spindle bb and that will give me 1 by options. Can't decide if i want to go 9s box one/2, or use my 10s cassette, derailleur and shifter on my other bike and upgrade the other bike. I could also go 11s or 12s shimano. I guess i could use a race face narrow wide ( see a raceface crank and 1 by 10s chainring on sale for under $150 that is supposed to be compatible with 9/10/11). Is there a spec on the chainring, for mixing and matching manufacturers? What bb have you used that works well, besides the shimano, for an competitive alternative?

[@Sophia1a1]

Learned a lot from this video

[@sayaksarkar8053]

Can you please answer my question? Does the cranksets come with the the through axel with them in the box?

[@christinetayongtong9601]

Bala may lumang 27.5 na wheel set Sana akin nlang

[@simonchaddock3694]

I have a hollowtech 2 does this mean mine is threaded bb

[@justincase1588]

That chainring looks like a perfect fit. Do you know if there’s a way to use a bigger one?

[@justincase1588]

I have the same bike in XL. do you know what the max would be by chance? Thanks

[@Montblanc1986]

@@justincase1588 Pretty sure trek says 30 but perhaps a 32 can fit. That's why I run 2x on low end bikes, I need a 36