This had been clicking for a while, and more recently loosening itself, and now making more ominous sounds and feeling rough, so definitely time to replace. The crankset is a triple (48/39/30) with a 9-speed cassette, all of which I want to retain.
I want to review my options, and I see that the world of bottom brackets has become quite a minefield.
Option 1
Can I keep my existing Ultegra Octalink cranks with a replacement Octalink bottom bracket? Can’t see any Ultegra ones, only Dura Ace for the track, so no good for my triple, or a downgrade to
this 105.
Option 2
Convert to a Hollowtech option? That would mean replacing my cranks, I guess? Would I be able to keep the existing chainrings, which were replaced not too long ago? No experience with these.
Option 3
Convert to a high-quality square taper option? That would also mean replacing my cranks but I should be able to keep the existing chainrings. I guess the fixed gear fraternity have encouraged the wide range of square taper BBs, such as
this from IRD. I see they also do a
more modest option and an
even more modest version. Anyone any experience with these?
I would ideally want to keep the same chainline, so that gear-changing remains familiar. Can I assume that any 118mm spindle BB will achieve this with my triple?