Upgrading ‘18 Trek Marlin 7 BB and Crankset

[ChampionTier]

Currently running the OEM square taper BB with 3x9 but they’ve started creaking no matter how much I tighten the cranks. I think the damage is done and was wondering if there are other BB/crankset options out there besides square taper? Any recommended sizes?

Thanks!

[Joe_W]

Despite of what shimano etc want us to believe, the square taper works quite well. That said, the newer standards do offer improvements. Are you sure it's the crank set / BB interface?

I would probably look at some mid range shimano stuff from last year or year before. Those can be had pretty cheap, The BB standard is called Hollowtech II, the BB shell should be machined plane and parallel, go to a bike store to get that done. Otherwise the BB will wear a lot faster.

Or get a square taper again. Nothing wrong with that.

[Painkiller]

creaking can be caused by many things, I would cross check a few things before laying down cash for parts that may not be the real problem. You have to do one thing at a time then test ride, repeat until pinpointed. you may be surprised at the result. Some common things to do first are if applicable : remove pedals and lube threads, lube and tighten pedal cage screws, lube seatpost, lube spindle, Make sure chain is lubed, make sure seat is tight. If you do not have spare parts, go to local co op or lbs to see if they have a used crank to swap for cross checking. if it happens to be the bottom bracket just buy a better bracket like a un-55. you will not notice any performance difference replacing both if you do not need to. just a thought.

[ChampionTier]

(08-11-2019, 02:28 PM)Joe_W Wrote:  Despite of what shimano etc want us to believe, the square taper works quite well. That said, the newer standards do offer improvements. Are you sure it's the crank set / BB interface?

I would probably look at some mid range shimano stuff from last year or year before. Those can be had pretty cheap, The BB standard is called Hollowtech II, the BB shell should be machined plane and parallel, go to a bike store to get that done. Otherwise the BB will wear a lot faster.

Or get a square taper again. Nothing wrong with that.

Thanks Joe!. I may go with square taper this time around and then change to Hollowtech next time around.

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(08-11-2019, 03:52 PM)Painkiller Wrote:  creaking can be caused by many things...

Thanks PK - always good to use these as a chance to give things a good once-over, too. I did find my seat rails were creaking as well but ultimately isolated the sound to the cranks.

[Joe_W]

You got a fi:zik saddle as well? Mine do creak, both of them (but my... butt fits on them, so they stay).

Good luck with eliminating the creaking!