Octalink BB

VeloJon said:

I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any
options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

😕 Got 65 bucks ?

nashbar.comprofile.cfmOpen ↗=

-

On May 29, 4:47 pm, lwedge <lwedge.2rd...@no-

mx.forums.cyclingforums.com said:

VeloJon Wrote:> I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any

Quoted message said:

options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

😕 Got 65 bucks ?

http://tinyurl.com/yt6aso=

-

--
lwedge

wrong size - they only have 70x118, I need 68x118

VeloJon said:

I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any
options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made the
cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

VeloJon said:

On May 29, 4:47 pm, lwedge <lwedge.2rd...@no-

mx.forums.cyclingforums.com said:

VeloJon Wrote:> I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any

Quoted message said:

options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Quoted message said:

😕 Got 65 bucks ?

Quoted message said:

http://tinyurl.com/yt6aso=

Quoted message said:

-

Quoted message said:

--
lwedge

wrong size - they only have 70x118, I need 68x118

How about this?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=1050

Diablo Scott said:

VeloJon said:

I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any
options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made the
cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

Shimano allowed several companies to make cranks for octalink bbs like
Ritchey, FSA and Sugino, to name a few. However, Shimano NEVER
licensed the rights to others to make octalink bbs. Thus, you're
limited to what's available:

Sheldon has 68x118 - $70:
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html#shimano

Any good LBS either should have it or can get it via distributor like
QBP, but it ain't gonna be cheap. Good Luck!

bfd said:

Diablo Scott said:

VeloJon said:

I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any
options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Quoted message said:

Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

Quoted message said:

There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made the
cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

Shimano allowed several companies to make cranks for octalink bbs like
Ritchey, FSA and Sugino, to name a few. However, Shimano NEVER
licensed the rights to others to make octalink bbs. Thus, you're
limited to what's available:

Sheldon has 68x118 - $70:http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html#shimano

Any good LBS either should have it or can get it via distributor like
QBP, but it ain't gonna be cheap. Good Luck!

A E Bike lists 68 x118 Octalink BBs starting at $12.99, and the BB5500
(105) model at $34.99

http://tinyurl.com/3afb2p

Ozark Bicycle said:

bfd said:

On May 29, 2:12 pm, Diablo Scott <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

VeloJon wrote:
> I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any
> options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
> point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
> but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
> in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
> any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made the
cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

Quoted message said:

Shimano allowed several companies to make cranks for octalink bbs like
Ritchey, FSA and Sugino, to name a few. However, Shimano NEVER
licensed the rights to others to make octalink bbs. Thus, you're
limited to what's available:

Quoted message said:

Sheldon has 68x118 - $70:http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html#shimano

Quoted message said:

Any good LBS either should have it or can get it via distributor like
QBP, but it ain't gonna be cheap. Good Luck!

A E Bike lists 68 x118 Octalink BBs starting at $12.99, and the BB5500
(105) model at $34.99

http://tinyurl.com/3afb2p

Agree. But, the OP seems to only want the Ultegra 6500 version - "I
have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size, but only see
them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB in a couple
years, and the DA version is a little pricey."

If I was him, I stock up on the $13 model and RIDE!!!!

bfd said:

On May 29, 2:42 pm, Ozark Bicycle

Quoted message said:

On May 29, 4:27 pm, bfd <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

On May 29, 2:12 pm, Diablo Scott <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> VeloJon wrote:
> > I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any
> > options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
> > point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
> > but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
> > in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
> > any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made the
> cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Shimano allowed several companies to make cranks for octalink bbs like
Ritchey, FSA and Sugino, to name a few. However, Shimano NEVER
licensed the rights to others to make octalink bbs. Thus, you're
limited to what's available:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Sheldon has 68x118 - $70:http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html#shimano

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Any good LBS either should have it or can get it via distributor like
QBP, but it ain't gonna be cheap. Good Luck!

Quoted message said:

A E Bike lists 68 x118 Octalink BBs starting at $12.99, and the BB5500
(105) model at $34.99

Quoted message said:

http://tinyurl.com/3afb2p

Agree. But, the OP seems to only want the Ultegra 6500 version - "I
have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size, but only see
them at egregious prices.

Don't you think that $70 for an Ultegra is among the "egregious
prices"?

Quoted message said:

I wore out the original 105 BB in a couple
years, and the DA version is a little pricey."

And, I doubt a 105 is really shorter lived than an Ultegra.

Quoted message said:

If I was him, I stock up on the $13 model and RIDE!!!!-

Yep, treat it like a Bic shaver.

Ozark Bicycle said:

bfd said:

On May 29, 2:42 pm, Ozark Bicycle

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

On May 29, 4:27 pm, bfd <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> On May 29, 2:12 pm, Diablo Scott <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > VeloJon wrote:
> > > I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any
> > > options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
> > > point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
> > > but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
> > > in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
> > > any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made the
> > cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> Shimano allowed several companies to make cranks for octalink bbs like
> Ritchey, FSA and Sugino, to name a few. However, Shimano NEVER
> licensed the rights to others to make octalink bbs. Thus, you're
> limited to what's available:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> Sheldon has 68x118 - $70:http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html#shimano

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> Any good LBS either should have it or can get it via distributor like
> QBP, but it ain't gonna be cheap. Good Luck!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

A E Bike lists 68 x118 Octalink BBs starting at $12.99, and the BB5500
(105) model at $34.99

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

http://tinyurl.com/3afb2p

Quoted message said:

Agree. But, the OP seems to only want the Ultegra 6500 version - "I
have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size, but only see
them at egregious prices.

Don't you think that $70 for an Ultegra is among the "egregious
prices"?

Yup, but I wouldn't limit myself to just an ultegra bb either.
Interestingly, AEBike lists the DA version for only $60, what a
bargain!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I wore out the original 105 BB in a couple
years, and the DA version is a little pricey."

And, I doubt a 105 is really shorter lived than an Ultegra.

Quoted message said:

If I was him, I stock up on the $13 model and RIDE!!!!-

Yep, treat it like a Bic shaver.

Hey, we actually agree on a couple of things!

bfd said:

On May 29, 3:03 pm, Ozark Bicycle

Quoted message said:

On May 29, 4:53 pm, bfd <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

On May 29, 2:42 pm, Ozark Bicycle

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

<[email hidden]> wrote:
> On May 29, 4:27 pm, bfd <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > On May 29, 2:12 pm, Diablo Scott <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > VeloJon wrote:
> > > > I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any
> > > > options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
> > > > point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
> > > > but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
> > > > in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
> > > > any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made the
> > > cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Shimano allowed several companies to make cranks for octalink bbs like
> > Ritchey, FSA and Sugino, to name a few. However, Shimano NEVER
> > licensed the rights to others to make octalink bbs. Thus, you're
> > limited to what's available:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Sheldon has 68x118 - $70:http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html#shimano

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Any good LBS either should have it or can get it via distributor like
> > QBP, but it ain't gonna be cheap. Good Luck!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> A E Bike lists 68 x118 Octalink BBs starting at $12.99, and the BB5500
> (105) model at $34.99

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>http://tinyurl.com/3afb2p

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Agree. But, the OP seems to only want the Ultegra 6500 version - "I
have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size, but only see
them at egregious prices.

Quoted message said:

Don't you think that $70 for an Ultegra is among the "egregious
prices"?

Yup, but I wouldn't limit myself to just an ultegra bb either.
Interestingly, AEBike lists the DA version for only $60, what a
bargain!

$60 for a DA beats $70 for an Ultegra by quite a bit, eh?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I wore out the original 105 BB in a couple
years, and the DA version is a little pricey."

Quoted message said:

And, I doubt a 105 is really shorter lived than an Ultegra.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

If I was him, I stock up on the $13 model and RIDE!!!!-

Quoted message said:

Yep, treat it like a Bic shaver.

Hey, we actually agree on a couple of things!

Probably on more than a couple.

......but never on useless odd-sized wheels and tires as promoted by
self-serving niche marketers. ;-)

"Ozark Bicycle" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

bfd said:

On May 29, 2:42 pm, Ozark Bicycle

Quoted message said:

On May 29, 4:27 pm, bfd <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

> On May 29, 2:12 pm, Diablo Scott <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

> > VeloJon wrote:
> > > I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to

be any

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at

this

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that

size,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original

105 BB

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are

there

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Quoted message said:

> > Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

Quoted message said:

> > There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

Quoted message said:

> Shimano allowed several companies to make cranks for octalink bbs

like

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> Ritchey, FSA and Sugino, to name a few. However, Shimano NEVER
> licensed the rights to others to make octalink bbs. Thus, you're
> limited to what's available:

Quoted message said:

> Sheldon has 68x118 -

$70:http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html#shimano

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> Any good LBS either should have it or can get it via distributor

like

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> QBP, but it ain't gonna be cheap. Good Luck!

Quoted message said:

A E Bike lists 68 x118 Octalink BBs starting at $12.99, and the BB5500
(105) model at $34.99

Quoted message said:

http://tinyurl.com/3afb2p

Agree. But, the OP seems to only want the Ultegra 6500 version - "I
have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size, but only see
them at egregious prices.

Don't you think that $70 for an Ultegra is among the "egregious
prices"?

Quoted message said:

I wore out the original 105 BB in a couple
years, and the DA version is a little pricey."

And, I doubt a 105 is really shorter lived than an Ultegra.

Quoted message said:

If I was him, I stock up on the $13 model and RIDE!!!!-

Yep, treat it like a Bic shaver.

$13 model is a V2 Octalink.
V2 =/= V1

Rumor has it that Shimano will only make the 5500 series.

Kurd said:

"Ozark Bicycle" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

bfd said:

On May 29, 2:42 pm, Ozark Bicycle

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

<[email hidden]> wrote:
> On May 29, 4:27 pm, bfd <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > On May 29, 2:12 pm, Diablo Scott <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > VeloJon wrote:
> > > > I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to

be any

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at

this

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that

size,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original

105 BB

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are

there

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Shimano allowed several companies to make cranks for octalink bbs

like

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Ritchey, FSA and Sugino, to name a few. However, Shimano NEVER
> > licensed the rights to others to make octalink bbs. Thus, you're
> > limited to what's available:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Sheldon has 68x118 -

$70:http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html#shimano

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Any good LBS either should have it or can get it via distributor

like

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > QBP, but it ain't gonna be cheap. Good Luck!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> A E Bike lists 68 x118 Octalink BBs starting at $12.99, and the BB5500
> (105) model at $34.99

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>http://tinyurl.com/3afb2p

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Agree. But, the OP seems to only want the Ultegra 6500 version - "I
have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size, but only see
them at egregious prices.

Quoted message said:

Don't you think that $70 for an Ultegra is among the "egregious
prices"?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I wore out the original 105 BB in a couple
years, and the DA version is a little pricey."

Quoted message said:

And, I doubt a 105 is really shorter lived than an Ultegra.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

If I was him, I stock up on the $13 model and RIDE!!!!-

Quoted message said:

Yep, treat it like a Bic shaver.

$13 model is a V2 Octalink.
V2 =/= V1

Rumor has it that Shimano will only make the 5500 series.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanks to all for your help. All the suggested web sites are out of
stock in the 68x118 size - even Sheldon. Going with the BIC shaver
approach. Cheers, VJ

Kurd said:

"Ozark Bicycle" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

bfd said:

On May 29, 2:42 pm, Ozark Bicycle

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

<[email hidden]> wrote:
> On May 29, 4:27 pm, bfd <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > On May 29, 2:12 pm, Diablo Scott <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > VeloJon wrote:
> > > > I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to

be any

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at

this

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that

size,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original

105 BB

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are

there

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Shimano allowed several companies to make cranks for octalink bbs

like

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Ritchey, FSA and Sugino, to name a few. However, Shimano NEVER
> > licensed the rights to others to make octalink bbs. Thus, you're
> > limited to what's available:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Sheldon has 68x118 -

$70:http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html#shimano

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Any good LBS either should have it or can get it via distributor

like

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > QBP, but it ain't gonna be cheap. Good Luck!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> A E Bike lists 68 x118 Octalink BBs starting at $12.99, and the BB5500
> (105) model at $34.99

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>http://tinyurl.com/3afb2p

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Agree. But, the OP seems to only want the Ultegra 6500 version - "I
have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size, but only see
them at egregious prices.

Quoted message said:

Don't you think that $70 for an Ultegra is among the "egregious
prices"?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I wore out the original 105 BB in a couple
years, and the DA version is a little pricey."

Quoted message said:

And, I doubt a 105 is really shorter lived than an Ultegra.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

If I was him, I stock up on the $13 model and RIDE!!!!-

Quoted message said:

Yep, treat it like a Bic shaver.

$13 model is a V2 Octalink.
V2 =/= V1

I missed that detail. Mea culpa.

Quoted message said:

Rumor has it that Shimano will only make the 5500 series.-

I guess the victims of the Octalink fiasco should take what Shimano
deigns to offer and be grateful. :-(

VeloJon said:

I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any
options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

No non shimano octalink at all..never has been..what's 'egregious' to
you? The bearings in 5503 and 6503 are the same, BTW-

Ozark Bicycle said:

bfd said:

On May 29, 2:12 pm, Diablo Scott <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

VeloJon wrote:
> I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any
> options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
> point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
> but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
> in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
> any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made the
cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

Quoted message said:

Shimano allowed several companies to make cranks for octalink bbs like
Ritchey, FSA and Sugino, to name a few. However, Shimano NEVER
licensed the rights to others to make octalink bbs. Thus, you're
limited to what's available:

Quoted message said:

Sheldon has 68x118 - $70:http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html#shimano

Quoted message said:

Any good LBS either should have it or can get it via distributor like
QBP, but it ain't gonna be cheap. Good Luck!

A E Bike lists 68 x118 Octalink BBs starting at $12.99, and the BB5500
(105) model at $34.99

http://tinyurl.com/3afb2p

The 'ES' versions are MTB specific, like for XT/LX cranks, with fatter
splines..will not work with a 5500/6500/7700 crank.

VeloJon said:

Kurd said:

"Ozark Bicycle" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

On May 29, 4:53 pm, bfd <[email hidden]> wrote:
> On May 29, 2:42 pm, Ozark Bicycle

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> <[email hidden]> wrote:
> > On May 29, 4:27 pm, bfd <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > On May 29, 2:12 pm, Diablo Scott <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > VeloJon wrote:
> > > > > I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to

be any

Quoted message said:

> > > > > options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at

this

Quoted message said:

> > > > > point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that

size,

Quoted message said:

> > > > > but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original

105 BB

Quoted message said:

> > > > > in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are

there

Quoted message said:

> > > > > any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > > There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made

the

Quoted message said:

> > > > cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > Shimano allowed several companies to make cranks for octalink bbs

like

Quoted message said:

> > > Ritchey, FSA and Sugino, to name a few. However, Shimano NEVER
> > > licensed the rights to others to make octalink bbs. Thus, you're
> > > limited to what's available:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > Sheldon has 68x118 -

Quoted message said:

$70:http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html#shimano

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > Any good LBS either should have it or can get it via distributor

like

Quoted message said:

> > > QBP, but it ain't gonna be cheap. Good Luck!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > A E Bike lists 68 x118 Octalink BBs starting at $12.99, and the BB5500
> > (105) model at $34.99

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> >http://tinyurl.com/3afb2p

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> Agree. But, the OP seems to only want the Ultegra 6500 version - "I
> have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size, but only see
> them at egregious prices.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Don't you think that $70 for an Ultegra is among the "egregious
prices"?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> I wore out the original 105 BB in a couple
> years, and the DA version is a little pricey."

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And, I doubt a 105 is really shorter lived than an Ultegra.

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> If I was him, I stock up on the $13 model and RIDE!!!!-

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Yep, treat it like a Bic shaver.

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$13 model is a V2 Octalink.
V2 =/= V1

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Rumor has it that Shimano will only make the 5500 series.- Hide quoted text -

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- Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

Quoted message said:

- Show quoted text -

Thanks to all for your help. All the suggested web sites are out of
stock in the 68x118 size - even Sheldon. Going with the BIC shaver
approach. Cheers, VJ

I have 6503 BBs..$70 plus shipping..

Qui si parla Campagnolo said:

On May 29, 3:42 pm, Ozark Bicycle

Quoted message said:

On May 29, 4:27 pm, bfd <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

On May 29, 2:12 pm, Diablo Scott <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> VeloJon wrote:
> > I need a new BB, Octalink V1 68x118, and there doesn't seem to be any
> > options except Shimano (105 and DA level only, no Ultegra at this
> > point). I have surfed high and low for a BB-6500 BB in that size,
> > but only see them at egregious prices. I wore out the original 105 BB
> > in a couple years, and the DA version is a little pricey. Are there
> > any non-Shimano versions of this thing?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> Search on BB-6503 still some around. http://tinyurl.com/yqbot7

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> There was one non-Shimano Octalink company but I think they made the
> cranks only, not BBs... was probably Ritchey.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Shimano allowed several companies to make cranks for octalink bbs like
Ritchey, FSA and Sugino, to name a few. However, Shimano NEVER
licensed the rights to others to make octalink bbs. Thus, you're
limited to what's available:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Sheldon has 68x118 - $70:http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html#shimano

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Any good LBS either should have it or can get it via distributor like
QBP, but it ain't gonna be cheap. Good Luck!

Quoted message said:

A E Bike lists 68 x118 Octalink BBs starting at $12.99, and the BB5500
(105) model at $34.99

Quoted message said:

http://tinyurl.com/3afb2p

The 'ES' versions are MTB specific, like for XT/LX cranks, with fatter
splines..will not work with a 5500/6500/7700 crank.-

Yep, as noted earlier, I missed the 'V2' designation. Once again, mea
culpa.