Removing Isis Cranks

[HillSlugger]

I want to switch out the cranks on my commuter bike. The bottom bracket has an Isis linkage. I remove the central bolt on the cranks but the arms won't come off. Is there any trick I can use to get them off short of buying a crank puller?

[Flybye]

I want to switch out the cranks on my commuter bike. The bottom bracket has an Isis linkage. I remove the central bolt on the cranks but the arms won't come off. Is there any trick I can use to get them off short of buying a crank puller?

The only help that I can give it to remember that they both unscrew to the back of the bike - no lefty loosie, rightie tightie!

[DebW]

The only help that I can give it to remember that they both unscrew to the back of the bike - no lefty loosie, rightie tightie!

Crank bolts are all right handed, to the best of my knowledge (not that I've worked on every brand, though ...). Maybe you are thinking of pedals, Flybye.

MDHillSlug, you'll need a crank puller. Shouldn't cost more than $15, but get the one for splined crank arms, not square-tapered crank arms.

[Flybye]

Crank bolts are all right handed, to the best of my knowledge (not that I've worked on every brand, though ...). Maybe you are thinking of pedals, Flybye.

MDHillSlug, you'll need a crank puller. Shouldn't cost more than $15, but get the one for splined crank arms, not square-tapered crank arms.

My bad = you are right. Wups!

[HillSlugger]

I bought a crank puller and got the cranks off only to discover that the replacement cranks don't fit. Apparently there's more than one size Isis link?!?

[DebW]

There is ISIS with 10 splines and Octalink with 8 splines.

[HillSlugger]

Yeah, I know. Both my old cranks and new cranks have 10 splines (I've counted them repeatedly, disbelieving), but the new cranks seem designed for a larger diameter linkage; they fit around the BB splines rather than properly fitting an engaging with them. The old and new cranks use a different crank bolts, too. Would you like to see some pictures?

[HillSlugger]

I ended up buying a new bottom bracket so that I could use the new cranks. If you're interested, here's a picture of the two Isis drives; the new is on the left.

[smilingcat]

even though you have bought a crank puller, it still is cheaper to DIY and you learn more about your own equipment.

And I learned something too

Thank you for posting the picture.
Smilingcat