Avoid These Costly Shimano FC-6800 Crankset Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Drivetrain

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The Shimano FC-6800 [paid link] crankset is an exceptional choice for road cyclists, offering high-quality performance with smooth and reliable shifting. However, like any component, improper installation, maintenance, or handling can lead to costly mistakes that may affect your bike’s drivetrain. This article will walk you through common errors that cyclists make when dealing with the Shimano FC-6800 [paid link] crankset and how to avoid them to keep your setup running smoothly.

1. Incorrect Installation of the Crankset

One of the most common mistakes cyclists make when installing the Shimano FC-6800 [paid link] crankset is improper installation. If the crankset is not installed correctly, it can lead to a variety of issues, including creaks, power loss, and poor shifting performance. Ensuring the crankset is installed correctly is essential for maximizing its lifespan and performance.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the correct tools.
  • Double-check that the crank arms are installed on the correct sides—ensure the left crank arm is on the left side and the right crank arm is on the right.
  • Properly torque the crank arm bolts to the recommended specifications, typically 12-14 Nm, depending on your model.
  • Make sure that the bottom bracket is compatible with the Shimano FC-6800 and installed correctly. A misaligned or incorrectly sized bottom bracket can cause issues with crankset installation and performance.

2. Not Properly Lubricating the Bottom Bracket or Crankset

Lubrication plays a critical role in keeping your Shimano FC-6800 crankset running smoothly. Failing to lubricate the bottom bracket or crankset properly can lead to excessive friction, which may result in wear and tear. Additionally, dry components can cause creaking sounds and even cause the parts to seize up over time.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Apply a thin layer of grease to the bottom bracket interface when installing it.
  • Use a high-quality bicycle grease and avoid petroleum-based lubricants, which can damage the components.
  • When attaching the crank arms to the bottom bracket, ensure that the interface is properly lubricated to prevent friction and ease installation.

3. Over-Tightening or Under-Tightening the Crank Arm Bolts

Proper torque is crucial when installing or maintaining the Shimano FC-6800 crankset. Over-tightening crank arm bolts can damage the threads and cause the bolts to strip, leading to costly repairs. On the other hand, under-tightening the bolts can lead to loose crank arms that may result in instability, reduced power transfer, and even the risk of the crank arm coming loose during a ride.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Always use a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the crank arm bolts.
  • Tighten the bolts to the recommended torque value (usually around 12-14 Nm).
  • Recheck the tightness of the bolts after a few rides to ensure they haven’t loosened.

4. Ignoring Compatibility Issues

Cyclists often overlook compatibility issues when upgrading or replacing parts of their drivetrain. Shimano FC-6800 cranksets are designed to work seamlessly with Shimano 11-speed drivetrains. Attempting to use this crankset with incompatible components, such as a 10-speed drivetrain or non-Shimano components, can cause shifting problems, poor power transfer, and excessive wear on both the crankset and the drivetrain.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Ensure that the Shimano FC-6800 crankset is compatible with the rest of your drivetrain, especially the cassette, chain, and front derailleur.
  • When upgrading or replacing components, check the specifications for compatibility before making a purchase.
  • Stick to Shimano’s recommended components for the best performance and longevity of your bike’s drivetrain.

5. Neglecting Regular Maintenance

While the Shimano FC-6800 crankset is built to withstand a significant amount of wear and tear, neglecting regular maintenance can lead to premature wear. A crankset that is not cleaned, lubricated, or inspected regularly will suffer from reduced performance and may eventually need costly repairs or replacements.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Clean the crankset regularly, especially after riding in wet or muddy conditions.
  • Check for wear on the chainrings and crank arms and replace any worn parts immediately.
  • Lubricate the moving parts, such as the pedal threads and the interface between the crank arms and bottom bracket, to ensure smooth operation.
  • Inspect the crankset for cracks or signs of damage, especially if you’ve experienced any hard impacts or crashes.

6. Skipping Crankset and Chainring Alignment Checks

Misalignment between the crankset and chainrings can cause poor shifting performance, chain drop, and inefficient pedaling. Over time, wear can cause the chainrings to shift or move out of alignment, resulting in less than optimal drivetrain performance.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Regularly check the alignment of the crankset and chainrings using a tool like a crankset alignment gauge.
  • If you notice that the chainrings have become misaligned or damaged, replace them promptly.
  • Keep an eye on the chain’s condition as a worn chain can contribute to misalignment and excessive wear on the crankset.

7. Failure to Check Chain Length Compatibility

A common oversight is not ensuring the correct chain length when installing or replacing a Shimano FC-6800 crankset. An incorrect chain length can cause shifting issues, inefficient power transfer, and even chain drop. It’s essential to ensure that your chain is properly sized to work with your specific crankset and drivetrain setup.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Follow Shimano’s chain length recommendations for the FC-6800 crankset, ensuring that the chain is neither too long nor too short.
  • Use a chain checker tool to determine if the chain has stretched and needs to be replaced.
  • When replacing the chain, measure it carefully before installation to ensure the correct length.

8. Not Upgrading When Necessary

Over time, your Shimano FC-6800 crankset may begin to show signs of wear, especially if you regularly ride in harsh conditions. While this crankset is built to last, ignoring the need for upgrades or part replacements can lead to diminished performance and ultimately a more expensive fix down the road.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Monitor your crankset’s performance and replace parts like the chainrings or crank arms if they show significant wear.
  • Upgrade the bottom bracket when necessary, as a worn bottom bracket can affect the overall performance of your crankset and drivetrain.
  • Replace the crankset if it becomes damaged or too worn to perform at its best.

Conclusion

The Shimano FC-6800 crankset is a top-tier component that delivers excellent performance and longevity when maintained properly. However, making the wrong decisions during installation, maintenance, or upgrades can result in costly repairs, poor performance, and even the failure of your drivetrain. By avoiding the common mistakes outlined in this article, you’ll ensure that your Shimano FC-6800 crankset remains in optimal condition for many miles of smooth riding. Always follow best practices for installation, lubrication, maintenance, and compatibility to get the most out of your investment.