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Power Torque vs Ultra Torque

by userfriendly
Mon, Feb 16, 2015 11:09
8

Hi there

What are people's opinions on which one is the better technology? I gather Power Torque is cheaper to make and the higher end groupsets are still using Ultra Torque, but I've also read a number of complaints from users with Ultra Torque cranksets about clicking noises etc which went away after switching to either Power Torque or non-Campagnolo.

The reason I'm asking that I want to build up a bike with an Athena groupset next month, and you can still get the pre-2011 Ultra Torque version of the crankset for roughly the same price. I don't much care that I would need to get an expensive tool for removal of Power Torque cranks, what's more important to me is whether one is less hassle to keep running smoothly than the other.

Cheers!

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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8 comments

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userfriendly | 10 years ago
0 likes

Right, the little drawback of spending some money on the right tool (or modifying a cheap car tool) aside, it looks to me like I'd be better off going with Power Torque, as that's less likely to have issues with BB shell width and the associated hassle. Also seems lighter. That about correct?

Thanks, everyone. 1 You've all been quite helpful.

Avatar
crikey | 10 years ago
1 like

I have roundly abused people for engaging in the Campag-Shimano tomfoolery that pops up now and again, but I can't help thinking that Campags approach to bottom bracketery has dumped a considerable amount of fannying about on those who choose to use it. I don't know if this relates to the patent-happy approach of Shimano, but there is a lot to be said for the Shimano ease of use...

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Jimmy Ray Will replied to crikey | 10 years ago
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crikey wrote:

I have roundly abused people for engaging in the Campag-Shimano tomfoolery that pops up now and again, but I can't help thinking that Campags approach to bottom bracketery has dumped a considerable amount of fannying about on those who choose to use it. I don't know if this relates to the patent-happy approach of Shimano, but there is a lot to be said for the Shimano ease of use...

Absolutely this....

The powertorque solution is a great one in as much as light, stiff, reliable, but sadly no one spent any time thinking about getting it off.

The ultimate option being... buy a tool that costs as much as the damn cranks, or as described, manufacture your own tool.

That is hardly good enough.

This thread has reminded me of the joys of Ultra-torque however... I'd forgotten about that. Does anyone know how Ultra-torque behaves in BB30 bottom brackets?

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mike the bike | 10 years ago
0 likes

I've got Power Torque on my favourite bike and it's one of the reasons it's my favourite. It looks lovely, works very well and, despite rumours spread by Campag' in an attempt to persuade you to buy their expensive tools, is easy to maintain.

Instead of splashing out large sums on the official crank removal tool simply buy a cheap bearing puller designed for cars and grind down the "feet" until they fit.
A tenner should cover the cost and you can charge your mates rental every time they use it.

Come on guys, think laterally or we will end up in an all-Shimano world and, good though their stuff is, that's not a desirable state of affairs.

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edster99 | 10 years ago
0 likes

My experience with UT on best bike is
1) click, click
2) Snap! connecting bolt sheared
3) replaced under warranty
4) Snap! connecting bolt sheared
5) replaced again under warranty (me : 14 )
6) tested : tight. very very tight. Get suspicious and think the cranks have also been replaced - a noticeable scratch has mysteriously disappeared. Take apart several times myself. Replace bearings. somewhat better, not much. Eventually remove the wavy washer. Everything is lovely. Silent, no play. Stiff, no clicks, no wobbles, all good, and 2.5K miles later, still going fine.

Moral of the story : this whole tolerance business is a nightmare. Get it right though, and its very good.

Avatar
userfriendly | 10 years ago
0 likes

So, for UT I may either need to face the BB shell or a washer or two depending on how much it is (or isn't) within tolerances?

Other than having to splash out for the cyclo tool with PT, what else is better with UT? Is it stiffer, or is it the same in that regard?

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therevokid | 10 years ago
0 likes

power torque ... bah, pile of pooh. ultra torque clicks occur (apparently) from
bottom bracket shell sizing issues.
sorry, should qualify that ... power torque maintenence is a pile of pooh 3

I've had ultra torque on the "good" bike for over a year with no issues at all.
I've also got power torque on the other bike and found the park tool tools
just not man enough to get the original athena alloy crankset off. had to
splash a lot of cash on the cyclo version in the end.

Avatar
Jimmy Ray Will | 10 years ago
0 likes

Hmmm, I'd say you should be concerned about the tool... the available tools on the market seem to be completely inadequate. ..

From my experiences, this is enough to avoid powertorque like the plague.

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