Hello,

I've just fitted an XT hollowtech II crankset but I'm not getting the ideal chainline. To even get close, I've had to install the drive side bearing without any spacers (i.e. not as Shimano recommend).

To get the ideal chainline, I reckon I need a spacer that's maybe 0.5 to 1 mm thinner than the ones that Shimano supply (2.5 mm as standard). Does anyone know where you can get a 'B' type spacer (1.8 mm)?

Before you get to concerned about it James try the front mech and you may find it shifts fine with the chainline as you have it. If not, add a spacer and try it again.

Cheers Mike. I've adjusted the front mech as far as it will go on both the higher and lower stops and I've got it working(ish) with no spacer installed. However, it's not as slick as I'd like getting into the granny. Therefore, if I could install a thin spacer, I could get the mech sitting more in the middle of the adjustment for the higher and lower screws.

I have just installed one and don't you get 1x2.5mm 1x1.7mm and 1x0.8mm or something along those lines so that you can fine tune the spacing? I definately got 3 spacers and it fitted fine on a 68mm bb shell.

IIRC the spacer that Mavic supply with their wheels to stop some cassettes moving around is the same ID as the HTII spacers.

Have you got the front mech as low as possible?

The other thing I would try is to unscrew the drive side bearing 1.8mm and try the front mech set up again. This may confirm your thoughts.

Don't ride it obviously (not saying this for your benefit James, just the pedants here).

The spacers are all the same size wilson.

Thanks for the info about the Mavic spacers Mike.

The front mech is as low as is physically possible. It's a bit annoying considering my Hollowtech I chainset just had a standard 68/113 bottom bracket and was perfect for adjustment.

You're right about all the spacers being the same size. It's a bit naff considering the installation instructions show three different sizes though!

They do?

*goes off to check destructions and bike*

Yup, they show spacer A (the ones I've got) at 2.5 mm, spacer B at 1.8 mm and spacer C at 0.7mm. I need spacer B! I'm trying to find chainset spares on the Ultimate Pursuits website but, as usual, it's about as user friendly as flat pack furniture!

He's right, the version here shows three different sized spacers.

saved me a trip to the shed then. cheers!!

Surprise, surprise, the UP website doesn't have them. They have 1, 2.5, 3 and 3.5 mm spacers but not 1.8mm. Ferchrissakes. I think I'll try begging my LBS to see whether they've got anything. If not, I'll order up a 1mm spacer for the princely sum of £2.95.

James, if you ask wilson nicely he may send you his spare spacer :-)

Also depends which variant you bought.

Spacers for the M761 are one of each whereas the M760 has three @ 2.5mm.

I got the M760 (thinking that would be fairly standard) so I got three of one size. You would've thought that the big S would supply spare spacers though!

On a related subject, is it necessary to install the plastic tube thingie that comes with the bearings or can you just leave it out (as I did)? I can't see what benefit it gives you.

The plastic thingy saves the crap that can come down your seat tube from sitting in/on the bearings.

you could gladly have mine but I used all 3, what about contacting whoever sold you the chainset or the importers? Should have come with different size spacers, failure to supply the correct fitting kit could damage the chainset/frame so they should give you the correct spacers.

Should have come with different size spacers

Sorry, but no. Shimano only supply 3 of Type A spacers with the M760, the M761 comes with Type's A, B and C. They aren't obliged to supply one of each with the M760 if they deem it unnecessary. To make life easier, they should. :)

Here, in the pdf Mike linked to.

thats a bit crap isnt it? wonder why they do that then? confusion - shimano's middle name