Campagnolo Square Taper vs Ultra Torque for Durability/ Daily Rider

I've got the choice of installing square taper or Ultra Torque chainset on my daily rider. It will be ridden daily in all weather and occasionally locked up outside so longevity is key. I've read various reports that the outboard bearings are not as weather proof on UT. I appreciate they are easy to remove and re-grease but then again cartridge square taper are pretty much install and forget.

I'm reluctant to buy the proprietary cup tool, 10mm hex bit and bearing puller (or pay a shop to install) when I already have the tools for square taper, especially if the UT bearings need replacing regularly . I also don't own a torque wrench. So I'm leaning towards square taper.. Is there any reason /advantage to go UT? I can't see one but plenty of people use them?

Weight for each is approximately the same. I've had my bb shell faced and chased and it is within tolerance for UT.

I'd say use square-taper for general commuting duties. For longevity mainly.

UT is more of a faff than GPX/Shimano. In process and speciality tools the Italians can GTFO..

Cup tool isn't proprietary, and you don't really need a bearing puller. UT is good, but for a daily rider I'd go ST.

No but the crank puller and monster allen key are an Italian requirement (you need both to swap UT/PT).

Allen key is also good for investigating strange noises in the middle of the night.

... the crank puller and monster allen key are an Italian requirement (you need both to swap UT/PT).

You only need a bearing puller to remove PT (or change bearings on UT).

I've ridden UT through several Winters without complaint.

However, if a) absolute durability is a priority and b) you don't have the tools*, then I'd go for square taper: UT is by no means fragile, but for the use you've described I don't see what advantages it would offer.

*The cup tool is common to other external BB and the only other tools needed for installation and removal are a 10mm bit for your torque wrench (although my experiments have shown that I can get the correct torque using a long-armed key and doing it up TAF).

So a requirement then :)

Is this monster also needed for UT?
(Shown next to a 10mm)

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All that you need for UT is this £8 tool, and your usual external BB tool. Never had to change bearings on an UT chainset.

So a requirement then :)

What? A bearing puller?

Not unless you change your own bearings: a task which is so infrequent that it will take a few trips to the LBS to make your own tool economic.

That's UT of course. PT can GTFO >>>>>>>>

I don't like people touching my stuff.

OK so how durable are those UT bearings? If they will last a year or two I don't mind getting my lbs to change them that infrequently but not every 6 months, as some people seem to .

Carbon UT is so pretty tho...

Obviously it depends on the use they get, but annually at the very minimum for me.

I can't really remember (it's so infrequent), so I'm erring on the side of caution.

If your bearings need changing every six months, then you're doing something wrong (or a lot of CX).

Thanks I assume when you say minimum you mean you're not replacing them more than once a year !

Not clear is it: I meant that I'm getting at least twelve months use before I have to change the bearings.

I honestly doubt I've had to do it even every two years: I change the bearings when buying second-hand as a matter of course, so it's hard to remember when I changed what and for what reason.

OK , thanks. Despite what I've laid out above I would like to try UT, partly out of interest and also for a change of aesthetics as Ive always used ST.

A friend nearby has a torque wrench and an external bb tool he has offered to lend me so I may give it whirl . If I find its not durable enough for my situation I guess I can sell it on.

You don't actually need the cup tool for installation: hand tight and Loctite is ok too.

Campag keep changing their mind about which is the recommended method, but I've used both and have cheated death so far...

I bought one of these sets from my local toolman for I think £4 or £5, so can do the centre bolt on UT with a normal 1/2" drive ratchet. Does the job perfectly and the bits don't appear to be made from cheese.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hex-Allen-Keys-Set-15pc-1-2-Drive-Wrench-Key-Socket-Bit-Set-Metric-4-12mm-/262293834644?hash=item3d11ee4b94:g:m68AAOSwyTZUWhmC