Bottom bracket - what type?

[catso]

Recently acquired a Scott (Genius MC40) full suspension bike, it's a few years old and in good condition but is missing some parts - namely the bottom bracket/crank/pedals and rear mech (derailleur).

I thought buying a new bottom bracket was simple, just by the size (in this case 73mm) but there are so many types available; square taper, hollowtech, octalink etc.

Obviously the crank and BB need to be the same type and since I have neither I've got a free hand in what to get. I want decent kit but don't want to spend a fortune, any advice on what setup to get?

[DS240]

As you’ve said, it will depend on your chosen crankset. Then select a 73mm bb suitable for your crankset.

Have a look on wheels manufacturing website. Pretty good reputation for quality.

[catso]

I understand they need to match, what is confusing me is what type to get and why, e.g. are square taper becoming obsolete, is there a tangible benefit in one type over another, anything to avoid etc.?

[gazza285]

Square taper is heavy, but reliable. Not much choice of quality cranks nowadays.

Octalink is pretty much obsolete.

Hollowtech is light, but expect to change the cups on a regular basis.

GXP. Crap.

[catso]

Thanks for the advice, in the end I was a bit limited by the gear setup as the bike is an old school 27 speed and due to the front mech being fixed in position can't take too big a sprocket so I ended up with a Shimano Deore octalink which is working nicely.

Just need to get fitter to properly exploit the suspension;