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Bottom bracket choices

Mar 14, 2008
65
0
Just thrashed another cheap BB from one of the main manufacturers (been through Truvativ, Shimano, Raceface...), and wondering about my options in replacing it.

Top tier BBs like those from King promise much, but do they deliver? Any thoughts much appreciated!
 

manhattanprjkt83

Rusty Trombone
Jul 10, 2003
9,644
1,214
Nilbog
what are you doing that trashes bbs that quick...in my experience they last a long time esp outboard bearings...

the e.13 systems are big and def seem to have a long lasting system going on...
 

al-irl

Turbo Monkey
Dec 9, 2004
1,086
0
A, A
2 years with a hope ceramic bb with zero maintenance. Used it in plenty of nasty conditions and it still as smooth as the day I first used it.
 

bjorn

Chimp
Nov 10, 2008
12
0
2 years with a hope ceramic bb with zero maintenance. Used it in plenty of nasty conditions and it still as smooth as the day I first used it.
I can say the same thing about the 35USD Race Face diabalous BB I have, but yours is cooler.
 

HardtailHack

used an iron once
Jan 20, 2009
6,628
5,443
I'd get your BB faced before shelling out on an expensive BB if it hasn't been already.
I have had one frame that I kept chewing out BB's on, it was because the BB shell was a smidge wider than spec and I couldn't tighten the cranks without preloading the bearings a bit.
It didn't feel like much drag but after having the frame faced I got over a year from a RF BB.
 

bjorn

Chimp
Nov 10, 2008
12
0
At the risk of trying to be helpful, one thing i have noticed is how sensitive the outboard bearings are to both BB facing and lateral preload ... the latter is so very easy to get ... simply and slightly over tightening when putting the cranks in can do it.
 

atrokz

Turbo Monkey
Mar 14, 2002
1,552
77
teedotohdot
If you're going through Shimano BB's that quick, something else is wrong with your set up. As others have stated, it's probably due to misalignment and imporoper install. I'm 200lbs and can get several seasons out of a Shimano BB on a DH bike as can most people. Sort that stuff out before you shell out cash on what is essentialy just another overpriced bearing that you'll wear out.
 
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