I HATED my BB90 bottom bracket ... so I changed it to THIS

[@ChrisBHaven]

I recently saw a video by park tools where upon trying to remove the second half, he inserted the removal tool then pushed a socket inside to force the arms of the removal tool out to lock on before hammering. You may not need that info anymore but it was a cool pro tip.

[@paddlingfan1]

Dear Sportive Cyclist, Can you give us a long term update on the replacement BB? How is it performing for you now?

[@Sportivecyclist]

@nobodyisname i will take this bet

[@rgpeters]

I did this conversion, around Nov-22, I had too replace it again with another Token Ninja in May-23 and again around Nov-23, the bearings are fully open and bad quality, I would not recommend this to anyone, Trek has a "bearing Cup" replacement program, were they faceout the bearing cup and clue a new cup in so that the bearings alight correctly, this should be done for free even if the bikes not in warranty anymore

[@nobodyisname]

@@rgpeters I cant like this comment enough times. Hope it goes to the top and everyone learns this product is hot garbage and Sportive Cyclist is a sham

[@Sportivecyclist]

@nobodyisname I can’t believe I am responding to your bizarrely aggressive comments. Some clarifications: 1. I do this as a hobby. I make videos because I enjoy making them. I make them primarily for entertainment with a bit of info mixed in. I am not a public service. You have never paid me. I am under no obligation to you to do anything. 2. I bought the Token BB with my own money. I fitted it to my own bike. It is still on my own bike. I don’t record how many miles I’ve done on it because I have a life and that is boring. It’s also probably been used mainly for indoor cycling for the last couple of years. 3. If you came here looking to find out whether you should buy one, YOU HAVE YOUR ANSWER: No. The comment above (which is sensible and based on significant usage, and therefore a perfectly reasonable thing to post under this video as advice to others) is surely enough evidence for you that YOU should not buy this bottom bracket. Even if I created a video that disputed everything in that comment, you’d be no wiser. Why are you still harassing me? In summary, your anger (issues) should probably be directed to Trek for designing the bike with a BB90 bottom bracket in the first place. So in the nicest possible way, please jog on.

[@rgpeters]

@@SportivecyclistI hope you didn’t take my comment as something directed at you, just posting my experience of the bad quality that Token is, I think your video is well made and helpful

[@sonny.v925]

After dealing with endless problems with BB90 on my Trek Madone (that I sold), I built my Domane using this BB and it has been great from day 1.

[@GoriRJ]

Are the bearings replaceble?

[@hjt5817]

I also had problems removing the BB-90 just as you did. But a simple solution turned out to be pushing a wooden handle (of an old srewdriver) fitting in the opening of the removal tool opposite the one where you will hit this tool.

[@mitchellmoore6206]

Nice Tutorial. I see I'm not the only one that these projects take much longer than expected. Good job!

[@betterbuddyny]

Just ordered a Token Ninja based on this video! All your stuff is entertaining and super-helpful. Thanks!

[@Missedapex]

I was not aware of the Token after market kit - I gave up looking for an alternative to the BB90 standard. You are entertaining and I appreciate your cautious determination - brilliant!

[@Vam1500]

Thank you! Great video. The park tool people say to put a socket in the splines of the extractor tool to spread them and keep them touching the side of the bearing your are trying to remove.

[@eustacehyliger3487]

Thank you for the video. Your recorded experience is a great teaching tool which will aid me when time comes to replace my BB90 with the Token BB I purchased some time ago. Again, thank you.

[@daniellarson3068]

I watched education videos a few months back when I replaced the bottom bracket in my 32 year old steel bike. From time to time I ponder getting a new bike. This video convinced me to get another metal bicycle frame if I ever do. It convinced me that carbon fiber is too easily damaged with the chance of the bike becoming ruined.

[@robreid57]

I have to try this! I just put my 6th (sixth!!!) BB90 into my 2016 Domane. There is no way I am going to put another one in. This looks like the way to get out of BB90 hell!

[@Michael-et1ys]

Just fitted mine and you can tell it’s been definitely thought out and also fits like a glove

[@romanpramuka2703]

This BB90 is similar to BB86 in terms of creaking and removing. My bike comes with Shimano BB86, after 2000kms it start creaking, I tried to regrease crank axle few times without success and after another 2000kms of creaky rides I installed Token Ninja (also called thread fit BB) Now after 8000kms with Token, still no creaks and smooth bearings. Token Ninja is very affordable and best upgrade to your press fit BB.

[@GoriRJ]

Are the bearings replaceble?

[@romanpramuka2703]

@@GoriRJ of course, if you have proper tools.

[@peterwyse9355]

Excellent and amusing - good to share the same struggles removing the blasted bearings

[@johnthedevil]

"Sleep sleep sleep, AND WE'RE BACK IN THE ROOM" Won a subscription from me. New to the channel and enjoying the content so far well done!

[@jofin300]

Love the videos!. Re difficulty getting old bearings out (I have a Domane 4.5 2013 too) , when the removal tool does not engage properly. Two things to note. Firstly, I used a handbrush handle (wooden broom handle might be good too) inserted into the open end of the tool to try to force the splines to stay seated where needed (other similar ideas by Mtnyard and hjt5817 below). Secondly, if you look through the bottom bracket once the 'easy' bearing (non-drive side) is removed, you can see that the inner trek plastic bracket lining is what drastically reduces the depth of the bearing edge (drive side) for the splines to connect with on that side of the bracket, hence the constant pinging out of the tool. In other words, EVERYONE is going to face this difficulty.

[@forrestegan]

You can put a socket into the bearing removal tool to spread it apart a little more to get better purchase (rather than damaging the plastic sleeve).

[@stvaldr]

Thanks for the video, I used it to help me through the installation of the Token BB90 on my Trek Boone 5.

[@rickf4401]

I’m sorry. I am at 7:06 minutes and I have to pause because I can’t stop laughing!! I can completely relate to what you are going through. Thank you for this wonderful video and commentary.

[@joshdrewpic]

Brilliant! Nice one! Been waiting to see this one and I'm convinced. I'm gonna swap my bb90 for this ninja - the phrase "Greasy silence" got me! 😆

[@barrma1]

Nice video. Love your humor. I have a Domani SL5 with the BB 90 bottom bracket. No problem so far after 8900 miles, but I am cycling in sunny California… Very little riding in wet conditions. I have taken the cranks off twice and remove the bearing covers and seals to flush out the bearings and relubricate. Each time I did this it was badly needed… When the bearings get rough or noisy I will consider purchasing the token ninja. One suggestion: instead of taking the chain off for this job you can remove the rear wheel, put the chain on the small chain ring, and lift it off the crank suspending it with a half turn from the saddle with a bungee cord. With 10 and 11 speed chains I try to avoid pressing pins out, as it can weaken the chain. Cheers!

[@Sportivecyclist]

Nice tip thanks. Though I have a quick link, which makes breaking and re-joining the chain a doddle. I'd agree about not wanting to press out pins any more than i have to!

[@BigDSProductions]

Thanks for the video. I ended up going with the Token Ninja due to this video and the improved engineering of the product. I carefully used an automotive seal puller, that I had previously bought for less than $10 to do some transmission work, to pull the bearings. The greasy side came right out. The rusty side took a bunch of small side-to-side prying before it came out. That bearing was much worse than I thought but had only just started creeking. Looks like the crank spindle had started spinning inside of the rusty bearing. Glad I caught it early. Great video!

[@lauratimmins2177]

I had my 2008 Trek 5.1 Trek Madone BB90 bearing replaced 10 tens ago and just recently after a full service the mechanic says this isn't the answer to my creaking and loose bearing this time. A mechanic at another shop while on vacation this time of the problem says Trek won't honor their lifetime warranty. So trying a second party bearing is what I'll try to fix the problem. Good thing I have a new bike on order. Specialized Creo 2. Plus I have my 20 year Cannondale Slice still riding nicely as a backup. I hope the Madone problem will be remedied for a few more good years of enjoyable riding. 😊

[@Maloud24]

Hell of a work. Just removed mine (come off suprisingly easy), now waiting for my token Ninja.

[@jarekmalinowski6176]

Pro tip - you can wedge a 16mm socket into the removal tool from the bearing side to keep the „arms” expanded and prevent it jumping off the bearing edges

[@stevecooper7038]

I replaced the creek ridden bb90 bottom bracket on both my Treks with the ninja. Can't recommend them enough - ride creek free! 👍🙂

[@davewerner5084]

Can you please confirm that the Ninja works with Trek Carbon fiber frames? Had a bike shop tell me it didn’t work.

[@stevecooper7038]

@@davewerner5084 It works fine. The bike shop were lying mate.

[@stevenmickelson180]

Have a noisy BB on my Trek Madone 2016. I think I am going with the Token Ninja. I am also a 'mechanic incompetent' with limited tools and experience but the bike mechanic is too far away and I would like to gain the skill so it's off to the internet shopping mall. I'll keep you posted. Enjoyed your sense of humor!

[@jorgeaduranbaez655]

I am having the exact same issue. Thank you for the vid. Definitely enjoyed watching!

[@Sportivecyclist]

You're welcome!

[@janplexy]

switched from Sram dub pressfit to Token Ninja few months ago, so far I'm happy.

[@paulobrien4794]

Good on you Monty. I did a similar thing with my Bianchi a few months ago, replaced a SRAM PF30 BB with a Praxis BB which is in the same ballpark as the Ninja. As it happens, I replaced the bearings in my rear Hope hub as well - first time for everything. Also feel you pain about buying so many additional bits and pieces to get the tools working!

[@Sportivecyclist]

Thanks Paul. On a slight tangent, but still bike maintenance related, how do you get on with the ultrasonic cleaner? Has it been a worthwhile purchase?

[@paulobrien4794]

@@Sportivecyclist You are welcome. Good memory, I don’t use it too often, but as part of the same Bianchi rebuild I cleaned everything with it, including front and rear derailleurs - so I think it’s a great, albeit non-essential purchase. Wasn’t that expensive, possibly £90 - £100 as I got a slightly bigger version. And it’s use isn’t limited to the bike.

[@timtaylor9590]

im surprised they dont recommend retaining compound to create a seal and good bond between the bearing and carbon cup in order to prevent contamination and or deterioration of the carbon bb. as for the smoothness and free spin it does seem better than the stock bearings.

[@mytoyota80]

Nice video , you’re enthusiastic and funny. Positive attitude👌

[@Sportivecyclist]

Thank you so much 😁

[@simonlewis1983]

Big thanks Monty; really helpful. Just done this, and bizarrely, nothing went wrong and it just worked. Seems a bit strange!

[@Sportivecyclist]

Nice when that happens!

[@frankflynn7008]

Excellent job! Very informative and and amusing presentation! thanks for the entertainment!

[@richardgate1571]

Some Trek frames were produced with slightly oversized BB shells. Bad Trek QA. Token therefore offer an oversized version of this Bottom Bracket. If the standard one is a slack fit, you will need the oversize one. Performance of this BB is better than the BB90 with respect to creaks, however it’s longevity is much the same. The Token bearings are so small, they are not very durable. They can be replaced and annually seems wise. Replace them as soon as you suspect any issues, if removal separates the inner race from the outer, you will have a job getting the outer race out!

[@stephenmeier7053]

insert a 15 or 17mm Nut when removing the drive side, saw that in a Parkside video. Keeps the removal tool in place.

[@frankiez7414]

once you put in the extracting tool to hammer out the bearing, you can then put in something to then expand the tool, so that it then can get a purchase on the bearing. I find one of the parts out of my socket set works.

[@Sportivecyclist]

Yes, good point

[@highpike]

Thanks for the video, really good. I change my BB90 every year. Sometimes prevention sometimes need. Corrosion on non drive side is the usual suspect. PS It's pronunced Dom arn eee! 👍

[@danielhertercasagrande1686]

happy that I have BSA bottom brakets At the time I listened on my bike mechanic and not on the bike magazine

[@stihldavebergen3469]

Just converted my 2014 Madone 4.3 tonight, hope it lasts a lifetime.

[@fredr124]

I also have a 2014 Madone 4.3. I am thinking of doing the same thing. Are u still happy with the new BB?

[@stihldavebergen3469]

@fredreupert1255 so far it's been good, was a rough year last year so I didn't get a ton of riding in but it seems better than the original ever was.

[@VaeVictisXIII]

Looks like i'm buying a new BB, just had the dreaded creak on my domane five series, despite fresh bearings with loctite the creaking is just too much to ignore. Time to dip into the ol' pocket again ha

[@eca7773]

Informative and entertaining.

[@GNX157]

How did you get the other side of the shell to not turn while you tightened it down?

[@jimijj8325]

Direct press fit into carbon is terrible idea. The tried and true threaded BSA is the best bottom bracket standard.

[@jasperricca]

Excellent. Thank You.

[@gregvassilakos]

At my local Trek store, the staff pronounce the e on the end of Domane, but not the e on the end of Madone. I've asked them why. They just shrug. That's another reason to buy an Emonda - there is no confusion over the pronunciation.

[@NinoSpinner]

Ma quindi la chiave per montare questo Ninja non è inclusa nel movimento centrale? 🤔 E non è neanche compatibile con altre chiavi?

[@ricardomendez9581]

muchas gracias amigo que gran solución a el temible crujido del bb 90

[@johndunbarwoods]

Hello, helpful video. Wondering if this ended up being a long-term solution to your creaking?

[@Sportivecyclist]

I've just got the bike off the trainer for more concerted outdoor use, so I will report back on this. Other commenters have noted that the relief is only temporary....

[@dsmhiggins67]

smaller bearings then ? and lower load rating ? doesn't seem like a very good idea to be honest

[@stevestill4752]

Based on this video I bought this part and installed. Token recommended the C3 oversize. It did not work still creaky bottom bracket

[@dannysmit1230]

I had the same issue, Loctite bearing retainer solved it

[@Ervin1ma]

U couldve wedged a socket or tire lever in the bearing punch. Wouldve came out in one hammer hit.

[@GoriRJ]

Are the bearings replaceble?

[@SuperDarrenwong]

I love the token BB.

[@Sportivecyclist]

Same

[@Peakabike]

Another great video, thanks ! I've noticed some "rubbing noise" under heavy load coming from the left side, would that be a symptom of a problem BB ? It's a Giant TCR Advanced 2019 with what Giant (not very helpfully) describe as a "Shimano Press Fit". Some googling says it could be a BB86...

[@Sportivecyclist]

It could be. But sometimes I've found that rubbing noises can be solved by giving my bike a good wash. For what it's worth, if it is a BB86 bottom bracket and you do fancy the Ninja alternative, then the other comment from Roman gives a big thumbs up to the Ninja BB86 replacement 👍🏻

[@bogeyman9979]

Thanks for this wonderful and honest video, I bought one for my madone. Do you have any issues?

[@krimoll]

Did you not have to use a press tool? That differs from what several different bike shops are telling me...

[@maciejk9997]

Hei. Thanks for the video, it is awesome 👍 how does it look like after 10 months? Still fine?

[@krimoll]

Did you install the oversized version (37,05mm) or the normal version (37,00mm)? How did you decide which to go for? Seems very hard to measure that kind of distance properly with the "normal tools" I have...

[@noahthomas77]

Hi, I’m curious how long lasting you’ve found this BB. I’ve now gone through 2 of these! Both lasted less than 2 years, and the non-drive bearing was completely toast!!

[@tri4autism]

I've not used this one but have used two other pressfit types with my GXP/Sram cranks (one angular the other ceramic) from other manufacturers and same with them... the non-drive side is toast but the drive side generally is still good. Anyway was thinking about trying this one.

[@zzhughesd]

Question/s Do you have more tangible stiffness, I know, you , I , are not Chris Hoy, but... Is it maintenance free, lightish and obv creak free !!!??? Cheers Dan

[@juanbenavent9131]

How is it holding up? any bearing replacement? Given that the spindle is in direct contact with the steel bearing inner race, have you seen any wear and tear in the axle spindle? Thank you

[@bartglover22]

That was not only informative but also enjoyable. Well Done. Can I borrow the torque tool?

[@Sportivecyclist]

Guess it depends where you are Bart!

[@eragon6946]

I am currently stuck replacing my BB90 with the Token 3724. When I try to tighten one side of the BB to the specified 25-30 N m, the other side moves with it as there is no resistance. How did you manage to overcome this issue, it looks like you didn't even have it? The only solution I can think of is when one side is being tightened with the torque wrench, the other should be kept from rotation using a similar tool which fits the BB. But no such tool like that exists! And I cannot even loosen the BB and take it off my bike! Any advice?

[@LaTomb3]

Hello, have you found a solution for this issue ?

[@eragon6946]

@@LaTomb3 Hello. No I haven't, I haven't checked if there is also a better alternative bb on the market since, so that would be a shout. Come back if you find something useful! Thank you.

[@zzhughesd]

I've a question, so my bearings were creak free first 3 years then, great..... then a bad year creaks rode a year on earphones, sorted it with V2 oversized tonight with 37.1 vs 37 v2 bearings. My Question is, on my Summer bike Emonda Trek this gets hit only once a year in rain , can one thus discard the inner plastic nylon shell thingy you mention ? My thoughts are it is causing crankset to not spin freely as 17:35 in your video yours does!!! I think V2 bearings have a different inner diameter as well as outer and the old shell isn't helping?

[@madjackal696]

hi, just checked the polish site. i see they sell replacement bearings TK2434 bearings, because they say they are replaceable. But i don't don understand how this BB could be disassembled, i mean, the outer race is covered by the spline to tighten the bb. Does anyone have any idea how is this suposed to be done?

[@heyg7819]

What are your thought on a 2012 Trek Madone 5.2 for $1000US appears to be in excellent condition with BB and drive chain recently serviced.

[@Ey_up]

"HELLO CYCLING SPORTIVE FANS!!!" Also known as "The Gentleman's Hambini". 😁 Nice vid...how clean is your shed?! (I'm a threaded/square taper man, myself...)

[@Sportivecyclist]

It's a shipping container that was fitted out as a sort of site office. I'm gradually messing it up...

[@Ey_up]

@@Sportivecyclist smart move!

[@giorgiolazzaroni4608]

Molto simpatico!! Bellissimo video, speriamo risolva il mio annoso problema sulla mia Madone SRL9

[@superei8ht2]

Hi Sportive Cyclist. Very useful video. Please could you tell me which adaptor you bought for the torque wrench to fit the token tool? I have the same issue. Thanks!

[@Sportivecyclist]

It's this one: www.tokenproducts.com/bottom-brackets/accessories/bb3724r-2a. If you are in the UK or EU, I bought mine from the Polish Token website (in fact I've bought two) and I had a good experience.

[@garymay1583]

Wanting to change mine but can’t find the correct Token tool! Can I borrow yours?!

[@stihldavebergen3469]

How is the Token Ninja holding up?

[@rubioedwin]

How is it performing now after almost a year of use? I am about to make the investment on the same bb. Thank you for the informative videos.

[@Sportivecyclist]

It’s working really well. The slight issue is that it’s on my bike that is now mainly attached to my indoor trainer so I can’t give it the full outdoors test. My strong sense is that it’s a lot better than the standard press in bearing alternative.

[@paulclark9968]

Excellent, will need to change my BB on my Trek 4.3 and i live near Derby , can i borrow your fitting tool please cheers Paul.

[@Sportivecyclist]

Sure, no problem Paul. Drop me an email and we’ll sort something out

[@davewerner5084]

I had a bike shop tell me the Token Ninja didn’t work in a Trek Carbon fiber frame. Can someone please confirm that it in fact DOES work in a carbon fiber trek frame?

[@justridingalongthewatchtower]

The Trek frame in this video is carbon.

[@niles_stone2540]

6 months on, how is it going any issues still spin as smoothly?

[@Sportivecyclist]

It seems fine *but* that bike has spent the last 5 months on the indoor trainer so it's not really getting a real world experience. Will take it off this week as I need the bike for RideLondon next Sunday, so I'll report back.

[@tokentv713]

Thank you :-). We invite. Even though shipping to UK is now very onerous (Brexit)

[@frankiez7414]

why did you not grease the spacer !!!!!

[@Sportivecyclist]

because I am incompetent !!!!!

[@frankiez7414]

I think the price and the hassle of the new bearing and yet another tool is not worth it. Im sure your life is in many ways enhanced with your new Park tool wrench.(im jealous) So how do you get the old bearing out if the threads wear ? The outcome of all these shennanigans is that there is no easy way to repair bikes and no cheap way either.

[@Sportivecyclist]

Yes, it all contributes to the rich tapestry of life.

[@indobleh]

I would consider some threadlocker for the two halves of the replacement bottom bracket, does the manufacturer mention this ? Nice video, thank you.

[@stevecooper7038]

Unnecessary mate.

[@skaramanga007]

Are the bearings replaceable or do you need to purchase a new BB ?

[@Sportivecyclist]

Nope I don't think they're replaceable

[@richardgate1571]

Yes they can be replaced

[@lukecico5155]

This is a good solution, but I foresaw an installation problem that turned out to be true. With the tool only retaining one side, the other will slip, I predicted. And it did. So, I couldn’t torque the two halves together. The side opposite the side I was using the tool slipped. I wrote Token, see what they say. Update: Token says I'm SOL. They said take it to my LBS. They agreed with me that the only way to get his out is to drill the non-drive side out. What a goddamned waste of time and $$.

[@Hunterthepunter126]

I guess the tools you collected worth more than your bike now

[@goixiz]

Caution: it does not last more than 800 miles : BB90 is just crap get trek to replace your frame / they charged you 3x expecting you to replace it already

[@frankiez7414]

I cant see why you wouldn't put in something to expand the tool, its painful watching !

[@Sportivecyclist]

I am so sorry!!!!!

[@Em.2403]

So the lesson from this vid is don't buy bb90 bracket bikes/frames? xD

[@timtaylor9590]

where those spacers plastic like the trek ones or metal?

[@Sportivecyclist]

Now you're asking (because they're now hidden behind my pedal cranks). I'm 85% sure they're metal. I don;t think they're meant to act like dust covers. MInd you, the Trek dust covers don't really *act* like dust covers...

[@timtaylor9590]

@@Sportivecyclist right the trek ones are spacers between the spindle and bearing. they rub so i dont like em. skate frames also can use plastic or metal spacers that contact the bearings, i always prefer metal to prevent that rubbing.

[@richardgate1571]

They are metal and are just covers really

[@rickdoehler502]

I hot 12 minutes into this video. but I can't bare to watch any further. In a word, editing.

[@davidwebster2616]

pronounced "DOE-MAHN-NEE"

[@Sportivecyclist]

Made up word though innit

[@kris8165]

Hahaha 😂🤣

[@Sportivecyclist]

You're welcome

[@lukecico5155]

BB90 sucks. It sucks bad.

[@Geeunit199]

This video is 19 minutes too long🙄

[@Sportivecyclist]

Agreed

[@gary5926]

15 minutes too long. Stop waffling

[@Sportivecyclist]

Different vinegar strokes for different folks Gaz.

[@brianstent1610]

Take your bike to the bike shop, pay the money to get it done properly. Don’t fuck your bike by doing it yourself.

[@davidisherwood3116]

Just because you don’t know what your doing....

[@krimoll]

Most things on my bike I do more properly than my LBS... Not feeling quite sure about this however..