THE ABSOLUTE WORST BMX COMPONENT EVER MADE!

Today EPIC BMX's ( / _epicbmx ) Phu Vu absolutely loses
it on what he considers the absolute worst BMX component ever made! This American Bottom Bracket to European (Threaded) Bottom Bract conversion kit has to be one of the most pointless and least properly engineered component we've come across!
#worst #bmx
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[@AlfredoMancuso]

Can’t thank you guys for all the years of supporting me, Phu, Max, Ethan, and the BMX fam all these years!!

[@DarrelHutchings]

Watching from Indianapolis Indiana I have a 29inch 2022 GT Heritage Pro Series mine is the matte black

[@flyinsaucer138]

Epic BMX lives up to its name

[@americandude3825]

Thanks for your info and knowledge. What good box style bike 26-29” for 250 pound rider 6’ 1”. Going to get back down to 200. Got sick a few years ago and gained weight.

[@BassFace1776]

Really wish there was a bike shop in my town like this. They only care if you buy a $2k+ mountain bike. I'm 37 just learning about BMX love the channel.

[@AlfredoMancuso]

Would love to have you come visit one day!

[@nessie42786]

The mountain bike community in my area is very arrogant as well. There is no BMX only shop around.

[@miata8148]

@@nessie42786 I don't even know what city you're from, but mtb-ers are so arrogant nowadays.. doesn't even matter which state you're living in

[@paulclifton655]

The American to European conversion bottom bracket works great. They are meant for anyone looking to use normal 19 mm spindles with more choices of euro bb’s than American. I have used them with no issues

[@user-bs1rq6wz9i]

Just rediscovered BMX about two months ago after a second knee surgery. I chose riding a bike over physical therapy. I remembered how much fun I had with my GT back in the 80’s so I bought a 26” Monza and started riding. I have just as much fun now as I did when I was a kid. I feel like your videos are a master class and I’ve learned so much from them. Thank you for putting out great content. I’ve already bought another bike, a 27.5 Taj. I’ve been modifying them with suggestions you have given. It’s addictive. Now I’m riding 70+ miles a week, making my knee stronger, losing weight, and most importantly having fun. Keep the videos coming. You are appreciated. Tampa Florida

[@veloddity1373]

In regards to 48 hole BMX wheels, they are a nightmare to true as there is little access for the spoke key. I use rim washers and Hex head nipples, which can then be triued via a Park spoke hex socket tool from the opposite side of the rim, takes a lot of time out of the fiddly spoke key way.👍😊

[@AmazingChinaToday]

Square taper spindles are the worst. They are nowhere near as stable as a splined spindle, either Redline Flight Cranks or other splined spindle cranks are the way to go.

[@michaelwhite9288]

Thanks for continuing the channel and putting out content.

[@AlfredoMancuso]

🫶🏻🙏🏻

[@apworksearch]

One advantage with a euro adapter is that you can run something like Deore cranks hollowtech cranks or something lying around etc. Great for retro modding klunkers. When working with a euro adapter the chances of messing up the 19mm bearings in adapter cups during a at home install is greatly reduced.

[@Bimmer35]

I could watch these guys all day everyday. I love this channel

[@dt45er]

Best bmx channel and crew 🔥

[@veloddity1373]

I've used these bottom bracket convertors on a number of different builds, including BMX. The cups press fit in very snug, it's not just the bolts holding them in place and had no issue with any of them. I don't think they were primarily designed for bmx, more the old mountain bikes and cruiser style bikes, gives the option to fit lighter weight alloy cranks rather than the heavy steel. 👍

[@paulclifton655]

Exactly, this guy is clueless as to why these conversation kits are made. They work very well and with an outboard bb they look sick , not to mention the choices you havens. American bb’s

[@paulclifton655]

choices you have vs. American bb’s

[@veloddity1373]

@@paulclifton655 I agree, they are designed for a purpose and they serve that purpose very well. Once you have the converted interface, the options for low priced, lightweight, quality cranks off eBay is almost limitless, and you can trick it out with a coloured chainring as they are also dirt cheap on eBay. I fitted one recently, to a frame, I'm rebuilding for my son, it's a 26 inch BMX/jump bike and came with a USA bb shell. I have videos on my channel showing this.😊👍

[@anotheryoutuber_]

the adapters are fine for when you wanna run mtb cranks on a cruiser, the bolts are for okay preventing twist on the adapter during torquing the euro bb, my adapter was installed with loctite and has never moved in the fifteen plus years its been on my cruiser even with crank swaps and with hard use. i agree that a a bb with larger bearings is a better choice most of the time but adapters can be had for less than a nice bb and you can use old mtb cranks which can also cost less and get the job done. for chainring alignment you can just measure and buy the bb spindle length for good chainline. also square taper can be either jis or iso but if you clean the mating surface well and torque appropriately and recheck as it seats from riding, there will be no issues most of the time.

[@josbourne9935]

Exactly this. They're only good for running dif cranks on older cruisers. They arent good for thrashing in a bmx...at all.

[@jessehefferon6276]

Shouldn't there be spacer sleeves between the bottom bracket bearings on the spindle, it'll prevent compression stress on the bearings when you tighten the spindle bolts?

[@apworksearch]

Not on square taper. You don't

[@chrislong8013]

Those brake levers with the push button to lock them sucked too

[@AlfredoMancuso]

Facts!!

[@Troubledboy88]

Can’t remember the reason, but I swear I remembered someone saying there was once a good use for it, Flatland maybe?

[@apworksearch]

Also the sealed bb will always have the axle aligned parallel in the bearing's better in the sealed unit than the axle that was lightly forced into two separate bearing holders.

[@ellaochomogo5154]

To answer your question, for those who want the lightest bikes, titanium bottom bracket spindles are "readily" available for euro but not the case with American bottom brackets. Same goes for selection. Also, those adapters are widely used when converting standard bikes to e bikes with an existing American bottom bracket to an euro bottom bracket because some of the most popular motors such as Bafang require the euro bottom bracket. I have used many of those adapters but usually go for the eccentric type (hole not centered) depending on the length of the motor's main shaft and bottom bracket width. I agree with you that press in cups are the way to go if it's going to be used in conventional methods, but most average consumers don't have the correct tool to press the cups in with or don't know how to make their own with large bolts and washers, so an adapter with Allen head screws is easier since most people already have or can get Allen wrenches cheaply when compared to a nice Park Tools press tool. When using the adapter with the Allen bolts all you have to do is put Loctite on the outer perimeter before installation if they don't fit tightly around the ID of the existing frame's American bottom bracket and they WILL NOT turn. I found it a bit overt that you would put down a product without having all the facts. These adapters have been around in some form or shape since I got into bikes nearly 50 years ago.

[@michaelcrowers6628]

You are the man Phu and Max is doing a great job with the camera work. Getting to work with your son everyday Phu you are a rich man.

[@CreativeFishDesignsCharlotte]

the dumbest ting i have never seen until today , thanks for the info man

[@AlfredoMancuso]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Troubledboy88]

Glad you’re back! Hope to see Tony soon!

[@jpizzo70]

Just wanted to say that I have watched a ton of your videos in the last week, since I haven't had a BMX since I was 15, I am 47 now!.. I bought a 26" Kink and a 20" Framed bmx in the last month and the framed has an American BB and non-integrated headset. So your videos have helped me install the conversion kits! I live in San Diego and hope to go to your shop in the future!

[@CNYKnifeNut]

Ive been building up an old Framed Attack Pro XL the last couple months. It's completely ship of theseus'd at this point, but I figure why learn on an expensive frame? I got a great deal on an old 24" DB Team race bike. I really like that.

[@uncleKai_SWW]

Those existed because they (saved weight over all and were better bearings) I remember hearing this that racers were breaking American BB and went to this option.

[@AlfredoMancuso]

That’s a good point!!

[@uncleKai_SWW]

Not entirely how true this was but I do remember this being a conversation thing. I was just a kid then but there was a few others in the shop talking about that. The shop owner is the one who said it. Idk how anyone was breaking sealed bearings or how smaller bearings would be more reliable. I’m sure now looking at it, was probably to save weight and someone made up the whole American BBs were breaking. Probably selling this for those who wanted to keep their frames before the transition over or something.

[@granddeath]

Dope, keep the videos coming. i like watching Phu. i still need to go drop off his beer.

[@Championbmxspokane]

Every city needs an Epic. Or atleast a Phu or Ethan. Wish I lived closer.z

[@thisworldaccordingtome9495]

I just bought a Stay Strong frame. I'm going to need cranks installed sometime in the near future. I'm also wanting new stickers for it. The yellow on the stickers doesn't do it for me.

[@user-tg9qz2ul2k]

I last saw a Boss brand bike in 1988 though was a sort live brand😮

[@aquilonianace4791]

I used this once to put fixed gear cranks I had laying around on a BMX. It's impossible for them to move around like Phu says because they are threaded to the bottom bracket and they are threaded in opposite directions. If it were really to move it would actually tighten, but in reality it's impossible to move. Kit cost $10

[@jonsharman6853]

I gotta say phu I think this is the first time I’ve ever disagreed with you, I had a Haro frame I wanted to race on but it had American BB, my hollow cranks were 24mm spindle and I couldn’t find an American BB 24mm anywhere, so I had to buy the conversion, you made it sound like it sits in the frame loose but mine certainly didn’t, I had to press it in like a normal BB, it was so tight I didn’t really need the bolts they supply, I raced on that thing for 18 months with no bother at all and the only trouble I had was removing to sell the frame, I’m not sure what was going on with the frame you had there if it was flexing, with the conversion in as tight as a standard BB and a euro inside that it’s really no different to an American BB anyway, bearing inside a shell 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@randellkim2230]

Oh, Panda had quarter inch automotive ball bearing front axle, rear axle and bottom bracket. 2500 lb pressure

[@magicgundam]

American BBs and 1 inch threaded headsets are both tied for worst BMX standards ever for me. Only people cool with those two things are old school collector heads.

[@covom5281]

Yo man I just called epic for some advice the other day I’m installing some sealed BB on my kink curb

[@RoachDogggJR]

if its got a threaded bb, just go flex on em with a mtb crankset. used to have a chromoly huffy with euro bb that i threw a good outboard bb, raceface cranks and a 32 tooth chainring on. was super sick paired with gyro and chainstay mounted brakes. need to build it back up now that im thinking bout it.

[@dustyyshellz1320]

Used to use that for spline drive on American

[@craigdoughty8803]

Boss!! My brother raced a Boss back in the mid 90s... Awesome bikes

[@dnf7778]

Good stuff Phu love the info man

[@JanoyCresva]

Horrible idea. I remember i had something like that when my parents got me a haro. It came with 1 piece cranks. Buddy had this type of conversion to fit better cranks on. Then i took it to a bike shop and he said he could put in a sealed american BB. Best thing ever.

[@AlfredoMancuso]

Exactly 😍

[@JeffyJæmes]

I am curious, what is your opinion on lowrider bikes phu?

[@jonasang9676]

Still miss my 48 FC wheel.

[@Create_o_raptor]

Who uses square tapered?? That was a curse to the bicycle world..

[@crominion6045]

Fo sho. They absolutely suck. I would round out the crank arms on those when I was a 110 lb kid in the early '80s. Splined spindles and crank arms were a quantum leap.

[@howindehell]

There are two types of square taper. Not sure if it comes up in BMX but there JIS taper and ISO. JIS is Japanese industrial standard, more common and what BMX sees a lot I’m sure. ISO is a European standard, I forget the acronym, common for Campagnolo and stuff. One you can mash on the other I think but ISO is shorter with a more aggressive taper if I recall.

[@butcher7606]

Another great vid

[@ShaunZimmerman668]

Shouldn't it have still had dust caps over the bearings like a reg mid or sealed American that uses those cups to press ot in an american bracket?

[@davidstecher1171]

When it comes to square taper, you have Italian, Japanese - JIS and more standards... just take a look at the internet. I hope it helps.😎👍

[@Create_o_raptor]

Phu , Bro.. grease the bb not your hair 😂😂 Great content though .

[@erctaylor023]

I rode 48h before, and yes it is durable but the weight is crazy. I now riding 36h rims

[@kirkwickham3336]

I used one on a Crisp frame as a young fella for about 3 weeks. Worst BB ever.

[@Ptrmrkks]

there are several tapers jis and iso are the most common

[@yovannisanchez7981]

Do you still have the cult devotion in a 29 inch chrome???

[@kylepeter6862]

This that 2018 type content 🍿

[@sebikelifeusvetparatrooper]

Your icon looks similar to harvesterbmx channel.....great KZbin channel like this one.

[@loadedfun4764]

Can someone tell me the name of this bike store ? He has stuff I’m interested purchasing on his wall.

[@flyinsaucer138]

Phu is a legend

[@nessie42786]

I have that Boss ladder bar in chrome. If you know anyone who is looking.

[@CUSTOMTOYSLF22]

nice video , and cool bike

[@aurteekay6339]

I saw this part once as I was looking up all adapters in a box web store and I was like “what the hell? USA TO EUROOO!?!? Why?” I remember legitimately saying that out loud lmfao 😂 nobody uses a euro and if they do it’s definitely not by choice I’ve yet to see one on a bmx if that says enough 🤦‍♂️ it’s a useless part

[@byc1013]

Is Max's run of cult stems over?

[@traptruck6246]

I don’t know I think those bashguards back in the day sucked as bad as

[@AlfredoMancuso]

Gross for sure!

[@KOSIGNMEDIA]

Anyone remember the fork steer tube shaped like a spindle which locked you into the stem?!

[@AlfredoMancuso]

Wrist snapper!

[@stewart4711]

Tell homie chain line

[@elcajonboy]

I have never seen that before. You are right Phu, that is a horrible design. It reminds me of eccentric BB.

[@AlfredoMancuso]

Haha exactly!

[@relyks7513]

What kind of bike is that?

[@Tingley19]

What’s good Fu!?

[@AlfredoMancuso]

Phu say's what up!

[@Gtproseries7604]

Such a cheater with that tool, I still beat my cups in with a rubber mallet😂 often times I have to file the outside of the cups just to fit it

[@eddiebruce2961]

Where's his LUBE?

[@jacsonwall]

I don’t think that that conversion kit is that bad. I definitely don’t like the one with the bolts as much for sure… But I think that 48 spoke whales were one of the worst things ever invented, along with the singleleg Fork

[@jacsonwall]

My only question with this bottom bracket conversion that you’re using is what about spindle link for Q factor on race bikes because that spindle looks a little long

[@user-xe2rd8fw2z]

Cone ! China .Keep up the good job.

[@martialartist1891]

❕I've have learned a lot from this one vid.. Bottom Bracket.. Exchangeable from a EURO ..Which I need ..& a alignment..

[@vintagerustfilmstv7801]

165k subs

[@cee982]

The are the best watch

[@Tingley19]

Alfredo I love your fucking face foo.

[@AlfredoMancuso]

Alfredo loves you right back!!

[@ericodeychuk8106]

Hey everyone I'm going to be purchasing a 1994 gt it has vertigo stickers but I'm not sure if it is a vertigo it's a good deal so I'm still getting it. But how can I figure out the bikes original paint color the paint that's on it is a darkish galaxy purple if you can picture than. Also the paint is in decent condition I don't see any missed spots showing a diffrent color or any paint runs. I looked all over google for a gt in this color and could not find it. I wish I could post a pic.. if someone can help me out i can send them a message with a video or pic of the bike

[@BlackyBrownDestruction9337]

Square taper sucks

[@revvolutionz]

Yoooooo

[@AlfredoMancuso]

Ayy

[@teresamancuso6436]

🥳🥳🥳

[@AlfredoMancuso]

MOOMMMMM

[@shaun8256]

Profit! I honestly prefer one piece cranks, no adjusting, doesn't loosen, and it's simple and solid. Remember my friend always carrying tools to retighten his three piece.

[@jacsonwall]

One piece cranks are junk… Especially without sealed bearings…

[@shaun8256]

@@jacsonwall so what exactly makes them junk? I've never had issues with mine. Sealed bearings are no better than regular bearings, aside from the fact you need to replace them instead of servicing them!

[@jacsonwall]

Ok I’ve been working the bmx industry for over 30 years, and riding even longer. You’re the only person I ever seen that would say that…. 🤣🤣🤣

[@shaun8256]

@@jacsonwall so again why do you think one piece cranks are junk? Bear in mind my friends three piece was always coming loose on rides,arms always came loose, we even tried using locktight and they still came loose, so what makes them better? Because they are heavier?