The Best Bottom Bracket for every Bike - The End.

You really want to know what the best Bottom Bracket Standard is? And the best brand of bottom bracket bearing to use in each application? Here it is. The definitive answer to that question.
Featured:
Square Taper
ISIS
Octolink
Hollowtech II
GXP
DUB
BB30
PF30
BB386evo
T47 and T47i
BSA
Itallian
BB90
BB89
BB92
Is Chris King the best?

[@paullinnitt5450]

Literally the madness that is the international bike industry in one video.

[@fabiopunk1661]

Right. Everyone tries to convince us they have found the ultimate solution

[@DR_1_1]

It's like those wide tyres that are supposed to be faster. Suddenly everyone has to buy new tyres! If you read the fine print they are... slower, unless inflated at the same pressure! Not sure what would happen to 35-45mm at 100 psi!?

[@sepg5084]

I never had a problem with bottom brackets

[@backyard_expert]

Square taper all the way.

[@jono1457-qd9ft]

How the heck are mechanics supposed to keep up with all these changes? If the mechanics are expected to go on a training course every time a new component is introduced, how are the general public going to be served with reliable, affordable equipment?

[@HabaneroTi]

I have no idea what specific BB standard my bike uses, but it has a 20+ year old Ti road frame with a threaded BB into which I installed a square taper sealed cartridge Campy BB that cost under $20 in 2003 and has been absolutely perfect and is still smooth as can be. I mostly ride on paved roads but occasionally ride over dirt, grass, gravel and roads that are in horrible condition. Works for me.

[@peglor]

Square taper cartridge BB's are far more durable for the money than any of the current options. They're also a lot heavier and the axles snap when they're ridden hard off road, or on trials bikes, and holy crap do they let go with a bang and give no warning at all that there's a fatigue crack working its way through the axle until they let go. All the hollow axle setups where the axle is part of the crank mean the cranks need to be thrown out eventually unless its ridden in clean dry conditions as grit works its way between the axle and the BB bearing, eventually wearing the diameter of the BB axle out of tolerance, so there's still visible play even when installed with a brand new BB. It takes about 10 years and maybe 10 000+ miles of riding in wet muddy conditions to do it though, at which point fatigue cracking in the cranks themselves and pedal thread failure aren't far off either, so still not bad value for money on the XT crankset I killed that way.

[@bradtowne2305]

@@peglor I don't know, but snapping square taper BB's seems like it is a rarity rather than the rule, even if riding off-road. They are cheap, reliable and plentiful. They just work, and yet, we have created so many standard, some of which literally are no longer supported making the frames obsolete if the current BB fails. I lucked out, as my cross bike has a Press Fit 30 that is the standard design. Others had very specific press fit systems that are no longer manufactured, not even by Wheels Manufacturing,

[@weatheranddarkness]

@@bradtowne2305 There's a reason MTBs stopped using them by 2005 or so. They did break, and when the bb itself didn't break the tiny interfacing area with the crankarm would get mulched, and ISIS and "Powerspline" weren't any better in practice. Sooo many crank arm replacements and crunchy bearings. The Shimano Octalink was the only reasonably strong spindle, but the bearings were vanishingly small, that's why they only persisted on the Dura Ace track cranks once Hollowtech 2 came out. Square taper BBs were well out of their depth with the progression that was happening in mountainbiking in that era.

[@robdogracing]

This is hands down the best bb summary on KZbin. Thanks for sharing!

[@Mapdec]

Wow, thanks!🙏

[@daliborhorvacki]

Completely agree with this comment ! I work for Alfred Thun Gmbh (square taper bb maker) in east Europe and this video really helps me !

[@velocity324]

The press fit bbs where the two halves of the bb thread into each other and don't require a press are great. I installed them easily myself and been running them for years with no issues.

[@cosinus_square]

4 years on my SKF square taper bottom bracket and counting. Most of my square taper bb's have lasted way longer than bb cups. Best looking cranks as well.

[@escgoogle3865]

Only 4 years try 20+ on my fair weather lots of chrome accents bike.

[@cosinus_square]

@@escgoogle3865 The SKF bb is on my commuter, ridden 5 days a week in all weather for 4 years. No downtime, no adjustments required, just clean and ride, like it should be. It comes with a 10 year warranty as well, the audacity, lol.

[@peterwillson1355]

​@escgoogle3865 it's time riding the bike that is meaningful. Storage time doesn't count. No bottom bracket could last 120,000 miles.

[@B_COOPER]

⁠@@peterwillson1355definitely not 120k miles…. But a loose ball bearing bb will go for many many years of daily riding so long as you keep up with maintenance, but could say that about everything lol

[@Dr.Schlitz]

Goody for you, Gramps. How are those canti brakes holding up?

[@Hambini]

Liz Hurley rides Hambini BBs... I wish BB meant ball bag.

[@friendlypete10]

Off the shelf or a custom unit?

[@Advcrazy]

I wonder if she had her shell reamed first?

[@props651]

I'm sure she's been chased and faced.

[@RICHARD.WRIGHT1]

Smooth as silk

[@adsali03]

What about wheels manufacturing bottom bracket bb86

[@simonwarmer8777]

BB30 in a sl6 SW Tarmac here, no alignment problems. I’ve got a Hambini race bottombracket NTN bearings for 24 mm Shimano. 0 creaks, stiff and butter smooth.

[@robertkoleczko3987]

As a mechanic, good video! And your Fazit fits😁‼️ Pressfit isn't as bad, like a lot of people think. The first year of Pressfit, in my workshop, I hated this " plastic toy story" stuff! Since 2017 I use Shimano press fit, on my actual aluminum DH Frame, and I never had Saint cranks, running that smooth and easy. But for almost 80 to 90 % of all bike frames, BSA is the best and most proper way, solution. Clean Thread, tightening brackets, Crankshaft and cranks mounting. Ready to go. The only, a bit negative thing about Hollow tech II Shimano bearings, they have a bit less long life durability qualities.....

[@Beinhartwie1chopper]

Fazit= Conclusion Robert

[@kylezick7345]

Worked in shops all through all the bottom bracket standard evolution. Personally, I never had ANY issues with any of the 5 BB30 bikes I owned (still have one!) but of course saw plenty of issues on poorly set up customer bikes. I agree that 386evo isn’t a bad design if a bracket goes in that uses replaceable bearings but I have to say I’m all in on T47. I have two bikes with t47 and they just work so well with the bigger spindle sizes and easy servicing. Also, if you have a T47 68mm shell designed for outboard bearings, you can use the inboard instead and use your old BB30 crank with a narrow dbca. Takes some doing but you can make it work. As for T47 quality, the Wheels Mfg bis nice (you can swap in higher quality bearings) and I just installed a SRAM ceramic T47 on my melee and was quite impressed with the quality. Also uses replaceable bearings (6806).

[@madplanet3351]

I've crippled bottom brackets until I stuck a hambini in my s works. Never looked back. Never changed bearings either. Silent fast spinning setup.

[@Mapdec]

Good OSBB problem solver.

[@bayendor]

Well done, cutting straight to the chase. My experience with high end Ti and Carbon frames mirrors your choices, BSA 24mm & BB386Evo respectively.

[@Mapdec]

Thank you so much. Really appreciate the super thanks. 🙏

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Exceptionally educational and sensible. This is 100% on target.

[@markdundon9922]

A brilliant video, as a home DIY mechanic I have spent many hours researching up the different BB standards over the years. This is a great summary thank you. I have Shimano BB89 ultegra version on my Canyon and surprisingly I got about 16,000km on it before the bearings went on the NDS cup. I've just replaced it with exactly the same BB. Very happy with that level of longevity and the cost is very good.

[@peterwillson1355]

10,000 miles is a good innings for a modern bb?!?!😂

[@cycobikes]

@@peterwillson1355 My Canyon Ultimate is still on the original BB86 BB with just under 30,000km on it. I regularly take the cranks off and check , clean and regrease everything and am amazed it still is as smooth as the day it came. My nephew is running a DUB on his Ultimate and they don't even last a year before needing changed.

[@bicyclist2]

I started with the sealed cartridge square taper bottom brackets back in the early 90's. After the introduction of the press fits, I got a little lost on all the new sizing and standards. I've never owned or ridden any of these new bottom bracket standards. This is very helpful. Great explanations. Thank you.

[@Mapdec]

Likewise. I remember the big faff with ISIS and Octolink, and then Holowtech was literally a year later and everyone went nuts.

[@huntos83]

Reassuring as the new bike I’ve just built is BB386evo. Went for a Wheels Manufacturing thread together bottom bracket which seems pretty decent

[@moobaz8675]

That was exhausting! There's a reason I like steel and ti. Its proper engineering with simple solutions. 👍

[@workshopninjathe1st]

As a cytec qualified former shop mechanic who wrenched through the naughties I can confirm - if it’s metal King every time. Even a used king bb is better than the competition, also serviceable and backed by a lifetime warranty. I only have one stupid bb standard in my Parlee Z5 (OG bb30 bearings and c clips) but I fitted it properly and it’s never given me a problem, don’t ride it in the rain and don’t let it get too cold or too hot…

[@RICHARD.WRIGHT1]

YOU HAVE EXCELLED in this video, everything I could have said on this subject you've said for me. Except for one thing, you said it in a kind manner, I personally would have disgraced many frame manufacturers, who for years have taken us the bike shops, and punters literally for a ride. WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND sooner or later. Practicallity and functionallity will always beat high end pointless designs which aim to make manufacturers rich! Seriously, do bike brands really believe there are people out there that have no engineering or mechanical background, and do they think we are all so stupid? Two simple bearings in a round hole, how the F can anyone get it wrong? Yet all these great Engineering University grads have done so for years, how? by simply saving money and spending less on quality! LONG LIVE THE BSA THREADED BB! Cheers rant over. Mapdec......Nice one mate!!!😉

[@Mapdec]

🙏

[@RobertTaba__ru-ti9dg]

Thanks. I have press fit bottom bracket and after this winter, I would like to change it. I have shimano 105 2018. I think I would have around 13.000 km with this bottom bracket in couple of months.

[@screamOP172]

Was about to purchase BBinfinite Threaded BB but bought a CK threaded instead as it was on sale (still cost more). Then I came across this video. Worth it. Thanks for the detailed explanation!

[@markg7834]

Ten years of perfect service from the Praxis BB30 to Shimano 24mm adaptor. Using this setup in a 2013-14 Felt Z4 carbon bike I bought new. The original BB30 bearings lasted 100 miles before creaking. I now have over 13,000 miles on the Felt with the Praxis conversion kit. Quality kit!

[@hambo76]

Shimano MT800 for me every time. It's not as premium as a Chris King but it is cheap, reliable and smooth. And I can keep a few in the drawer and still come well out on top.

[@stevemahoney1733]

This is one of the most confusing topics regarding bikes for me as I tend to try different bike manufactors on a regular basis and struggle with the bb / crank issues. I found this informative, succinct with some visuals ( itend to be a visual learner) Great job, thanks.

[@donschloth5785]

I’ve been a dedicated BBINFINATE user for several years now. I have used both press fit and threaded on my bikes. As far as durability and wear I’ve had no problems. I do tend to care for my bikes well above the normal maintenance requirements and standards. I replace bearing seals, clean and lube the BB bearings twice a year. Similar to UK weather I live in the Pacific Northwest and deal with rain, mud, slop, grit and road crud quite a bit so it’s essential to keep up on the preventive maintenance.

[@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362]

A very good take, but I think you really missed an engineering novelty that is elegant and long weathering. Campagnolo brilliantly moved the cartridge bearing away from the shell and onto the crank spindle. It's brilliant because you only need to press in cups into a shell. The cups accommodate the same sized bearing, no matter the standard. Campag has standardized the bearing size and just left the cup size a thing to be determined. It's a brilliant way to guarantee a certain standard of bearing durability. What size spindle do they use? Who knows and who cares, the stock bearings last forever. If you're lucky enough to have a set that runs out of life, it is a pfaff to replace, but then you are good for another eternity. Campag doesn't get the credit they deserve for this. Imagine my 3T exploro RaceMax running Ekar. 386Evo AND Campag's ProTech BB. I don't know that I will ever need to change out that BB, it's that good.

[@Mapdec]

Campg is easy. If you have a campg crank, use a campag BB regardless of the frame standard.

[@zackbaldman]

Campy doesn't get enough credit period. Excluding EPS, they've had some really great products since back in the friction days when they were more mainstream.

[@x3631]

clear and very easy to understand in this ever confusing topic... thank you

[@gpatton1]

Amazing content. You're the best cycling channel on KZbin no question

[@Mapdec]

Wow. 😮. Thanks.

[@geothunder1971]

Rotors ceramic BB386 is a very good BB! I have over 10K miles on mine, and it still spins smoothly.

[@luukrutten1295]

I have had a threaded insert debond from a carbon frame. It was really glued poorly. And a very rough surface prep of the aluminium. I actually never had problem with ITA threads, the campagnolo square tapers are smooth!. Currently running almost all BB standards on my 8 different bikes. ITA, BSA, PF30....

[@AndyMcClements]

Thanks for this. Coming back to cycling after a 2+ decade interval, I'm in a state of bemusement over the supposed 'development' of so many bike components that have changed. For my current build, I'm now even more convinced of the superiority of BSA-threaded, square-taper, traditional bottom brackets !

[@Mapdec]

Umm. Heavy, needs a lot of tools, can round out, cease on, needs a lot of size options for chain line,

[@AndyMcClements]

I've had the tools for years TBH that's one reason I'm sticking with the old tech, and I don't recall ever having major difficulties with it. Unlike the cheese lockrings etc on later sealed units I've touched. @@Mapdec

[@sempi8159]

Agreed, weight doesn't matter and they last forever! And they have the best looking cranks

[@geroutathat]

I use square taper, BSA thread bottom brackets. There is no getting around the fact that you can round them, you can get the crank part seized on etc. however, they are 15 bucks for a whole one, easy to take out, easy to lube, and you can just buy bearings if you want, don't need to replace the whole thing. But then again I don't get dressed up in lycra and cycle in the middle of the road, I just spend my life using it as a get around.

[@carravagio16]

not sure what bike your looking at but if your building up and want a killer square taper check out the white industries sq bottom bracket and matching cranks. just my 2 cents.

[@neilwheel]

B S C = British Standard Cycle. B S A = Birmingham Small Arms.

[@11robotics]

B S C = no Peaky Blinders B S A = plenty of Peaky Blinders

[@deepindercheema4917]

Big Swifty & Associates. @@11robotics

[@deepindercheema4917]

@@sjanzeir No such thing as a bErmingham.

[@peppermintpig974]

And the forgettable BCA = Bicycle Corporation of America. BCA made various low end bikes in the 80s/90s, but some had acceptable spec like full True Temper frames.

[@timrichardson2]

We used to call BSA Best S#*t Around

[@dperreno]

I've changed BBs many, many times over the years, but never because mine was worn. Rather, I've changed due to new frames and/or new cranksets that required a different standard. Fortunately, all of mine have been threaded, so no issues with improper press-fit installation.

[@SabianDB02]

I'm running t47 BB on my ti and chapter 2 bike and also have a caad13 and Synpase Bb30...t47 hands down no issue and easy to service myself.

[@treyquattro]

good stuff, short and punchy. I'm happy with my PF86 so far, but that's mainly because I'm very happy with my bike.

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

I have 40 year old square taper bbs still running smooth ,Xtr and DA. (On metal frames) The Colnago C40 (25 years) has alloy insert and threaded,still holding up.

[@lfoster7601]

Both Italian and English square taper BBs here (Oh the shame...). The Italian threaded one in my C olnago Super Piu has been in since 2005, with a brief removal in 2012 when the bike was refurbed. Never needed to be retightened (though admittedly the one on my Ti Colnago CT2 did once unscrew on a ride...). It replaced an Italian thread BB that had been in since 1994, but upgrading to REcord needed a new BB due the low profile chainset. I do agree, the English thread BBs are all rock solid. ANd they're all Square Taper, and they all work perfectly.

[@clp91009]

Totally agree that press fit done properly is absolutely fine. My Bianchi has a BB86 press fit. I use the standard Ultegra SM-BB72-41B and it runs super smooth with no creaking. I do use a thin smear of grease when installing. Take home message if you’re frame is in spec you don’t require an expensive aftermarket 1 piece bottom bracket, the Shimano parts perform perfectly.

[@Mapdec]

Why did you use grease? It’s not in the instructions and will break down the plastic shell.

[@clp91009]

@@Mapdec To aid removal down the line. I use a very thin smear of grease that is carbon compatible. I’m on my third BB now and there is no evidence that the grease has made even the slightest impact on the frame or the BB cups. When I removed the original BB no grease had been used at the factory it had been installed dry and it was very hard to remove.

[@Mapdec]

@@clp91009 carbon is inert. It’s the bearing cup that degrades. It’s good to know the original mechanic read the instructions and did it right. 👍

[@DR_1_1]

I'm curious how long do they last (since you're already at number 3!), kilometers/years, and why exactly did you replace them, ie how did they fail? I'm asking because I have a sImilar BB-RS500-PB, but I don't see how I could remove it myself, in fact I already had several bikes that I chose replace because the axis was too lose (and other maintenance was needed at this point of course, else I would have asked a shop to do it), but my guess was that replacing the ball bearings would have been enough...

[@clp91009]

@@DR_1_1 1-2 years which is about 10,000km for me. I just replace them after that time as preventive maintenance, they don’t typically fail. Over time they become more draggy and don’t spin as freely. I’ve never had one seize but my mate did and he spun a bearing causing some minor frame damage.

[@scottwatson7844]

Great explanation re press fit. I keep watching reviews lately where everyone seems to prefer threaded nowadays but Ive got press fit in my Defy. Have had the bike six years and get the bike serviced regularly and never had an issue with press fit.

[@Mapdec]

Reviewers just think that’s what people want. In reality, people want quiet and light bikes, the method to achieve that is down to the designer, factory and mechanic working well.

[@felixjackson2670]

Have a Chris King T47 threaded BB in my Carbon Ibis Hakka gravel bike…couple of years old-almost no resistance on a spin,plus lovely and smooth! Reckon on the press fit 386evo the thread together type system works well.

[@honestreviewer3283]

I have a Kogel T47 ceramic in my Cervelo R5cx (so far, it seems to be the only one out there). It seems to be as good as the Rotor in my Dura-Ace equipped road bike; spins nice and freely and is a big improvement over the Force BB the bike came with.

[@jeffreyb.1657]

Great video. Thank you. Been happy with my T47 by Hambini or on metal, love my bsa68....most are great at 24mm. I have a high end one in a Ti frame for 10k miles...still smooth as butter.....the frame was perfect so the bearing sort of never had a problem.....frame matters a lot.

[@davetbassbos]

I'm a BMXer trying to understand road bikes, very clear explanation of the history of all these road bike standards, thanks!

[@Mapdec]

Glad to help! BMX BBs are so much easier.

[@davetbassbos]

@@Mapdec Yeah, I think there were a few competing standards for BMX freestyle when I started 15 years ago, but Mid BB (press fit into steel frame) has been the only one for a while, and can be installed with a rubber mallet and 2X4, lol! Cheers!

[@lokerola]

I went with a Wheels Manufacturing BB for my creaking Giant press fit, and it fixed it 100%.

[@larisonjohnson]

I love my BB30, it’s been perfect. My frame is a Felt Z5, with a molded in metal collar for the BB. Bearings fit perfectly. I’ve used PraxisWorks BBs to convert to 30mm and GXP. I’m currently running standard BB30 with SRAM carbon crank. Super light and zero issues, but you do need a frame, built to proper tolerances. My other bikes are all BSA, so I’m running shimano or GXP. I’ll look at the Chris King BB, but currently I’ve got PraxisWorks and Shimano BBs and both have been flawless.

[@MS-bw7yt]

BB30 🤮

[@invisiblescout6335]

I mean if you're putting in a metal sleeve might as well put threads in it

[@lee1210mk2]

@@MS-bw7yt Precision bearings are all press fit! Nearly all bearings in automotive applications are pressfit!

[@MS-bw7yt]

​@@lee1210mk2 tell me more, I am an engineer in the automotive industry :P I am all for pressfit. Doesn't change the fact though that original BB30 is not a good standard :D

[@lee1210mk2]

@@MS-bw7yt not a good standard for all carbon frames is the proper way of saying.

[@rd_rae]

I love my c-bear bbright 46mm, no creaking, and the ds bearing is outside of the frame, as close to the crank as on the nds. Happy days.

[@justinsheldon5015]

Have used for many years King BB's for HT2 BSA on my mtb's. But found that the servicing without the King injection system a bit of a faff with removing the circlip and rubber seal to wash out and replace and the bearings werent 'that great and to replace meant sending them away and more faff. So went XTR , which were smooth as smooth but the cups arent metal and found the threads started to creak and knurl after about 2k miles. So, binned that and currently running an Uberbike stainless bearing BB. These have Enduro bearings in them, so easy to replace if needed but currently it spins Hambini levels , which would show the alignment is pretty good in my Ibis. As for my Gravel bike being a Planet X Tempest. I found the Truvativ BB;s ( 2 off them ) lasted 6 months each in wet weather. Now running a Praxis jobbie , which also has Enduro bearings , which I didnt know until I took apart and runs pretty smooth . In the end , I looked at easy fix and sensible priced. Rather than King priced ( sold mine on) and higher maintenance.. My worse case senario is now a pair of bearings for 30 odd quid. But I hope that wont be for a while. I binned a Cannondale with a BB30 set up and used the FSA BB converter to BSA and bought Shimano XT chainset to replace the FSA crankset that came with the bike. I guess that going back to the threaded shells , which are more reliable than pressing in etc.

[@pascalhibon7928]

Great video. Very confusion all these different "standards". My bike has Rotor press fit 4130 BB's. It has something over 2000 km and one of the bearings need replacement. Today I removed the cracks to have a look at it. The damaged bearing has some traces of rust. So there is an ingress of water somewhere.

[@Mapdec]

Yeah. That’s a terrible combo. Very small bearings. Will need perfect alignment to work really. Also impossible to seal well. You’ll enjoy the rest of the channel.

[@iand3028]

I converted my mtb's bikes back to the old shimano square drive and steel cranks after years replacing many BB's and cranks. It cost me a small fortune. Never had the pleasure of a press fit or a carbon bike. I have one the square drives that has done 20,000 miles, which I still have. Good review though. Thanks for the heads up on what I'm missing.

[@MrSchofie76]

Great review thank you 👍 I would have liked to see some discussion around the Campy UT system and its merits/issues though.

[@Mapdec]

Fair. I didn’t mention it. If you have campy cranks, fit campy BB. End of story really.

[@zdravo4]

Well interesting video, personally I didn’t know that so many standards exists. I am using Shimano drivetrain and aluminium frame, so BSA threaded BB is the best for me. I am using shimano XT ones and I replace it every 2-3 years. Never failed and never creaked.

[@nelsonglover3963]

Always good to get a refresher on these. People seem to get confused with headsets too (i.e., the difference between EC, IS and ZS headsets, what the numbers mean) might be worth a video. Also I think the audio might be slightly out with the video.

[@vrta]

Too many mic drops 😂

[@RBlakemore]

Currently running a token ninja thread together in my BB386 evo Orbea frame. Spins so smooth and freely compared to standard press fit 386evo it replaced!

[@Mapdec]

I would have got the frame reamed rather than apply a compression force to a structure not designed for it. I’m sure it will be fine.

[@GreDrums]

I actially have BB30 on a Tarmac sl2. Bearing slide into a metal sleeve. Still happy with it, changed bearings every 2/3 years. Recently installed the skf mtrx bearings, let’s see what the lifetime on these is!

[@mathw7173]

How does it work for you? Any issues (wobble, creaks etc)? I have a TIME Izon from 2015 with BB30 and currently my entire rotor crankset wobbles like crazy and im considering whether to buy new high quality BB30 bearings or buy a twistfit onepiece solution with external bearings

[@Darcy555.]

I currently have a Carbon Dolan Ares Sl rim version which is BB30 creak creak... fitted Wheels Manufacturing aluminium treaded cups a few years ago still kinda creaks after a few spins, just purchased a BMC SL01 carbon frameset BSA cant wait to build it up and have many many miles creak free again ( Had a 2011 Carbon BMC SLO2 BSA many years ago never had a creak or days trouble from BB), love your really well explained content, greeting from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@Mapdec]

Congrats. Best not search for BMC on our channel. 😬

[@revelationdetailers894]

I have a BBInfinite on the way for my C'Dale SuperSixEvo with DUB (PF30A) to install. I read nothing but the best on these bottom brackets. I will certainly post results after installing and putting some miles on it. Ordered with ceramatech bearings. The problem I see in this industry is they need to all streamline BB systems and create a one piece one model f9r the most part rather than so darn many variations! It is mind boggling the different systems!

[@Dr.Schlitz]

I’ve got BBInfinite in two frames, including a 2010 Supersix that came with BB30 bearings. Really like the BBInfinite products.

[@msheron]

That is good to know, thanks.@@Dr.Schlitz

[@qwertyazerty2137]

I've been using a pressfit ultegra bb for a couple of years now. When installing I put some waterproof grease on the cups and inside the shell and I haven't had any issues with it whatsoever yet.

[@PRH123]

"The best" depends on the intended use. One can't say that a hammer is a better tool than a screwdriver. Depends what you plan to use it for. I've had it with the multiple new standards, and on my touring and commuter bikes, I've gone back to 68 mm BSA JIS square taper cartridges. Inexpensive Token BB has a titanium spindle and cartridge bearings, light and smooth as silk. The recess for the BB tool provides excellent protection against water and snow. Timeless, simple, reliable.

[@sempi8159]

What? All bb are used for the same thing... What are you talking about?

[@PRH123]

@@sempi8159 well, talking about which and what kind of BB to use... not what they're used FOR.... that's pretty obvious... :)

[@sempi8159]

@@PRH123 "the best depends on the intended use"??

[@PRH123]

@@sempi8159 yes, that’s my point…. For example the parameters for a good BB on a racing bike, a gravel bike, a touring bike, an MTB, a city bike, etc. may be very different from one another…

[@richardmiddleton7770]

Best bottom bracket is the cheapest, that you can fit, remove and maintain easily. Quick tip for Shimano chainsets: DON'T over tighten the plastic preload cap/bolt! Even tightening by hand with the little plastic disc shaped tool you can still over tighten it. Tighten it as far as it will go then back it off 1/2 a turn. The bearings will thank you and you'll have saved a couple of watts!

[@philippejoseph8604]

At 1:05 It's exactly the contrary but this "active thightening" doesn't happens anyway. On old bikes sometimes the right side is equiped with left hand ( normal ) or right hand threads and it doesn't leads to any unscrewing.

[@Mapdec]

😳

[@philippejoseph8604]

Maudite soit la perfide Albion ( Jules César ). La principale qualité c'est l'écoute.

[@nl3712]

My old (2014) SPECIALIZED mtb went through a pf30 BB every 6 months…great system 😂

[@thighsofsteelindeed2234]

Campagnolo Record 20066 BB square taper and use Campg record 2006 cranks. On my summer bike still perfect after 17 years. Gets removed one a year too clean thread etc. Looks fabulous works beautifully. Only 10 speed.. OMG how will I cope! 🙂

[@Mapdec]

Indeed. Only 20 gear.

[@cygnusxl5]

Hi. Another nice informative video again - luckily I have no bikes whatsoever with PF Bottom Brackets. I like the idea of the T47 Bottom Bracket and feel that it will probably undergo further developments/improvements in the future as bike manufacturers have begun to subscribe to that system. While I'm here, have you done a review of the Cinelli Nemo Tig Frameset or are you likely to? The Gravel Version looks like it would make a nice all round 4 Seasons Bike? Keep Up The Great Work. 👌

[@Mapdec]

Thank you. I only review what customers buy from us. If someone orders one, it will probably go on the channel.

[@tonyjames5444]

Need a new bracket for my old 2014 Cannondale Synapse 105 with FSI crankset, great video but as a non bike mechanic this was a tad confusing:)

[@emersonVZLA]

I recently upgraded my 19mm spindle FSA to a 30mm crankset by FSA and the mental gymnastics I had to do to come up with the right BSA BB and spacers for my 68mm wide Aluminum frame was exhausting! Finally got it working and it's so smooth! Wish I had the money to get some chris kings, but FSA will do for now.

[@harryadams4070]

My carbon Planet X , 32 year old 653 steel Ribble and 10 year old Planet X aluminium frames all have threaded BBs. Shimano Octalink cartridge BBs in all three. No issues and I always keep two new replacement BBs in my box of spares. No squeaks, creaks or clunks. If it ain't broke.......

[@rickybarker4023]

Think I need to watch this a few times. 🤯 I’ll just give you a call I think when the time comes👍 live in ulverston so just down the road.

[@jimk6862]

1:00 with drive side bb cup being a reverse threaded - clockwise to loosen - wouldn't pedaling forward be loosening it, not tightening it?

[@vesalapinkero]

Yes, that is exactly what it does, pedaling loosens it. Just checked! 😊

[@Mapdec]

Google bearing procession.

[@chriskelley2075]

Your depth of knowledge is absolutely amazing! What a great lesson in the many varieties of Bottom Brackets and what works best for the frame material! What are your thoughts on Ceramic? Well Done!

[@Mapdec]

Ceramic doesn’t stop corrosion, or solve misalignment.

[@geoffyoung8149]

BSA the act if pedalling unscrews the bottom bracket, this makes sense so if the bearings bind you don’t overtighten jnto the frame. It doesn’t tighten into the frame as you pedal

[@Mapdec]

Think again. There is a ball bearing in between the 2 races remember.

[@geoffyoung8149]

@@Mapdec fair comment and if it all seizes it’ll try and spin the cups towards the front of the bike rather than binding it into the BB shell. Every days a school day 😀

[@ArjanGroe]

Seriously, what do the bearings and races change about the thread directions??! The guy in the video clearly says they tighten as you pedal (with BSA)… well, they dont… they hold because you have propperly installed your bb with enough torque. But if the bearings in the bb go bad, the bb would unscrew itself, preventing* the bb working itself into the frame more and more tight. *as if a loose bb cartridge with stucks bearings wont damage the threads… it should really be unrideable at that point…

[@JonnyB_UK]

Plus one on the DUB in a 41mm hole woes. Currently scouring ebay for gxp sram cranks 😂

[@TheCooGuR]

I'm running a carbon frame with thread BB - BSA 73mm what Kring Kiss model is recommended

[@estelja]

I still like the heel clearance of BB30. I’ve got an ‘07 carbon Cannondale Synapse with an aluminum bb shell. The bearings press in just fine. I’ve run Hawk steel bearings and Enduro ceramic with no problems.

[@Frostbiker]

Excellent presentation. It must have taken a fair amount of work to write, shoot and edit. Thank you for helping us understand.

[@Mapdec]

I just rolled this off the top of my head at 11am this morning 😳

[@Xyz-ij6rh]

I tend to buy the frame i like and the crank i pref and then get the single strange never really properly working BB to make it fit now im going to go with BSA to BB386Evo still hopefull

[@MrDazP1adv3ntures]

Thank you for explaining this issue in a clear and concise manner. The bicycle industry needs to stick to one standard that works and to stop p#ssing around.

[@davegee124]

i used a cane creek BB into a press fit frame for my grandsons bike with carbon DUB cranks, its got a threaded sleeve so it pulls both halves together and tightens like a threaded BB,works briliantly, no squeaks or clicks nothing,ran 2 years no problems at all.

[@anthonypedregon2679]

Amazing info and delivery. Question if I may. Which of these would most possibly be usable on a beach cruiser with steel cranks. I’m using bb adapter cups currently with a bmx 3 piece crank conversion. Im aware another cup adapter will needed.

[@Mapdec]

BMX cranks and bb are quite different

[@alexdi1367]

Really nicely done. Agree with all of your conclusions, though I would note that BB30's bad reputation was as much the fault of other manufacturers as Cannondale. When they invented it in 2000ish, it was intended for aluminum bikes. They didn't use it in carbon until years later and I think they only did that first carbon generation with no metal shell. Later generations bonded in a shell or used bare carbon with PF30.

[@jamlee344]

This channel is brilliant! Straight to the point with great information. Keep it up guys! 👍

[@Mapdec]

Thank you.

[@xaein9515]

How bout those Token bbs that threaded together? For example Token Ninja

[@endcensorship874]

I think some factories are bad about bonding their BB into a carbon frame, I'm certain of that. But I"ve had a my Scott Addict R1 since 2007 and haven't had a single problem at all. I have a Rodeo-Labs gravel bike with T-47 internal, and I have a White Industries BB and I've been very happy with it.

[@philadams9254]

8:38 - which one is this? If it's the "ThreadFit 24", £250...! It's going to have to turn the cranks for me at that price!

[@Vandenbos717]

What a great video absolutely something to favorite. I’m absolutely a fan of bb386’s with the wheels mfg bb’s.

[@basvanleeuwen4502]

Elvedes makes some acceptable T47i BB's I have got one installed on my new titanium bike. I will have to see how they hold up. But the overall fit and finish was really good. Edit: the elvedes tool didn't really fit well though. That is a bummer.

[@maaszviktor]

I have a Cannondale BB30 in the family fleet, works great. Sure it’s AL frame…. I have a Trek with PF92. Still factory bearing with high milage in grime. Spins still nice. But I still prefer BSA as at home it’s easier to work on those - for me. But if BSA, I have to prefer 24mm spindles, as that design does not goes well with 29/30 spindles - as said in the vid as well. I’m running my 24 mm cranks with long with generic Shimano bb’s with long lifetime. Every now and then some wears out, but it’s cheap and easy to source and replace.

[@maaszviktor]

Oh 2 more cents. My carbon cross bike has a sram PF30 to bsa adapter installed. Not bothered to much as working just fine. It was a racing bike for the prior owner. I guess it was easier for them as well to service. Running a Dura ace crank with shimano bb, in my non racing use i had no BB failure in the past 3 years. Square taper. While i have to admit a BB itself can be quite reliable and for some applucations it’s okay ( commuter / kid) I hate the fact the for many cranks it’s hard to figure out what spindle lenght will you actually need to get the chainline right. Now with shimano it’s clear, bi for some cheap short cranks for kids it’s trial and error. And i’ve also noteced at one of the cranks, that after a couple of assemby the chainline has moved by 1-2mm… guess the crank is soft, and the spindle opened it up a bit… So square is generally a no go for me :)

[@StudQBeefpile]

I would be interested to know what all brands you have experience with. The physics of your BB discussions make total sense to me. I would be interested to know what brands you dislike and why. Admittedly, I don’t ride a ton, but the Shimano BBs (for the money) last really well. I usually go with Wheels Manufacturing angled bearings, and have had really excellent luck with them as well. I have at least one (Wheels Manufacturing angled BB) that’s been moved between 3 or so bikes over nearly a decade and still spins smooth. The only one I’ve seen fail was due to a botched singlespeed field conversion that had the crank spindle crush the bearing.

[@barriem5318]

I have a Trek Boone CX bike with ultegra crankset. I manage just fine with press fit BB90. Having an all-carbon press fit surface on a CX frame with poor seals is ridiculous to me. I service the BB every 2 months to keep it clean, use a very small amount of silicone to help keep grit out. The bearings can be removed by hand now. I'll either switch to 1mm oversize or try a Token Ninja.

[@peteracain]

Chris King threaded on my Titanium Baum road bike is the best bottom bracket I've ever ridden bar none.

[@HarishChouhan]

I'm now in search of a BB for my Trek Emonda ALR, that has BB86 and I'm going to use Sram DUB. Got the cheap Sram DUB BB, but also thinking of using the Mortop double bearing one you mentioned in one of your newer videos.

[@Mapdec]

Let us know how it goes.

[@basengelblik5199]

Can you explain why you want a Chris King threated in a metal frame? Enigeering perspective. I would think a pressfit would make more sense considering the tolerances shouldn't be a major issue because the BB frame tube is actually a tube amd should be easy to manufacture.

[@Mapdec]

Because if your frame comes with a thread fit BSA or T47 that’s what it is.

[@swites]

I've done 26,000km on my BB86 no creaks, no issues. Still spin fine. Obviously my frame must have been built properly with round and aligned holes in its BB area. So obviously it seems problem with press fit are a frame hole /alignment issue and have little to do with the actual press fit BB itself.

[@Mapdec]

Yep. 👍

[@Squizzy05]

Great video. What about one that goes through what lube/ grease you use and where on the bike. Wheel bearings, headset and things like that. ?

[@patthewoodboy]

I run a standard BSA in my Cotic ... Hope BB and cranks .. sorted

[@rayh2808]

I still have a Phil Woods, sealed bottom bracket in my Mercian Vincitore, but that's a different generation of bikes. Reynolds 531 steel frame. A heavier bottom bracket, but for long distance touring I wanted reliability.

[@catherinemacalisang5782]

ENDURO BEARING for my press fit BB is the best. Using it for 3-4 years now without a problem. Of course with regular re-lubrication using maxima or XHP 222 grease.

[@alextorresphoto]

This video was great. I feel like this should be shown when you get hired to work in a bike shop. One of those HR Training videos. "So you decided to be a bike mechanic, let's get started! "

[@Mapdec]

Haha. Yes. Our new apprentice watched it And had a freak out moment

[@benturp3492]

I have a hope threaded BB on one of my bikes and has been a dream for YEARS!

[@Kermitonwheels]

Wow. What an incredible summary!

[@NickJames-vh7dl]

Hi have a BB71-41 press fit, its in perfect working order but can you suggest an upgrade to style of BB , lighter and smoother.

[@DR_1_1]

Similar BB-RS500-PB here, I'm also curious what could be a better replacement in case it fails?

[@DAZLIN6]

Started using token ninja screw in bb into press fit they are really durable