Bottom bracket Black Friday: discounted prices

Bottom Bracket on Black Friday: where to start?

Located in the frame, between the two crank arms, the bottom bracket is chosen based on two references that aren't visible to the eye: the shape of the bottom bracket shell and the diameter of the axle you're installing. The brand comes only after that. If you keep your crankset, note down the inscription engraved on the cups in place, BSA 68 or BB92 for example: this is enough to find the right reference during the operation.

Threaded or press-fit: identifying your frame's housing

A threaded bottom bracket screws into the frame. The English thread, known as BSA or BSC, is the most common: 68 mm wide on most road bikes, 73 mm on many MTBs, with a cup on the drivetrain side that screws in reverse. The Italian thread, which is rarer, measures 70 mm. The T47, also threaded, has a diameter of 47 mm that accepts 30 mm axles.

A press-fit fits tightly into a smooth housing: cups of 41 mm for BB86 and BB92, 46 mm for PF30 and BB386EVO, and bearings housed directly in the frame for BB30.

Axle diameter: the bottom bracket follows the crankset

With an identical housing, the bottom bracket changes according to the axle: 24 mm for a Shimano Hollowtech II, 24 mm on the drivetrain side and 22 mm on the other for a Sram GXP, 28.99 mm for a Sram DUB, and 30 mm for many FSA, Race Face, or Praxis M30 cranksets. A BB86 designed for Shimano will therefore not accommodate a DUB crankset. Older or entry-level bikes use a square axle cartridge, Octalink or Isis, chosen based on the width of the shell and the length of axle engraved on the body. If you’re changing your crankset, check out the cranksets on Black Friday; to replace a single arm, the cranks.

Discounted Bottom Bracket: judging the crossed-out price at equal standard

The same reference often exists in 68 and 73 mm, or for 24 mm axle and DUB, and the discount may apply only to one of these versions: compare the crossed-out price with the displayed price on the one that fits your frame, with the product sheet open. At equal standard, then look at the bearings, steel, stainless or hybrid ceramic balls, their water protection, crucial for MTB, and what is included, spacers or installation tool. All year round, the bottom bracket page details each standard, while the crankset section on Black Friday gathers the other components for the operation and the clearance sells off end-of-range items.

What brands of bottom brackets are there?

Token manufactures its bottom brackets in Taiwan; its Ninja Lite for BB386 frames, like the BB38630P, screw their two cups together inside the frame.

Shimano supplies the bottom bracket for its own cranksets: BB-RS501 threaded for road, BB-MT801 for MTB, SM-BB92-41B in press-fit Hollowtech II and cartridge BB-UN300 for square axle.

Black Bearing offers the same bottom bracket with various qualities of bearings, B5, B5S, SKF or ceramic, indicated by its dimensions, like 41-86/92-24.

Praxis has made a name with its conversion bottom brackets, ConvBB30-PF30 or ConvOSBB, which accept a Shimano 24 mm axle crankset in a frame designed for a 30 mm axle.

CeramicSpeed, a Danish company from Holstebro, equips its bottom brackets with silicon nitride balls and offers each standard in Allround or Longlife grease.

Enduro Bearings, based in California, designed the TorqTite, a press-fit tightened by a threaded sleeve, also available in XD-15 hybrid bearings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which bottom bracket is suitable for my bike?

The technical sheet of the frame indicates the standard and the width of the shell. If not, cups that screw in with notches for a key indicate a threaded model, while flush cups indicate a press-fit.

Why does a press-fit bottom bracket squeak?

The noise often comes from play between the cups and a slightly ovalized housing. A careful reassembly is sometimes enough; otherwise, a bottom bracket where the cups screw together holds alignment better.

Is a ceramic ball bottom bracket worth the price difference?

Ceramic balls spin with less friction, but the gain reported by manufacturers counts in tenths of a watt. For regular use, well-protected steel bearings replaced in time do the job.

When to find bottom brackets on discount Black Friday?

The official day is the Friday after Thanksgiving; however, the discounts from Vélo-Store on bottom brackets span all of November: enough time to note the inscription on your cups and take off the crankset without rushing.

Can I change a bottom bracket myself?

Yes, with the right tools: a notch key for a threaded model, a bearing puller and a press for a press-fit. Without them, have the installation done at a workshop.