http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: A rant on BBs! en Wed, 13 May 2026 03:21:56 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605&page=2#post-320898 Thu, 16 Jan 2020 08:15:16 +0000 wingpig 320898@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My singlespeed's threaded BB has been creaking for the five years it has been installed. I could probably have tightened it more but then it would be more likely to be un-de-tightenable when/if it needs to be replaced. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605&page=2#post-320892 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 22:59:27 +0000 I were right about that saddle 320892@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My bottom bracket is making a racket because the bearing race has crumbled. The solution is to get a new one and I will, in spring. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605&page=2#post-320889 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 22:36:56 +0000 davey2wheels 320889@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Check out Hambini <a href="https://www.hambini.com/bottom-bracket-pressfit-and-creaking-an-engineering-analysis/]">https://www.hambini.com/bottom-bracket-pressfit-and-creaking-an-engineering-analysis/</a></p> <p>He also has a Youtube channel that if you can get past the sweary language, contains some good technical presentations.<br /> Basically, creaking is due to misalignment, even with threaded bottom brackets and poor manufacturing tolerances, especially with carbon frames.</p> <p>Of course he sells a solution and you can spend up to £200 for a single piece bottom bracket and high quality bearings that fixes things for you. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-320883 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:15:54 +0000 acsimpson 320883@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This must be the week for thread resurrections. I've been running a BB30 bottom bracket for a little over 30Mm. After around 9 years it's nearing the end of it's life but other than a little tapping noise now and again it's been generally fine.</p> <p>I have the replacement's ready to go but so far haven't found the time to hit the existing ones hard enough to get them out the frame. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-320831 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 21:29:56 +0000 CocoShepherd 320831@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thread resurrection. Not a BB rant, more looking for BB advice.</p> <p>I've been fixing up an old MTB but sadly I discovered a terminal problem and she will have to be laid to rest.</p> <p>Naturally I'm now on the verge of buying a second hand mountain bike to replace it. Will be used for winter commuting and for summer use on easy trails with the kids or for a bit of bikepacking.</p> <p>The only 'problem' with the potential new bike is that I think it has a press fit bottom bracket. It's got a Shimano Deore groupset if that helps. Anyway, I just wanted to know are press fit bottom brackets as bad as I've read? Is it destined to creak? And if so, is that fixable? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-124382 Mon, 09 Sep 2013 15:38:28 +0000 custard 124382@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Have to say<br /> The Tiagra chainset gives lovely shifting<br /> better than the FSA Vero it replaced by a long way </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-124256 Sat, 07 Sep 2013 13:42:31 +0000 custard 124256@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well looks like I got away with it<br /> a quick run and no jumping or skipping<br /> the front mech is rubbing a bit,So Im guessing the chainline is a wee bit different<br /> Seemed a bit of resistance.I'll dial back the torque on the crank cap a bit and see if its that or simply stiction from being new </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-124181 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 20:35:00 +0000 custard 124181@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>All fitted<br /> £8 @ The Bike Work to face the frame and fit the BB<br /> Havent had a chance to take it out. So will see if it skips tomorrow under load</p> <p>Special mention to Ribble<br /> I had a quick look in the box but didnt open it<br /> today I got another deliver as they must have forgotten the end cap for the non drive crank<br /> That courier must have wiped out their profit on the order </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123851 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 12:04:52 +0000 custard 123851@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>ordered the BB and cranks<br /> (hard to believe!) but Halfords have a 105 chain for £15.99 if I need one<br /> So if it skips I'll try a chain &amp; then cassette as the last to try </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123789 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 19:43:05 +0000 custard 123789@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks for the info Cyclops<br /> think I'll go with the chainset &amp; BB and see what its like.<br /> Worst case I have to wait/source a chain/block </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123788 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 19:41:31 +0000 custard 123788@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>These BBS do my head in<br /> remembered i had a used external BB from a frame I bought a while back<br /> checked it and its a Truvativ one,which of course isnt compatible with Hollowtech 2! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123759 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 11:42:05 +0000 Cyclops 123759@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"So i can get a 10 speed cassete,chain,Tiagra chainset &amp; 105 BB for £93.08 delivered<br /> Howeverr would i be better sticking with 9 speed on the rear just now to retain full spread of the gear ratios until I do/if I go 10 speed on the shifters"</p> <p>A 10 speed cassette won't work with 9 speed shifters as the spacing is different. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123741 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 08:42:49 +0000 amir 123741@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Last time this happened to me, I took my bike to Bicycle Repair Man. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123740 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 08:39:58 +0000 Cyclingmollie 123740@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>cyclops: <em>"The other option, of course, is just cut the crank off. No danger of any damage to the frame doing it that way."</em></p> <p>That's exactly what Bicycleworks said a few years ago when I wanted to get a compact chainset fitted. Know anyone who could do that ? :) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123737 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 08:13:17 +0000 custard 123737@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm back! :o</p> <p>been pondering this<br /> is is a smarter move to replace the chain &amp; cassette while im doing this?<br /> Im looking at the Ribble prices with over £35 discount<br /> So i can get a 10 speed cassete,chain,Tiagra chainset &amp; 105 BB for £93.08 delivered<br /> Howeverr would i be better sticking with 9 speed on the rear just now to retain full spread of the gear ratios until I do/if I go 10 speed on the shifters<br /> just thinking with my luck I'll fit the chainset and it will be skipping all over the shop with the chain/cassete wear</p> <p>obviously I'll be trying EBC etc for a price match/better </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123730 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 23:13:35 +0000 Cyclops 123730@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The other option, of course, is just cut the crank off. No danger of any damage to the frame doing it that way. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123728 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 23:06:44 +0000 Cyclingmollie 123728@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I wasn't expecting the crank to survive. I've found Ultegra replacements. If they could be saved it would be a bonus though - those hand welded DA cranks are quite cool. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123727 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 23:02:38 +0000 Cyclops 123727@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Has anyone tried heating a crank to remove it? Chance of goosing the aluminium frame?"</p> <p>As long as you watch where your pointing the blowtorch you'll be fine. Are you keeping the crank? You're never 100% sure when you're pulling the crank off whether it'll come unstuck or the threads in the crank will strip first. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123705 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 19:12:14 +0000 Cyclingmollie 123705@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I would get the frame faced. My manuals all recommend it for external bearings. I'm getting a replacement Octalink* BB soon. The current one is double-clicking after nine years. Paul at Ace Bikes thinks he can get the seized Dura Ace drive-side crank off by heating it. Has anyone tried heating a crank to remove it? Chance of goosing the aluminium frame?</p> <p>*Not the best now but it keeps the retro look of the rest of the bike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123703 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 18:14:00 +0000 custard 123703@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>had a look around<br /> Can get the Tiagra double in compact and a 105 BB for £60.72 delivered @ Ribble<br /> The 105 is only £1.50 more than the base/Tiagra BB</p> <p>sound good?</p> <p>TBW quote £8 to £12 to face off the bare frame </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123701 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 17:54:15 +0000 Dave 123701@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ten speed one will work fine. Then again, if you buy a nine speed one for less money it will also run a 10 speed chain (the teeth are the same width). It's only important at the cassette where things are closer together.</p> <p>New cassette, chain and shifter = more speeds will work. The mechs don't care either.</p> <p>Not sure that you'd need to get the frame faced again, unless you're repainting it. I've built three bikes now without the frames being faced at all, and they're all just fine (seem just fine, at least).</p> <p>That said, dare say Bicycle Works will do a good job for not too much ££ </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123696 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 16:52:18 +0000 custard 123696@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Another thought<br /> Will i have front mech issues with running a 10 speed crank with the rest being 9 speed?<br /> The front mech is a microshift at present<br /> I would prefer to buy 10 speed. I would be looknig to change to 10 speed as funds allow and stuff wears out </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-123680 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 14:01:39 +0000 custard 123680@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Right,I'm revisiting this<br /> I'm using the bike less as the BB does my head in<br /> meaning I use the car,which costs money meaning I have less money for bike parts!</p> <p>soooooooooooooo<br /> I'm looking at going from internal to external BB and going for a new chainset/BB<br /> theres hardly any power drive BBS out there. those that have them are around £30. I have seen a couple of chainsets for sale from the Boardmans(used) so Im guessing others are doing the same</p> <p>So Im guessing its best to stick with compact 50/34 as fitted now?<br /> have swithered on getting a new(!) Tiagra double or the like at around £55<br /> Then a BB at around £15<br /> then getting the frame faced at £?<br /> and idea on cost for this?</p> <p>anything else I need to key in? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-116385 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 14:02:48 +0000 DaveC 116385@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Light off road surfaces?? Have you seen my most recent thread?</p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10609" rel="nofollow">http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10609</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-116383 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 13:59:53 +0000 allebong 116383@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Dave it depends on where your reference point is for 'hard off road'. I learned to dirt jump and freeride on a bike with square taper and while it didn't immediately implode I didn't waste much time in upgrading to external bearing cranks and noting the enormous increase in stiffness. The flex feels much like underinflated tires but you can feel your feet sinking lower than the bb and twisting outwards as the arms bend. You usually end up knackering the bearings before breaking anything else as the system just isn't meant to take repeated harsh hits. You can get away with it for light cross country use where you spend most of the time on the saddle though. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-116344 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 10:35:11 +0000 DaveC 116344@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This is concerning me:</p> <p>"<em>Riding square taper hard off road is extremely disconcerting due to the masses of flex and it eventually shears right off.</em></p> <p>I have a CX bike, I have changed the BB and Chainset for a Stronglight Impact and Stronglight BB. After my recent broken carbon forks (cracked and broke over a long time) I had better leave hacking through the Dalmeny estate to my MTB. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-116323 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 08:51:40 +0000 TractorFactory 116323@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I went through this exact same issue. Asked Halfords (different topic me'thinks) for a replacement thinking, och aye, they sell the bike, should know the part. They gave me a Truvativ, completely wrong spline. Took it back, replaced with an ISIS spline, got the cranks off, the FSA one in thinner spline but with the ISIS pattern.</p> <p>Was passing Leslie Bike Shop up in Glenrothes, picking up a Facebook share prize I'd won from them and lo and behold, they had the exact part for sale. They seemed to have plenty stock of them as well if that helps. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-116313 Sun, 30 Jun 2013 22:34:46 +0000 wee folding bike 116313@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Dales fitted a Japanese BB to one of my Campag bikes and after that the cranks were always a bit loose on Campag BBs. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-116300 Sun, 30 Jun 2013 15:12:48 +0000 allebong 116300@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://sheldonbrown.com/bbtaper.html" rel="nofollow">http://sheldonbrown.com/bbtaper.html</a></p> <p>Aye two different major standards (Japanese and ISO) but they are usually interchangeable without problems as long as you keep an eye on the chainline.</p> <p>I've noticed that the availability of square taper BBs seems to vary too. A few years back I got an RPM make square taper new for £4. They seem to have dried up and now the cheapest option is usually the Shimano UN54 or thereabouts. Get's more complicated if you want one of the less common spindle widths too. Bikestation has had a real shortage of BBs recently as well. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10605#post-116290 Sat, 29 Jun 2013 22:17:53 +0000 wee folding bike 116290@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There are at least two slightly different standards on square BB axles/spindles. It can be a good idea to stick with the same manufacturer for cranks and BB. </p>