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Other half needs a new BB to go with her Race Face Aeffect R cranks. Currently has a Shimano XT which is a bit grumbly.
I'd just replace with the same but getting the cracks in and out is a bit of a nightmare, the axel is so tight it pushes the top hat from the BB when pushing it through and I don't think it's doing it any good.
So what's good without spending £90 on a Hope?
Why do you take them in and out? Plenty o grease on the spindle when you install them?
I've had really good experience with Token bottom brackets.
Uberbike have been fine for me, and the bearings are replaceable
I’d just replace with the same but getting the cracks in and out is a bit of a nightmare
Why do you take them in and out?
because
I don’t think it’s doing it any good.
It isn't, it might not be doing any "harm" to the BB either mind but you'll stop noticing a problem that's only a problem because you're taking the cranks in and out.
Put it together leave it alone until it dies. Replace with suitable shimano BB, repeat.
Replace with the cheapest Deore one you can find
I’ve done the not-expensive replaceable bearing bb option (uber) and I’m back on shimano MT800 (with aeffect cranks). Minimal faff and a decent life.
Would still like to try hope though!
Yup, huge fan of Shimano XT BBs
Cheap and seen to last. Hopefully now the parts madness is subsiding we'll soon be back to the days of 15 quid MT800s!
Disclaimer: only applies to threaded, no experience of pressfit. Yet. Ask me in 6 months how the one is on my new bike!
steve_b77
Why do you take them in and out? Plenty o grease on the spindle when you install them?
I've had to take the cranks out 4 times in the nearly two years she's had the bike. Once when I changed the bearings, once when I replaced the chainring, once chasing a creak that I thought might be the chainring and then today. So all for good reason.
I've seen some very mixed reviews of the Uberbike, will have a look at the Token.
fathomer
the axel is so tight it pushes the top hat from the BB when pushing it through and I don’t think it’s doing it any good.
Nice tight fit, no play. Bit of grease when fitting, job done. Sounds like a win.
Disclaimer: only applies to threaded, no experience of pressfit. Yet. Ask me in 6 months how the one is on my new bike!
Shimano bb86/92? Fit it properly and it'll be trouble free for yonks.
Once when I changed the bearings,
To my knowledge the original [shimano] bearings can't be replaced like for like and they're a slightly odd size.
Most of the aftermarket replacements don't need the top hats as they're 24mm id. Possibly this is the problem?
If Praxis make one the size you need I’d try that. I’m now using one of their gxp bb’s and it’s lasting far better than a sram bb - the bearings would have gone all rattly by now but these are still silky smooth.
Here you are - £26.99 @ Merlin. Winner - says it’s Shimano / raceface / FSA 24mm crank compatible.
@dangeourbrain changed the frame bearings.
Anyway, gone for another XT, two years is acceptable, well just be careful when fitting the cracks.
Never come close to knocking the tophat off even when using a rubber mallet on the crank, plenty grease and check alignment, sounds like tophats are a better option than axle against bearings type ie hope, token ones.
pickle
Free MemberReplace with the cheapest Deore one you can find
I'd go up one, the deore works but it's ime also shorter lived so it becomes a false economy. It can die very fast, in the wrong circumstances. XT is still well priced and a better product.
I think it depends on the conditions you ride in. Saint, XT and Deore have all given crap life for me - lots of gritty sand and clay.
The OP didn't actually say what bb shell it was but for threaded 68/73 mm shell I'm another "hard to beat Shimano XT".
For my PF30 bike I've got a Hope PF46. It beats the multiple cheese bearing SRAM units that it replaced into a cocked hat. Yes it's spendy but it just works.