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I need to replace the 24mm bearings in my hope BB
Are genuine hope bearings the best option or are there others with comparable/ better quality and longevity?
Cheers
N
Just google 'Hope bearings Singletrackworld' you'll find loads of threads on the subject. General jist is, Hope supply decent stainless bearings from a top manufacturer, but are more expensive than buying other quality brands from a dedicated bearings supplier. Usual bearing brands that are recommended are ones like SKF, NTN, FAG and even Enduro (apparent their tolerances are not quite as good but I've always found their bearings to last well).
Buy the tool for this and you will be delighted to change the bearings as and when with no drama. Hope do make great tactile "well that was easier than I thought" tools IMO.
Also to note, you will find lots of different opinions on what bearing materials are best as well as what seals they should have as well as the grease they use in the bearings.
As I live in the UK and ride in the wet, I always try to buy stainless bearings with double seals, and that have water proof grease installed. I'll still pop off the seals before fitting to add more waterproof grease. This does add a little drag but I prefer longevity over a tiny bit of lost watts. But then I don't race.
Good article here if you want to spend some time reading about the exciting world of bicycle bearings.
https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/workshop/bicycle-bearings-everything-you-need-to-know
Enduro seem good enough, and, like above, I'll pop seals and add more waterproof marine grease
So those of you that repack with waterproof grease, what do you use? I use general purpose and mostly get good results and I can even manage Sram's dub bottom brackets over two winters with it. But if waterproof grease is the way forward which should I get?
My method for removing Hope BB bearings without the drifts is to remove the outer seal, put it the freezer for an hour then in a cup, bearing side down, pour boiling water on top. The cup expands quicker than the bearing which should just drop out with a tap. Likewise the replacement bearing should just push in by hand or use the old bearing as a drift.
This is an imminent job for me but with 30mm. Nicely timed thread!
I bought the hope bb tool and pop the bearings out from time to time and clean things. Sometimes I pop the seals off and clean the crap out and re grease them. The hope ones seem to last for ever. Catch them quickly enough and they don't have any wear.
Every now and then I replace the plastic seals.
My method for removing Hope BB bearings without the drifts is to remove the outer seal, put it the freezer for an hour then in a cup, bearing side down, pour boiling water on top. The cup expands quicker than the bearing which should just drop out with a tap. Likewise the replacement bearing should just push in by hand or use the old bearing as a drift.
I've found it super easy to tap them out with a hammer at ambient temperatures to be honest.
  The hope ones seem to last for ever.
Their bottom bracket bearings have definitely not lasted well in my conditions. Stainless too soft with all the grit here I think. Replacement Japanese bearings seem to be lasting better. Maybe I didn't catch them early enough.
Stop hitting it with hammers and drifts and freezing etc and just invest in this kit. Cleaning the existing bearings early enough and re greasing them once pays for itself.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tools/hope-bottom-bracket-bearing-tool/
**** that. Waste of money when I have tools that that do the job just as well.