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Been done before a little bit I know, but bear with.. I have a Whyte 905 (2011 large) and have replaced the Sram PF30 bottom bracket once already, it is now clunking again. I want to do something before it starts sounding like a cement mixer as the previous one did. I'm happy with the bike except for this which is doing my head in.
Should I go for a ceramic bearings one ? I'm 100kg with camelbak etc. - surely that shouldn't make any difference? Is it just the way its installed? Is it a design fault?
Any advice appreciated
How long are they lasting, do perform maintenance on them, and how are you installing them (press etc)?
The FSA ones are known to last longer than the SRAM ones. I'd give one a go and if you still have problems, stick an adaptor in and use a standard BB.
d45yth - Member
The FSA ones are known to last longer than the SRAM ones. I'd give one a go and if you still have problems, stick an adaptor in and use a standard BB.
What - FSA ceramic? 😯
First one lasted 9 months, 2nd one lasted about 4. Got LBS to change 1st one not sure exactly how they did it
Thanks - wil try FSA
Adaptor is good suggestion - but does it mean I need to change the crankset... more money etc?
Press fit BBs are one of those things that are good on paper and great for frame designers, but seem to be rubbish for the people riding them. On MTBs they seem to fall apart in no time at all regardless of make. Even the GF's Trek BB90 on her road bike has lasted less than 6 months before the drive side bearings need replacing.
fwiw, i have a Whyte 19 steel that went back to ATB for a warranty replacement the new frame had installed a ceramic PF30 BB which was creaky as hell on first ride so i took the chainset out and greased the whole lot up and it went away, the BB has had no issues since , i think its about 3 months old and used quite heavily 3 rides a week and i'm 95kg so looks like the ceramic is worth it?. Time will tell.
Read this article - it'll make you weep re PF BB's and also most ceramic bearings...
http://www.slowtwitch.com/Tech/Bearing_Breakdown_2822.html
FSA and SRAM are not compatible, I've tried and failed. So if you want to use the FSA one you will have to use FSA cranks. RPITA if you ask me.
Good info lipseal