Bicycle Mechanics - BB advice

Im wondering if there is any advantage to using Dura Ace bottom bracket instead of Ultegra. They cost more and I understand they use needle bearings, that sounds good. Im a mechanic but not a bike mechanic. I would assume all I would need to install a bottom bracket would be a 8mm allen wrench and the bottom bracket tool? Right? Im thinking of doing it myself just cause thats the way I am. Any suggestions would be good to hear............ thanks in advance. oh btw, is there a left hand thread? possibly on the right side?

If you are mechanically inclined, then it's pretty easy to do. It's also pretty easy to cross thread, so be careful.

I don't think the performance is worth the extra money and I would stick with Ultegra level. I'm sure that many will dissagree with me, but I'm no Joe Racer, and I'm more concerned with stuff lasting, vs. being the lightest.

You will need a specific bb tool, but those are readily available from most shops or online retailers.

Check out the Barnett's Manuals above in the thread listing for a step-by-step how to of replacing this.

And yes, the non-drive side (left) is standard threading, the drive side is reverse.

I'm a strong believer in greasing the heck out of the bb bracket threads to avoid any of the dreaded "aluminum creaking". I load it up and make sure all the threads are well coated.

You will also need a torque wrench and there is a specified torque listed in the instructions that should come with your new bb.

L8R

If you are mechanically inclined, then it's pretty easy to do. It's also pretty easy to cross thread, so be careful.

I don't think the performance is worth the extra money and I would stick with Ultegra level. I'm sure that many will dissagree with me, but I'm no Joe Racer, and I'm more concerned with stuff lasting, vs. being the lightest.

You will need a specific bb tool, but those are readily available from most shops or online retailers.

Check out the Barnett's Manuals above in the thread listing for a step-by-step how to of replacing this.

And yes, the non-drive side (left) is standard threading, the drive side is reverse.

I'm a strong believer in greasing the heck out of the bb bracket threads to avoid any of the dreaded "aluminum creaking". I load it up and make sure all the threads are well coated.

You will also need a torque wrench and there is a specified torque listed in the instructions that should come with your new bb.

L8R
Hey thanks man,,, Maybe I will just let the LBS kid do it. Ive watched them do it at the other shop I use to spend money at but they never used a torque wrench,,, figures......... thanks for your info...

Im wondering if there is any advantage to using Dura Ace bottom bracket instead of Ultegra. They cost more and I understand they use needle bearings, that sounds good. Im a mechanic but not a bike mechanic. I would assume all I would need to install a bottom bracket would be a 8mm allen wrench and the bottom bracket tool? Right? Im thinking of doing it myself just cause thats the way I am. Any suggestions would be good to hear............ thanks in advance. oh btw, is there a left hand thread? possibly on the right side?

From my casual reading, it seemed that the Ultegra was preferred over the Dura Ace for some reason. I seem to recall it had to do with the adjustment of the DA vs the UT, as the UT is a cartridge assembly, pop it in and go.

But then again, I like futzin around with loose ball BB and hubs.

Dura-ace is adjusted like any other adjustable type bottom brackets. After installing the bb, it is best to mount the right arm to help detect play. Adjust in small increments until play dissappears. See also http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQadjbb.shtml

Hey thanks man,,, Maybe I will just let the LBS kid do it. Ive watched them do it at the other shop I use to spend money at but they never used a torque wrench,,, figures......... thanks for your info...

Since they don't use a torque wrench (360 inch pounds) you may want to make sure they do, and also that they use the right type of thread prep.

Grease for steel frames
Plumber's tape for aluminum frames
Ti anti-seize for Titanium frams
???? for carbon (I'd guess plumber's tape)

Carbon frames don't have carbon BB threads, it's usually an ally or steel sleeve, so tape or grease as you said.