Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - What bottom bracket do i need for my SST AL?

I cant find the size anywhere online or visible on the bike itself, without taking it apart at least. Also, any suggestions for a suitable BB for the crankset it comes with already would be nice. Not looking for anything expensive, just something better. Thanks.

link to the bike in case; http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/sst_al_carb_x.htm

I cant find the size anywhere online or visible on the bike itself, without taking it apart at least. Also, any suggestions for a suitable BB for the crankset it comes with already would be nice. Not looking for anything expensive, just something better. Thanks.

Your best bet is just to take off the crank and measure it, because manufacturers have a habit of changing specifications and parts with no notice.

For what it's worth, the FSA website (http://www.fullspeedahead.com/fly.aspx?taxid=97&layout=product) says 110.5, but I wouldn't trust it without verifying.

My wife has an older set of FSA Veros on one of her bikes. A 107mm BB will put your chainring on the outside of the spider (where it most likely is now) and a 110 will put it on the inside. If your setup looks like the one pictured below, use a 107.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/images/sst_al_blk_wht/images/IMG_0958.jpg

If you have the newer version (as shown on the FSA site), the chainring can only be placed inside the spider and you must use a 110mm BB to have a straight chainline.

My wife has an older set of FSA Veros on one of her bikes. A 107mm BB will put your chainring on the outside of the spider (where it most likely is now) and a 110 will put it on the inside. If your setup looks like the one pictured below, use a 107.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/images/sst_al_blk_wht/images/IMG_0958.jpg

If you have the newer version (as shown on the FSA site), the chainring can only be placed inside the spider and you must use a 110mm BB to have a straight chainline.

Yeah, thats the same as mine. So a 107mm English, and ive also noticed that some square tapered BBs specify what cranksets they work for... i was under the impression that all square tapered components fit with each other. Can someone explain? Thanks

Any square-taper crank will fit on any square-taper BB, but:
-JIS/ISO spindles are shaped a tad different (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bbtaper.html)- you can put 1 on the other, however, it ain't gonna seat perfectly.
-the spindle length is what determines the chainline - each crank has a different need, thusly making each crank require a certain BB (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainline.html)

Any 107mm English JIS BB will do the trick with your Veros.

cool, thanks a lot guys

No problem!

i guess its a 110mm after all. i probably shouldve asked bikesdirect from the start but replied pretty quickly. He suggested a Miche BB which looks really good but is and ISO taper. From what i understand, it will work with the JIS crankset, but id just rather get the exact match given the choice.
Any suggestions?
ive looked at a lot, but theres a lot...

110 may give you a slightly wonky chainline and BD isn't the best at giving out correct specs/info. LIke I said earlier, my wife's using FSA Veros w/ a 107 on one of her bikes and her chainline is perfect. At any rate, a chainline off by 1.5mm isn't going to kill anyone.

In my experience, Miche BBs suck.

OP - Like Scrod said, don't pay attention to anything bd says regarding specs. I bought a 110mm bb unnecessarily because bd said the stock bb was 103mm, only to find out it was actually 110mm. As to quality BBs, there are plenty of choices like Tange for under $30. Just don't get one of those stinking Shimanos with the plastic nds cups.

K youve convinced me, ill do the 107.
Ive got my eye on an origin8 for $30, will it do the trick? It looks nicer than most everything else ive looked at in the price range; http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=230553190431&index=7&nav=WATCHING&nid=52799067991
Also considered the Tange, whatever its similarly priced model is, but it just looks cheaper. Maybe im making it up, but what do u guys think?

They're all going to be really similar.

it's probably the same, ~$30 sealed bearing bbs are all basially the same.

why are you changing bbs again?

:50:Just don't get one of those stinking Shimanos with the plastic nds cups.:50:

You've said this before, and I've made fun of your before for saying it too....What exactly is your problem with the shimano plastic NDS cup. I've used several and they seem to work just fine.

TT hates those things! I've never seen, installed or used one that has had any amount of trouble.

Probably has the same effect on TT as the crucifix on Dracula...
http://www.unofficialhammerfilms.com/images/dracula58.jpg

Is it me, or does Dracula kinda look like Jim Varney in that shot?

my bike is barely 5 months old, and the BB creaks and ticks up a storm. Ive tightened it numerous times myself and by a mechanic. Everyone agrees its just a piece. I mean, it is a ~$300 bike.

Check your chainring bolts.

Check your chainring bolts.
just checked the chainring and crank bolts again, and took it for a quick power ride, and the noises are as bad as ever. Im just gonna go for one of those Origin8 BBs i think.