Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Any recommendations for a bottom bracket?

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pandita
05-21-11, 10:50 PM
I've been using cheap bottom brackets from my bike shop for all my conversions lately.

But I'm looking for something stronger and sturdier to stand up to fixed gear riding.

I don't mean tricking or jumping off of huge walls, but just for skip stopping and occasional skidding.

The cheaper bb's I use often start making noises after a couple of weeks of riding.

Any good bb's I should start using?

And yeah, I know Phil woods are amazing, but I don't think I'm too ready to drop 150 for a bb+cups yet.


yummygooey
05-21-11, 10:55 PM
How cheap are we talking? I have a cheap Shimano UN-54 (~$20) that has been beat for a couple of winters and is still going strong.

pandita
05-21-11, 10:57 PM
I spent like 15 or so.

One was a TH Industries. The other was either a shimano or sugino, can't remember.


fuzz2050
05-21-11, 11:44 PM
Unless you want to spend the money on a Phil Wood, or have some crazy threading, use a Shimano UN 54. If you're destroying those in a few weeks, you're doing something wrong.

pandita
05-22-11, 10:21 AM
I'm not destroying them, it's just that they start making weird noises after a while.

hairnet
05-22-11, 10:36 AM
It is likely you're installing them incorrectly if that's the case after a few weeks

Germanicus
05-23-11, 12:53 PM
What type of BB are you using? Sq. taper, GXP octalink etc?
I think the new SRAM/Truvativ Team GXPs are nice ($20) They have been recently redesigned with better bearings and seals. I also have my eye on those new Chris King GXP BBs. They come with a grease port to flush out the old lube and add new every so often to extend the life. I think they run about $125 however- not much cheaper than the Woods.

ianjk
05-23-11, 12:59 PM
Also, fixed gear riding isn't that hard on a drivetrain....

FastJake
05-23-11, 01:28 PM
Also, fixed gear riding isn't that hard on a drivetrain....

Exactly. There is nothing special about FG riding that requires a "stronger" BB. What have you been using and what's been going wrong?

Elvo
05-23-11, 02:03 PM
I recommend Chris King

Scrodzilla
05-23-11, 02:29 PM
What have you been using and what's been going wrong?


I'm not destroying them, it's just that they start making weird noises after a while.


One was a TH Industries. The other was either a shimano or sugino, can't remember.

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