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Inexpensive (OK, cheap) bottom bracket, any good?

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Inexpensive (OK, cheap) bottom bracket, any good?

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Old 05-30-08, 02:27 PM
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Thrifty Bill
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Inexpensive (OK, cheap) bottom bracket, any good?

REI has a cartridge bottom bracket, for $15, it is a Shimano ES25. They also sell an ES51 for $40. Any reason not to use the ES25?

I believe I need a 68 x 113 for my Trek 1000, I am installing a takeoff Shimano 105 crankset.


Thanks!

bill
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Old 05-30-08, 03:55 PM
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The more expensive one is lighter because of the hollow spindle.
The bearings should be similar.
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Old 05-30-08, 06:12 PM
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For what it is worth, the more expensive bb is 30 grams lighter (a little over one ounce). I don't think I will notice that difference.... At least not as long as I weigh 200 lbs +.

Last edited by wrk101; 05-30-08 at 06:24 PM. Reason: more detail
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Old 05-30-08, 06:35 PM
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you need a Dura Ace, Ultegra or 105 bb which is the V1 spline.

those bb's(es51,es25)are V2 splines, non-compatible with the 105 crank.

Last edited by Soil_Sampler; 05-31-08 at 12:27 AM.
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Old 05-31-08, 10:26 AM
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Ouch! Thanks for the additional detail. V2 spline versus V1. Geez. Guess I will attempt bearing replacement on the stock unit.


thanks!
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Old 05-31-08, 04:36 PM
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Bottom brackets is bottom brackets. They all are functionally identical, very simple mechanisms. A couple hundred grams difference in weight will make absolutely no difference.
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Old 05-31-08, 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by wrk101
Guess I will attempt bearing replacement on the stock unit.
the newer cartridge bearing V1 bb's are not able to be rebuilt.

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...x?sc=QBIKE&x=y
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Old 05-31-08, 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by San Rensho
Bottom brackets is bottom brackets. They all are functionally identical, very simple mechanisms. A couple hundred grams difference in weight will make absolutely no difference.
By this token a walmart bike is equivalent to a $6k All carbon road bike.
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Old 06-02-08, 01:36 PM
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I've found that cheap bottom brackets get crap in them more easily, accelerating wear.

That doesn't prevent me from buying them, though, now that I think about it.
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Old 06-02-08, 02:38 PM
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Personally, I prefer nice stuff on my bike. When I went to put 160mm cranks on, I had to get a shorter spindle BB and I needed some side to side adjustment to get the chainline right. So, I got a Phil Wood with the right spindle. Wow, *****in' stuff, but very expensive. Yes, I like it, and am glad it's there. I don't anticipate BB problems for many a mile.

OTOH, the Chinese cartridge BB I took out, with 5K miles on it, was doing just fine. A lot heavier, but still had many miles left. For the heck of it, I searched online for the same BB and found it in England, for $9.95 USD. It's hard to imagine a BB for less than $9.95. I'm sure the Phil BB would last longer, is stronger and smoother. But the cheapie will do the job for a reasonable time. The choice is up to you. bk
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