digger

I'm on my second XT Shimano Hollotech BB. The bearings are rough and when left overnight the BB sticks a bit.

I'm only getting about 800km (500 miles), I do ride in considerably wet conditions off-road.

What other options exists for a BB to fit a XT crank set?

Race Face seem to have a nice one that is serviceable.
https://www.raceface.com/components/b...-type-team-xc/

I'm a little hesitant to look at Chris King, as I'd have to sell my body to afford one. Although it might last longer than a Shimano.

Digger.

JiveTurkey

Did you ever face the bottom bracket shell? If the ends of the shell are not parallel to each other, the bearings can wear prematurely.

Jed19

You should be getting much more than 500miles from a Shimano XT BB, even in considerable off-road wet conditions. Something is definitely off.

jimc101

You can use any compatible external BB to replace the XT one; it will need to be an MTB version for the 73mm shell.

As JiveTurkey mentions, it would be worth getting the BB shells faced especiallyas you have been having so many issues.

For the Raceface one you have linked to, I have had the Race XC version of that fitted to my winter MTB, which has been used in mainly wet conditions for the last few months, with no issues.

davidad

You need to understand that the seals in radial bearings are not meant to keep out water. They are basicily dust seals.

digger

Ah....bugga.

Since the Shimano BBs are not serviceable, I had figured that they would be better suited against water contamination.

It must be water. As I stated, when the cranks are left still for a day or two, then the BB tends to stick. It doesn't take much effort to get them moving, but I do have to push slightly. Then the bearings are very rough for a few revolutions (I can feel it through the crank arm). It smooths out a bit, but they are still rough. I think it's rust.

Yes, the BB shell was faced by my LBS.

Just wondering if a serviceable BB exists out there.

CACycling

I bought the $15 set of bearings to put in an Ultegra BB here:
https://www.enduroforkseals.com/id227.html
I was able to remove the old bearings with a punch and hammer working carefully around the old bearing. I fashioned a bearing press out of a PVC coupling, bolt, nut and a couple of washers. Went together fine but am waiting for current BB to get crispy before putting it into service.

Chris_W

Hope sells a very nice HT-II compatible BB that is designed to be user serviceable, I've been very happy with mine. In addition, the stainless steel bearings that it comes with are excellent quality.