Bottom Bracket Woes
09-18-14, 04:55 PM
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Bottom Bracket Woes
So I'm not a huge kid (6-0 205#) but I do have pretty big legs and like to mash on the pedals. I have two single-speed mountain bikes, both of which have torn through bottom brackets. A result I assume of both my size, and the manner in which I ride these bikes.
Every time I take them in the shop puts in what I can only guess is a low end generic Shimano piece. Is there any bottom brackets that anyone has had more luck with being tougher than average? Or is my answer to stop riding as hard?
Every time I take them in the shop puts in what I can only guess is a low end generic Shimano piece. Is there any bottom brackets that anyone has had more luck with being tougher than average? Or is my answer to stop riding as hard?
09-18-14, 06:44 PM
#2
SuperGimp
You need to provide some more info... what kind of BB, (I presume it's English threaded?), what kind of crank and what do you mean by "tear through" anyway? Shimano doesn't really make low-end generic stuff, even the inexpensive shimano stuff is good.
09-18-14, 07:49 PM
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I believe english threaded. The bikes are a 1996 Stumpjumper and a 2003 Trek 4500. One has an Alivio FC-M410, the other has an STX, not sure what the STX part numbers were. I want to say they are using Shimano BB UN-26, at least the Stumpjumper is.
By tearing through what I mean is wearing prematurely. It isn't like it is a large expense to swap in a new one when they do wear out, I just didn't know if maybe there were some that were intended for heavier usage.
By tearing through what I mean is wearing prematurely. It isn't like it is a large expense to swap in a new one when they do wear out, I just didn't know if maybe there were some that were intended for heavier usage.
09-18-14, 10:06 PM
#4
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Bottom brackets don't come much cheaper than the Shimano UN-26. You might try upgrading to the Shimano UN-54 bottom bracket next time around. They're twice the price but might last longer. I don't know what other options there are for square taper bottom brackets. You might have to ask in the Classic & Vintage forum 
09-18-14, 10:23 PM
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That was a good one, I'll give you that hahahaha. But okay I will try that next time around, I appreciate the help.
In general, are there bottom brackets that are stronger than others? Say one made specifically for Dirt Jump or Downhill?
In general, are there bottom brackets that are stronger than others? Say one made specifically for Dirt Jump or Downhill?
09-19-14, 10:21 AM
#6
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How much do you want to spend? I notice that Phil Wood still makes square taper bottom brackets, but they'll cost you $100-120 (in stainless steel; more if you want titanium) plus the cost of cups and the installation tool...
09-20-14, 08:27 AM
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You clean your bikes, yes?
Mud and grit will kill a BB very quickly.
Mud and grit will kill a BB very quickly.
