I have no experience with external bottom brackets. As luck would have it, in the same week I got a new road bike with SRAM cranks and a set of SRAM Omniums for my track bike, both with basic GXP BBs. All of my previous experience was with Dura-Ace Octalink (sealed and needle) and Campy Record square taper (sealed and ball).

A few people almost anecdotally say, "You are gonna want to upgrade that BB soon."

Will someone care to elaborate as to why (feel? durability?) and also what would be a suitable upgrade? Does it have to be SRAM or are others compatible?

Thanks!

Try a Hope BB with stainless steel bearings (they make some sleeves for the non-drive side to make it GXP compatible) - mine spins beautifully, and the anodized color looks awesome.

how about we wear out the stock one first but aftermarket is available from chris king, hope, enduro

+1

crunch the stock one first then, rebuild or replace.

I agree. This isn't my first rodeo.

Still no one has answered the question of why the upgrade is suggested as opposed to replacing with the same BB when it wears out.

Hope bbs are fully serviceable, that's one advantage over the GXP.

durability is the reason people have suggested you replace it, basically junk.

Thanks. That's what I was wondering. I wasn't sure if it was a feel thing or a durability thing. I'm not one to upgrade for the sake of upgrading. I've never been one to jump on the ceramic band wagon just because that's the new thing.

I train on the track and road 6 days a week, plus I'm heavier than most. I just want to know what I'm getting into. I know what to expect from the other brands.