Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,639
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
+1 Main advantage is plug and play.
And on the cost side, IF you need to replace a bottom bracket, a $10 UN26 is pretty hard to beat (assumes modern british standard threading). As a comparison, a replacement spindle at Niagara costs $5, and replacement cups cost $4.50 for the crappy Pyramid brand....
And to someone with limited tools, you go from three tools to remove a typical old cup and spindle bb, to one tool ($7) to remove/install a UN26/54.
I had some fun at the local bike shop. I went in asking to buy a spindle. Guy explained to me that they no longer sell spindles, as the cartridge bb is inexpensive, easy to install, and has replaced the cup and spindle design. So I asked him what he had available in Swiss threading. You could see that WTF moment. Priceless.
Last edited by wrk101; 08-19-11 at 06:52 PM.