Originally Posted by
achoo
IMO BB30 (and other press-fit bottom brackets) are all a significant downgrade from threaded BBs. Because the disadvantages are real, too. The parts of a bicycle that are probably subject to the greatest stresses and forces are only pressed together.
And it certainly is marketed - because it's all about lower production costs for manufacturers. So they figured out some things that it can do slightly better than standard threaded bottom brackets. Not that standard bottom brackets actually perform unacceptably in those regards. Kinda like saying that a pair of pants that are strong enough to tow a cruise liner are better than a pair of pants that would rip. True, but so what? It's better at something that doesn't really make any difference.
After about 10 years of riding this stuff (introduced around 2000), I disagree. But also understand that the real intent of things like this is to get weight out of a bike for a professional. And since virtually everyone on a road bike fancies themselves a pro (Walter Mitty types) the manufacturer's allow these standards into their line up. Because one of the first three questions I get from a prospective road bike customer is "how much does this bike weigh???"
Lot's of people want to ride paper weight light bikes but do not realize that those bikes, at the pro level, are serviced every day. Like a NASCAR stocker or an Indy Car (designed for high horsepower short duration). So, I ask the customer if they want light or do they want a bike that they can ride for a while without thinking about it? If it is the latter, I tell them to save their money and buy a less expensive bike with more durable components. They will be a lot happier.
I have been riding BB30 since before it hit the commerical market but I also know how to service it (as do our mechanics) so it has never been a problem.