Originally Posted by
fstshrk
Sorry, I have an Ultegra 6700 crankset on my Roubaix SL2 with Outboard bearings (68MM threaded) and an Ultegra 9 speed Octalink crankset with the older style BB on my Jamis Aurora. I can't tell the difference between the two other than one is a tad lighter than the other. I think BB30 and all its cousins are a simple marketing ploy to get people to upgrade. Luckily, there are still companies producing bikes with the older/proven BBs. For the non-racer market, I think the older style is a better choice.
We will agree to disagree. Further bike companies disagree with you. Marketing is an ingredient but the not the salient reason why BB30 exists. Cost, weight and stiffness is why it exists. Just because you don't put down the power to feel the difference..or can't feel the weight difference, doesn't mean BB30 isn't stiffer and weigh less...both directionally correct to performance. Further BB30 is much cheaper for the bike owner compared to replacing your DA or Ultegra captured threaded BB bearings. Other variants for example considered by the OP because he hasn't figured out how to set up his BB properly are even more expensive. If you look at the industry, BB30 isn't going anywhere. If you look at perhaps the most tech evolved company Specialized with heavy R&D, their 2014 offerings are almost all going to BB30 or Spesh version of PF30. They aren't doing this to degrade their product. They do it because they believe in it.