I'm building a 2012 Giant Defy Advanced frameset which takes a BB or PF 86 bottom bracket and i have a Sram Force 22 gxp crankset. I've googled a lot about bottom brackets and know a lot more now, but I'm not positive.

I would like to get a good long lasting part like ultegra level, no Chinese aftermarket and no ceramic at this time.

Do I have to stick with Sram or could I use an ultegra bottom bracket? Sram would be fine too if I knew which one to get. Maybe the bb86 gxp team with steel bearings? How many does Sram have to choose from? Thanks.

Why not just get a SRAM BB? SRAM GXP BB86 Bottom Bracket | Competitive Cyclist

For something a little nicer, which may last longer, but cost much more Enduro TorqTite BB BB86/92 24mm XD-15 Bearings - Enduro Bearings Online

SRAM GXP and Shimano are very slightly different. If you don't already have something, get one that is made for SRAM (though it doesn't have to be made by SRAM).

Can't use a Shimano BB. GXP has a 24 mm drive side and a 22 mm non-drive side. Some manufacturers use the same BB for both and include a bushing for the GXP non-drive side. However, this has raised the question on those BBs if the non-drive side bearing is capable of handling the loads from a GXP crank.

Thanks for the info. I'll look for Sram stuff, probably the Sram gxp bb86 "team" that's selling for under $30. Unless there are other suggestions...