Replacing BB, recommend me a better one?
11-08-20, 06:47 PM
#1
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Replacing BB, recommend me a better one?
After about 4000 miles my SRAM GXP threaded bottom bracket has been creaking a bit on the drive side, I hear this is not uncommon. I’m 6’4” 270# so I’m beating the crap out of that thing. So this Winter is a good time for some downtime maintenance on my summer bike (2019 Jamis Renegade Exploit) and replace it.
I’d like to upgrade my BB, what can the experienced here recommend? I’d probably spend up to $100 but might go for more if there is a reason to do so. I don’t think I need ceramic bearings however.
thanks in advance.
I’d like to upgrade my BB, what can the experienced here recommend? I’d probably spend up to $100 but might go for more if there is a reason to do so. I don’t think I need ceramic bearings however.
thanks in advance.
Last edited by Toadmeister; 11-08-20 at 08:48 PM.
11-08-20, 08:42 PM
#2
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I don't think you need ceramic bearings either. Their advantages, high speed and high temperature operation, are not needed in bike service.
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11-08-20, 08:46 PM
#3
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4000 miles is not that much for a BB. Is your frame pressfit or BSA? If latter, you may only need to grease threads. If former, pull cranks, clean everything and check to see if bearings still feel smooth. If the bearings are good, I find cleaning and retightening and regreasing everything helps eliminate grease.
11-08-20, 08:55 PM
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4000 miles is not that much for a BB. Is your frame pressfit or BSA? If latter, you may only need to grease threads. If former, pull cranks, clean everything and check to see if bearings still feel smooth. If the bearings are good, I find cleaning and retightening and regreasing everything helps eliminate grease.
Since GXP is a SRAM standard, are there any other aftermarket BB makers out there I should look at?
Last edited by Toadmeister; 11-08-20 at 09:02 PM.
11-09-20, 05:01 AM
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I put one of these in my single speed MTB. https://www.enduroforkseals.com/prod...BGXPAC-CS.html They are a bit more complicated to set up with spacers and wave washers, but they last significantly longer than the standard SRAM GXP bottom brackets.
4000 miles is not out of the ordinary for a GXP bottom bracket to go bad in a dirty environment. I replace them on a regular basis as a disposable item, similar to chains. They tend to go bad on the non-drive side due to that bearing having to resist any side to side force on the spindle. The drive side will go bad in dirty/dusty environments, due to the less than stellar plastic dust cover/bushing on that side.
4000 miles is not out of the ordinary for a GXP bottom bracket to go bad in a dirty environment. I replace them on a regular basis as a disposable item, similar to chains. They tend to go bad on the non-drive side due to that bearing having to resist any side to side force on the spindle. The drive side will go bad in dirty/dusty environments, due to the less than stellar plastic dust cover/bushing on that side.
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11-09-20, 06:06 AM
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I put one of these in my single speed MTB. https://www.enduroforkseals.com/prod...BGXPAC-CS.html They are a bit more complicated to set up with spacers and wave washers, but they last significantly longer than the standard SRAM GXP bottom brackets.
4000 miles is not out of the ordinary for a GXP bottom bracket to go bad in a dirty environment. I replace them on a regular basis as a disposable item, similar to chains. They tend to go bad on the non-drive side due to that bearing having to resist any side to side force on the spindle. The drive side will go bad in dirty/dusty environments, due to the less than stellar plastic dust cover/bushing on that side.
4000 miles is not out of the ordinary for a GXP bottom bracket to go bad in a dirty environment. I replace them on a regular basis as a disposable item, similar to chains. They tend to go bad on the non-drive side due to that bearing having to resist any side to side force on the spindle. The drive side will go bad in dirty/dusty environments, due to the less than stellar plastic dust cover/bushing on that side.
11-09-20, 08:50 AM
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You don't have to abuse it. You can always shift to a lower gear instead of mashing your way to glory. It'll be easier on the chain too.
11-09-20, 09:20 AM
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As mentioned by DOS in post #3 the BB creaking may be just a case of needing some cleaning and grease on the threads and torqueing the BB down properly. Also you can pry the bearing seals off with a thin blade of your choice so that you can flush out the bearings and re-grease. IMO try this first before spending on a new BB.
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11-09-20, 09:47 AM
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Wheels MFG makes some fine GXP compatible bottom brackets, I wouldn't use them personally because I think the idea of GXP is pretty silly when a normal 24mm or 30mm make more sense with no need for a taper but my guess it was a stop gap to avoid patents.
