Today I got my "essential tool kit" from Nashbar, and easily removed my Octolink
crank and Shimano BB ES-25 bottom bracket, 68 x 118
My goal was actually to see how it was all put together and clean it up a bit,
anyway, I was noticing the screw in retainer piece on the left side, is made of Plastic,
like everything else in our lives these days.

Is this gonna last for a while? Or would I be better to replace the entire BB with
Something better?
This is for a Raleigh Talus 29

Last Question, What is a suitable substitute for mild Trail riding, With out plastic?
is there such a thing?

Thanks

Dave

Those "plastic" non-drive side spacers/retainers are fine and no way indicate poor quality. They are noisless, corrosion free and trouble free as long as you don't try to overtorque them during installation. Install the metal cartridge first, thread in the plastic part loosely, tighten the cartridge to spec and then snug down the plastic collar firmly but not too hard. It will last the life of the bb and then some.

thank you HillRider, with that I think I'll just clean it real nice and put it back together and ride

Dave

Cartridge Bottom Brackets are disposable units, Shimano make Octalinks in ES25 & 51 versions, both have plastic shells, both are perfectly usable, if Shimano thought that metal was needed for this part, they would have spec'd it, they have been in this business longer than just about everyone else, and know what they are doing.

Not sure what you intend to replace it with, as nowadays, only Shimano make Octalink BB's.