Capecodder

Just wondering what eveyone thinks in regards to the cartridge BB's Good or bad choice?

Chombi

I don't see why one might consider them inferior to loose bearing BBs. I have one (Stronglight) on my bike and I have never had any problems with it. Most of the ones I encountered have very very smooth turning action and if the bearings ever wear out, you can either just replace the whole unit or press on new cartridges. Some have noted that sealed bearings have drag because of their seals. but it is so slight that I don't think any riding mortal can detect it, specially on a relatively low RPM component like a BB.

Chombi

Velognome 

About 8K miles on mine and still buttery smooth.

Bianchigirll 

I like them. they are easy to install, although the Phil is a bit tricky, and when they fail they fail there is not adjusting or guessing.

recently I have used Phil or Campi, and a shimano or two for most of my projects. I recently bought a Miche to pair with a late '90ish Stronglight crank. compared to a Campi or Phill is was a steal at $25. I'll let you know how the install goes this weekend.

PS I would like to just add that I was very dissappointed with the quality of the original Campi BB in my '99/00 Record group. I have no idea how many miles were on the bike but I am sure it was not over 5k (actually the poor bike got more miles on it sitting on the bunk of my semi) so I was disappointed to see or feel in the summer of '09 that is was loose and require replacing. it is possible I just got a bad one who knows.

auchencrow

I like the idea of sealed, disposable bb on a winter bike.
(I'll stick with loose balls on my other bikes though.)

Henry III

I just go with whatever works or have laying around. The UN54 is a cheap dependable unit from Shimano that I've used quite a bit. Though I have no issues with a loose bearing bb setup. Most of the time when I get them though the previous negelated them to the point the races are really pitted and the grease is like tar.

southpawboston

Yeah, the UN54 is a really nice example of the "sweet spot" in bicycle parts, dependable and decent quality, for very little money. Too bad they come with the plastic NDS cup. I'd gladly spend $5 more if Shimano supplied them with an aluminum one.

I like cartridge bearing BBs for the reasons already stated: they're buttery smooth, need no adjustment, and they're sealed. And when they wear out, just toss them. They're cheap enough. And if you're really a tightwad, you can open them up with the right tools, and replace the industry-standard cartridges for about $4. I don't think I'd use one on a vintage build, however, just from an aesthetic perspective. But I have no problems using them on any of my 1980s or newer frankenbikes.

lostarchitect 

I just got a Campagnolo Veloce one that I haven't installed yet, but man, it looks really clean and easy to install compared to loose bearings. Looking forward to installing it.

ColonelJLloyd 

I've installed a few. IRD, Velo Orange and Shimano. I haven't had any issues and they sure are easy to install and adjust. My LBS owner keeps trying to sell me on the SKF bottom brackets. It may or may not be overbuilt. I know it's a cut above. Still, I'm not ready to spring for one.

southpawboston

I've heard this as well. I wouldn't be surprised, as the company that makes them has been around for decades and has made industrial bearings for many different applications. And, it's Swiss, so you know it's a precision product. I heard somewhere that EDCO BBs were made by SKF. I don't know if there's any truth to that, but I know that EDCO BBs were swiss and had a great reputation.

ColonelJLloyd 

I think I read the same thing about EDCO BBs, Anton. I want to say I read that the MAVIC threadless units were also made by SKF, but I'm not sure why I'm thinking that.

RobbieTunes

I use them both, and like the ball bearing BB's better, once they're packed and adjusted well.
Since a all of my Shimano bikes are now Octalink, I'm pretty much a cartridge guy there, no problems with either.

XR2

On my next bike I'm going to try the SKF. A 10 year warranty is a big selling point and offsets the high buy in.

LeicaLad 

I'd love to try a SKF unit. SKF is the world's largest bearing manufacturer. The design is really good.

BUT, the only Campy spindle unit they sell is 111m. I like older cranks (Campy, Stronglight) and don't like to use JIS, although it IS possible.

If I was building a Pugsley or a tropical backwater bike, I'd really think the SKF unit would be the best. IMHO, of course.

In the meantime, I'll stick with either original ball & cup or Phil units.

noglider 

I think they're good for most people and purposes, but I can overhaul an old fashioned BB with my eyes closed, so it makes little difference to me.

unworthy1

for the record: SKF is not Swiss but Swedish, and credited with inventing (and patenting) the sealed cartridge bearing back in 1907 (!) or at least I've seen examples that look exactly like the current cartridge bearings that date from the early '20s. So it would make sense that SKF would have supplied the bearings to any/all of the European BB manufacturers, but as to whether they made the entire unit(s) I can't be sure. At least some of the features of the Mavic, for example, were exclusive.
I think both sealed and open BBs have their benefits and their detriments. I use both. The verdict is still out for those new-fangled wide-mouth BBs with tiny sealed ring bearings (GXP, UT, Hollowtech II, etc.), but I bet they don't hold up for the long haul.

WNG

I think the Swiss manufacturer is F.A.G. They also supplied bearings for bike components for a while. The name caused some ribbing when we were teens when someone was running them.

Catnap 

i use both types on my bikes, although for bikes that have cut-outs in the BB shell I typically opt for a sealed cartridge BB. functionally I don't find one to be superior over the other, so long as the loose ball type is well maintained. when building up a new, modern frame, i would opt for a sealed cartridge BB.

Henry III

I like to keep my stuff somewhat period correct so my older bikes 73 Raleigh Comp and 71 Schwinn Sports Tourer both run Campy loose ball bearing BB's to match with the NR/SR cranks and the rest of the components. 80's and newer all get cartridge units or stuff that gets rode in all weather.

toosahn

I have a EDCO BB and it is exceptionally well made. I'm trying to sell it right now..

Catnap 

i saw one on ebay the other for a very high price, was it yours? not criticizing the price, i honestly wasn't aware of the EDCO brand before and was surprised.

Staylucky

Been riding with a Shimano UN54 sealed BB all summer, NO complaints, buttery smooth and dependable.

toosahn

Nope, wasn't mine. I'm selling mine for nearly 50% less than that one. I think that was NOS, and mine is used.

Chombi

It's really bad that a lot of them at eBay had been way overpriced for some months now. I can't see paying $340+ for an NOS EDCO BB, good as they are. A brand new Phil wood costs only a bit more than half of that with rings. A nice Mavic is even cheaper. There's been a few sellers at eBay that's been the cause of the recently jacked up prices on a lot of C&V components Their pricing brains seem to be stuck in the $200 and higher pricing levels this year. Don't they get the hint when their stuff just sits at eBay month after month without bidders?

Chombi

Capecodder

Well, after reading all the positive responses, I dropped a Shimano UN54 in my bike and love it. I think it's one of the best upgrades, I've made. It's not period correct, but neither is anything else on my bike. My buddy at the bike shop had a steel cup to use in place of the plastic one, and threw that at me for free.......