Sugino RD2/Messenger, All City, Andel, etc.

RD-2's are a real bang for the buck.

I like my RD2s as well, but they seem flexy. I don't know if it's the BB of my frame or the crank arms. I only notice it when stopped, standing on one pedal. It's never been an issue when riding.

I rode them on the track for a couple sessions, and didn't notice any flex from anything except standing starts.

I'm happy with them. I'd upgrade to some nice cranks if I had the funds, but I'm fine with them for now.

interesting. There was a recent thread where the OP listed the RD2 and one guy called "low quality and long". Thats what i had been planning to upgrade too. How noticible is a highend BB vs med/lower end BB? I see some BB go for 100 and some for 20. I assume some are 100000000000000000000000, not interested in those.

It's a decent quality, might not be as stiff as the Sugino 75, Dura Ace's or Omnium's but you won't notice that unless you're doing those stand starts on the track guys do.

The RD2/Messenger will use a run of the mill sealed bearing BB, which is good enough for what most if us do with our bikes. A Sugino 75 and Dura Ace 7600 for example, use a Hatta or Sugino cup and cone style bottom bracket. Super smooth and are easily able to be opened to be regreased.


Here's two examples of these types of BB.

Mind you, I guarantee these guys aren't proper grease. Probably lubed em with WD-40, haha.

Thick grease that you're supposed to use on BB's will slow it down regardless.

thanks Fuego and nagrom.

The quality of the RD2/Messenger seems lower than the S100. S100 BBs seem to be hit-or-miss. Either will work.

I strongly disagree.

In my research I see 100x more people speaking highly of the RD-2 and this is actually the first time coming across the S100.

Robofunc-Isnt S100 the name of the crankset not the BB?

Couldnt you get an RD-2 with a decent BB or is there only 1 BB option for them? i was under the impression there was a range of BB that had the correct Spindle length to work.

It's the style of BB, not the brand.
They use a GXP BB, the spindle is fixed to the drive side crank arm.

This doesn't prove durable with FG use.

Nope. The S300 uses GXP. The S100 uses a traditional BB with a Power Spline spindle.

Really? What do you know?
Mr. Bigbikeshopowner.
PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH


I officially have nothing to be said about s100's.

Any BB with a 103mm JIS spindle will work. In my experience, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the one Sugino makes.

****.... i didnt even read the question right....

This brings up another point. When I was shopping around a while back I remember bumping into three BB for the RD2/Messenger. The Sugino, IRD and Phil Wood, whereas for the S100 you only have the Truvativ/SRAM Powerspline. I hate not having the option for a different manufacturer with my S100.

With an S300 though Sram has a ceramic BB besides their regular BB. Chris King and Phil Wood also make a GXP compatible BB. Options are a plus.

Thanks guys, appreciate the help.

Sooo fuego also hit a good point. Options are valuable.