external BB

new freerider
new freerider Posts: 197
edited July 2007 in MTB workshop & tech
what are the advantages and disadvantages of using an external BB instead of an internal BB?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    bigger bearing and the last longer.

    have to get frame faced.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Fitted a Hollowtech II on my road bike and it was noticeably stiffer on climbs and out-of-seat acceleration
  • dvatc_mark
    dvatc_mark Posts: 37
    Not sure about the claim they last longer than a cartridge one, as my raceface x type only lasted 6 months with minimum winter riding, whereas my LX cartridge has lasted 18 months and is still going strong even though its been mostly used in winter and muddy / wet rides.

    Maybe its just down to the fact raceface bearings aren't very good.
  • ddoogie
    ddoogie Posts: 4,159
    I'm still running my XT bearings after a year of good use. Still smooth as you like. Excellent system.
    S-works Stumpjumper FSR

    I'll see you at the end.

    You'll see me on the floor.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    dvatc_mark wrote:
    Not sure about the claim they last longer than a cartridge one, as my raceface x type only lasted 6 months with minimum winter riding, whereas my LX cartridge has lasted 18 months and is still going strong even though its been mostly used in winter and muddy / wet rides.

    Maybe its just down to the fact raceface bearings aren't very good.
    define cartridge.

    the old Square taper bb's lasted for years and years. the ISIS ones can be very it and miss. while the shimano Octalink cartridge almsot seem to be as good as the old Square taber bb's and way better than ISIS.

    Ok i am being very general about ISIS as there are a few good ones out there but the overall figures for ISIS are not good.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • dvatc_mark
    dvatc_mark Posts: 37
    as in the single units that screw into the frame, sorry I assumed by stating it was an LX cartidge bottom bracket people would reaslie I was talking about Shimano ones and not ISIS ones.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    LX was not mentioned till after the general comment on the Cartridge bb's

    and even then there are still two types of LX cartridge bb's in common use.

    you may take this as being abit pedantic but if things are not clear things can go very wrong.

    have a look at the Hope pro2 Qr to 12mm convertion post.

    yes people were provibing links to the kit that would allow the hub to be converted. But the hub could not work with the frame as it needed a 150mm hub.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • dvatc_mark
    dvatc_mark Posts: 37
    Does it really matter that I didn;t state it was a octolink one, especially as you agree that both square taper and ocotlink are virtually as relaiable as each other.

    Am I correct in thinking that unless you have 20000 posts to your name on this forum you are not allowed to join in discussions?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Nick just wants everything in this section to be as clear as can be. As you know, there is a difference between a 'cartridge' bearing and a 'cartridge' bottom bracket which may have confused people at first glance. The cartridge bb could contain a cartridge bearing of course ;-)
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/

Categories