shimano Bottom Brackets - road & mountain how different?

adamukcorrado
adamukcorrado Posts: 31
edited August 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
just changing my BB again. i get through them 1 every 4-5 months, i have used cartridge type and external XT but both types equally crap. local bike shop didn't have a shimano mountain bike external BB, so gave me a road unit to try, it's half the price and is completely identical except for the length of the centre plastic tube, what am i missing???

is shimano pulling a clever bit of marketing by writing 'mountain' on it and doubling price??

and...

Will a twice the price Hope unit last twice as long as a shimano xt unit??
are ceramic bearings worth the extra??

Comments

  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    TBH I don't think there is any difference in road/mtb BBs other than the sticker on the shell saying the model number. I've got a 110mm UN5500 in my Avalanche at the mo mainly because it was the only one on Ebay at the time.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • adamukcorrado
    adamukcorrado Posts: 31
    i thought there may of been a difference in the seals or something, but standing them side by side the only difference is the writing, bit happier throwing them away after 4-5 months when it's only £18!

    was disapointing when the XT ones died as i always expected them to last longer,...
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    on the external bbs from shimano the drive side cup has more threaded part to take any chain device into consideration. also the seals are better on the MTB at the same price point.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown

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