New bottom bracket

Langman
Langman Posts: 178
edited November 2009 in Road buying advice
I need to get a new bottem bracket, I am thinking of getting a ceramic one this time....my question is are they worth the extra cash and if so can anybody recommend ones to avoid or ones that are better than others. Thanks

Comments

  • crankycrank
    crankycrank Posts: 1,830
    What type of bike and riding do you do and what cranks are you buying this for. Personally I think ceramics are a waste of money for most. If you're going for the hour record or in the TDF on Mt. Ventoux maybe it would be worth it. They will last a little longer and spin imperceptibly easier when peddaling but usually for twice the price of any top quality steel bearing BB. If you do go the ceramic route note that there are different versions such as full ceramic or hybrids which have steel races and ceramic balls. There are also a couple of different grades of quality of the ceramic bearings as well. A google search will turn up all kinds of bike specific info.
  • GavH
    GavH Posts: 933
    I've seen a full ceramic FSA one which FSA claimed would give a 4% increase in speed. I'm sure they must have some science to back up an advertising claim like that but then on the other hand, considering the number of forum members who splash cash on the latest gadgets like theres no tomorrow, I think we'd have seen quite a few people raving about their 4% speed increase by now. That we do not see that, suggests to me that no one is believing it and buying one. Either that or they are buying them and they do not give said increase in speed and no one is saying because they're embarrassed at spending all that money for no gain! Or maybe I'm thinking too hard about it all.
  • crankycrank
    crankycrank Posts: 1,830
    4% increase!!! Wow, I've just lost all respect for FSA for making a claim like that. That would give the pros a 1mph increase in speed. Ha Ha. I don't think even using EPO could make an improvement that huge. :shock:
  • Langman
    Langman Posts: 178
    I've seen those 4-5% claims and even over a 10mile tt that translates into good savings, but is it just bullshit. I am looking to replace the bb on my tt bike hence seconds count.

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