Bottom bracket / crank advice

gilmour84

I have had a Trek 1.2 for 10 months now, and I have went through 2 bottom brackets. (cartridge style). I commute 20 miles a day all year round, and probably do about another 60 miles at the weekend if the weather is good.

I took the bike into my LBS yesterday, and I was recommended to upgrade the FSA Vero cranks to Shimano 105, as the hollowtech bottom bracket is more reliable than the UN54 cartridge one. As this will cost me about £150 on a bike that is less than a year old I was wondering what other peoples opinions on this are.

Thanks,
Chris.

Wooliferkins

Without wishing to dis your LBS the UN54 has proved hugely reliable over a number of years I have had them through the shop having been in bikes for aeons still running well. You do do a fair amount of miles but I have club mates who Audax 1000km a month and aren't fitting a new BB every 6 months. It may well be that if you are a bigger/more powerful rider the wider position of the external cups could help .

gilmour84

Thanks for a differing opinion.

I am slightly on the heavy side, but think I will get another UN54 BB for just now and see how it lasts . Hopefully this time it will last more than 2000 miles.

edhornby

hollowtech bottom bracket is more reliable than the UN54 cartridge one

I'm not so sure about this either, they get knackered very quickly on mountain bikes - I would also get a second opinion, have you got the option of taking the bike to another shop?

kencandig

funny one as i found that my shimano bottom bracket lasted only 2/3000 miles and upgraded to a hope bb. now sleep well at night, hope bb should last forever.