Bottom Bracket

Gaines10
Gaines10 Posts: 11
edited May 2012 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi Guys,

I am currently in the process of building my first bike up, i have had many bikes before but I have always just bought one brand new.

Anyways I've been looking at different parts & I'm abit confused at the moment.

When I come to fit a bottom bracket can I fit any? As in the ones I've seen have one type have like a hole through and the other doesnt.

Sorry if it's a lack of info I'm pretty new to all this :|

Cheers, Chris.

Comments

  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Well, what is your frame? More info. At a guess you're looking at HTII type bbs, which come with crank.
  • leaflite
    leaflite Posts: 1,651
    Most cranks come with the relevant bottom bracket.

    Im assuming your frame has a threaded bb shell, to which any crank that comes with a 68/73 threaded bb will fit.

    Some newer frames have bb30 or similar shells, to which the bearings have to be pressed in, similar to a headset. If you have one of these frames, you will probably need a chainset specifically designed for that standard.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Gaines10 wrote:
    Hi Guys,

    I am currently in the process of building my first bike up, i have had many bikes before but I have always just bought one brand new.

    Anyways I've been looking at different parts & I'm abit confused at the moment.

    When I come to fit a bottom bracket can I fit any? As in the ones I've seen have one type have like a hole through and the other doesnt.

    Sorry if it's a lack of info I'm pretty new to all this :|

    Cheers, Chris.

    Read Parktools and ID what you have.

    But to your question yes, no, maybe.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Gaines10
    Gaines10 Posts: 11
    Ok guys, thanks for the replys.

    The frame I have is a GT Moto only just bought it yesterday.

    I will have a look at that park tools, if I can find it.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Gaines10 wrote:
    Ok guys, thanks for the replys.

    The frame I have is a GT Moto only just bought it yesterday.

    I will have a look at that park tools, if I can find it.
    it is easy to find there are two links to it on this page. and over 60,000 on this forum.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Parktools link^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

    Useful site for specs
    http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/Bike ... &Type=bike
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • konadawg
    konadawg Posts: 447
    Despite the fad and "betterness" of external BBs (the ones with a hole in them) I would go for an internal BB (the ones with a shaft coming out of the middle).

    They are far more protected against crud and water and last for several moons. Least I got out of an external BB was 4 months, max to date around a year and a half, now I am packing them with grease and hoping for the best.

    An internal BB needs a suitable matching crankset that does not have the shaft attached to the chainrings side, also, go for Octalink or the equivalent, not old-skool square taper which are not so hot.

    One thing you need to know is the ideal BB width (measure your frame) and also the ideal shaft length (crankset usually bears a recommendation) so your chainline is correct.
    Giant Reign X1
  • UncleMonty
    UncleMonty Posts: 385
    I have to agree with you on external BB's, the seals on the FSA & shimano ones I've used are just rubbish - not fit for purpose, stay away from them.
  • bazza333
    bazza333 Posts: 86
    Not so long ago I fitted an FSA BB to my "going to work" bike - £29 and it has a 3 year warranty. It can't do worse than the RaceFace one that only managed 3 months!