Bottom bracket replacement

blinddrew

These hollowtech ones just don't last as long as the old square taper stuff do they?
Anyway, my old 105 one is becoming noticeably stiffer despite just having a clean up so it's time to replace it, do I just stick with another 105 one or is there any benefit to stepping up to an ultegra or dura-ace one?
Or should I be looking at someone like Hope for something a bit more long-lasting?

keef66

If the 105 ones are giving up the ghost quite quickly, it may be worth having the BB shell faced before fitting another. And are you possibly overdoing the bearing preload? (over-tightening the little screw-in plastic cap on the non drive side)

I've never been able to find out if going up the range to an Ultegra or Dura Ace BB bought you anything better. Having said that, I got an Ultegra one for £11 when CRC were discounting them I'll let you know how well that lasts vs the 105 one it replaced. Don't hold your breath though; that one lasted 5 years / 6000 miles.

petemadoc

BB wear seems to be totally random IMO. I had a 105 BB last 6 months initially, replaced with 105 which lasted 24months, replaced with ultegra which was destroyed by a three peaks race after just a few months, currently on another ultegra that which has been on for about a year and still going nice and smooth.

Depends on your riding conditions, do you use mudguards etc. I seriously doubt there is any advantage of ultegra over 105 or dura ace. Ceramic bearings might save you 2 seconds in a 10TT but that's it.

springtide9

Replace it with a Hope BB and forget about it forever.

kangarouge

I agree with the previous. Buy and fit a Hope Ceramic BB. Extra costs = extra quality and durability. I took my Shimano off and replaced it with a Hope and very glad I did. Excellent piece of kit!