HTII BB advice

Corners R Us

So I'm new to all this press fit, HTII tech and about to replace the Shimano external BB in my Marin Mount Vision.

I've measured the shell and its 68mm (English thread?). I have all the tools I need for the job; tick!

I've had a look on Chain Reaction and this appears to be a direct replacement albeit a cheap one that I'll probably throw away after a winters abuse:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... -prod34674

I presume this would fit? Are they any good?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331060549455? ... 1423.l2649

Or would I be better spending a bit more?

http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_ ... cts_id=446

http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_ ... cts_id=353 (serviceable?)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... -prod41445

Or get the cheapo Shimano one, grind it to dust over winter then get a more expensive one? Or one that I can put new bearing in? Hope??

Any thoughts, recommendations appreciated as always. Corners

WindyG

If it was me I would get the XT BB it will not only get you through this winter but may well still be going into or beyond the next one.

cooldad

XT or XTR.

Levi_501

Hope ceramic, as close to fit and forget you can get. Pricey, but worth it.

majormantra

If you're buying more than one item the German shops are often good value for things like Shimano BBs, i.e. Rose Bike, Bike Discount, etc.

I'm not sure I'd bother with one of the more expensive alternatives - you can buy a lot of Shimanos for the price of a single Hope, so it won't necessarily work out cheaper to have a better one.

cooldad

You can get five XT's for the price, and at a couple of years each, plus some bearings for the Hope.....

BigAl

cooldad wrote:

You can get five XT's for the price, and at a couple of years each, plus some bearings for the Hope.....

^^^^^^ This. No question

Corners R Us

XT it is then; makes sense on many levels!

Thanks for all the responses/comments.

Corners (off out to finish off the current BB at the MaD Sunday Roast 'fun' race this am in Gloucester.........

Levi_501

Having used the draggy Shimano external BBs, I would say the Hope would outlast several Shimano ones, not to mention so much smoother to cycle with. Also, you do not have to strip the knackered one out and fit a another crappy one, thus saving time and effort.

If you have never tried a smooth running ceramic BB, you would not believe the difference.

cooldad

Er OK.

majormantra

Levi_501 wrote:

If you have never tried a smooth running ceramic BB, you would not believe the difference.

You're right, I wouldn't believe the difference. The actual amount of power wasted at the bearings is so miniscule I doubt anyone could tell the difference in a blind test. (A blind test riding that is, turning the pedals by hand tells you nothing.)

Levi_501

MajorMantra wrote:

Levi_501 wrote:

If you have never tried a smooth running ceramic BB, you would not believe the difference.

You're right, I wouldn't believe the difference. The actual amount of power wasted at the bearings is so miniscule I doubt anyone could tell the difference in a blind test. (A blind test riding that is, turning the pedals by hand tells you nothing.)

You obviously need to try one...

CitizenLee

I've never tried XT or XTR but the Saint BB I got with my cranks didn't last long at all before it felt like mince. It wasn't down to poor maintenance / cleaning either.

Been using a SuperStar one for over a year now and it still feels like new. Was only supposed to be a temporary replacement but I've got no reason to swap it at the moment.

As for ceramic, Uberbike do them a lot cheaper than Hope:

http://www.uberbikecomponents.com/categ ... ckets-here

Haven't tried them myself but something I'd deffo consider when the SuperStar dies.