Alternative to Shimano Hollowtech BB

Token.
Hope.
Enduro.
First.

I would also agree that the Shimano BB's are usually durable and a good bargain. If you want to attempt to install some better bearings in the Shimano cups yourself and save a few quid, try here. http://www.enduroforkseals.com/id227.html I'm fairly certain they have a distributor in the UK as well.

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Might be a case of bad luck or bad maintenance as Shimano road BB are fairly durable for the money.
Besides, a BB that doesn't last ten years is probably a good thing as it doesn't have the time to seize in the frame for good.
They're cheap, they're easy to install, if they last 5000 miles, as they do, that's good enough for me.
Don't think other brands will offer better products for similar money

+1

+1 for Shimano BB's. My 105 one lasted for over 5000 miles and I have recently changed it for an Ultegra one. £20 is pretty good vfm and they are so easy to change over, 7 mins from start to finish.

Graham G wrote:

I'd be hacked off at 5000 miles - that'd be two a year for me but even if it lasted the year I find it annoying that parts are made to be so disposable. Buy hope, fit and forget. Or swap back to square taper.

That is one way of seeing it... reality is most old square taper BB are seized in the frame (look how many frames on Ebay are on sale stripped off everything but the BB). It is then more of a hassle to get that out, rather than replacing a modern "disposable" BB every now and then.
As said, these days 20-30 pounds in cycling gear is nothing and that's how much one of these cost. If you treat it well, clean it and service, it might even do 10,000 miles