Sage-Tips

Are square taper bottom brackets good?

Square taper bottom brackets may seem like anachronisms dating from the last century, and yet they remain the best option for metal cranks. The result is a lighter bottom bracket – but the larger spindle requires more material on the crank.

Are all square taper cranksets interchangeable?

Taper matching was important in the past but all modern day/currently manufactured Chainsets are able to cope with either the ISO or JIS standard taper if they require a square taper bottom bracket, so the products are compatible and work just as well together, just adjust your chainline.

How long do square taper bottom brackets last?

Simple rule is (unless you’re starting a long trip) “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. Do normal maintenance, keep things properly lubed and your BB should last for another 4,000 miles or more.

What is the difference between square taper and hollowtech?

Whereas the Hollowtech crank is pressed flush against the bottom bracket, the open character of square taper bottom brackets does lend itself more to being contaminated.

Are Shimano bottom brackets interchangeable?

The frame shell may be threaded directly at the shell, or there may be an insert installed that has internal threads. Threaded bottom brackets shells have been made over time in various thread standards that are not interchangeable.

Are Shimano cranks interchangeable?

Shimano road cranks are interchangeable between other component levels that utilize the dual pinch bolt. Nearly all pinch-bolt style Shimano road cranks are able to be interchanged in equivalent lengths.

Is hollowtech lighter than square taper?

Square taper bottom brackets are heavier than newer style bottom brackets. Weight is often cited as a reason why parts are better or worse than other parts. A Shimano Hollowtech II SM-BB52 bottom bracket weighs just over 90 grams. So yeah, that’s quite a big difference for just a single component.

What is an octalink bottom bracket?

Octalink Bottom Brackets. This system, designed by Shimano, was the first successful alternative to the older square taper. The Octalink system uses a larger and stiffer spindle with eight splines. The splines provide a greater contact area between crank and spindle for a stiffer interface.

How long should a Shimano bottom bracket last?

Do normal maintenance, keep things properly lubed and your BB should last for another 4,000 miles or more.

Do you still make the Shimano bb-un55 bottom bracket?

We’re sorry, this product has been discontinued. The Shimano BB-UN55 bottom bracket is one of the most popular choices for touring and mountain bikes using a square taper crank. It’s simplicity and durability means easy servicing, and long life.

What is the best bottom bracket for a square taper?

Shimano UN55 Square Taper Bottom Bracket An ideal option for many bike types with square taper type chainsets, Shimano’s UN55 bottom bracket will give you long lasting, smooth operation mile after mile. Built with accurately machined bearings that rotate inside a sealed cartridge, it prevents any water or dirt ingress.

What are the advantages of the Shimano Ultegra BSA bottom bracket?

The sealing against the elements is much-improved thanks to the gutter seal technology. This technology also leads to a reduction in friction and seal drag. If this product is not available, we can recommend the SHIMANO BBR60 Ultegra BSA Bottom Bracket, which also has many advantages you may be into. Check price on Amazon!

Do external Bottom brackets exist for 30mm spindles?

External bottom brackets for 30mm spindles do exist, such as those from White Industries, allowing modern 30mm-diameter axle cranks to be used. Shimano popularised the concept as Hollowtech II, with the introduction of the XTR M960 group in 2003 — even now it’s still arguably the gold standard for bottom brackets.