BOTTOM BRACKET
There are so many different bottom bracket standards out there, which cause a lot of confusion, but at the root, there are only a few sizes/types of bearings used.
However, it is not ideal to just replace the bottom bracket bearings themselves, as the problem is that, even though standard-sized bearings are used, each brand of bottom bracket manufacturer has their own matching housing that works best for their chosen bearings. If you replace them with different bearings in those housings, they may not perform as well as before.
And due to the different engineering process and structure, replacing bottom bracket bearings is often lots harder than replacing the entire bottom bracket itself.
Hence, we suggest replacing the whole bottom bracket unit for a brand new fresh start.
Here, we select two Australian-owned brand bottom bracket, which cover pretty much all the bottom bracket types in the market.
KNOW YOUR BOTTOM BRACKET
If you know your current bottom bracket type, it will be easy to get started. Simply select your bottom bracket below from our Find Your Bottom Bracket matrix.
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The bottom bracket is named here in the format: Frame Shell Standard + "Bottom Bracket" + Crankset Type. For example, BB86 Bottom Bracket for Shimano refers to a BB86 standard frame shell (inner diameter - ID 41mm and width 86.5mm) and a Shimano-type crankset (24mm diameter spindle).
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You can typically find your bottom bracket type from the markings on your current bottom bracket or by checking the official website of your bike frame under the "Bottom Bracket" section of the specifications.
However, if you don't know your bottom bracket type, you will need to identify the frame shell type and check the crankset spindle diameter following the below steps 1-4. Or just contact us at info@bikebearingstore.com.au and we can assist.
FIND YOUR BOTTOM BRACKET
Special Notes:
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Shimano cranks have 24mm diameter spindles across their entire crankset range, including popular models such as Dura-Ace, Ultegra, 105, Tiagra, Sora, Claris, GRX, XTR, Deore, and SLX. We do not supply ISIS or Octalink bottom brackets. Other brands, like FSA, also make 24mm spindle cranks that are compatible with bottom brackets designed for Shimano's.
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SRAM GXP cranks have a 24mm diameter spindle throughout the bottom bracket but include a 22mm step-down on the drive side. However, SRAM also makes the cranks with a 29mm spindle (You can find the DUB marking on the crank) or 30mm spindle crankset.
MORE INFORMATION
1. IDENTIFY FRAME SHELL TYPE
There are two types of frame shells on the market: threaded and press-fit.
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Threaded Type: The inside of the frame shell is threaded. There are three main thread standards for bike frames: English thread (BSA 1.37" x 24 TPI, 68 mm frame shell width), Italian thread (ITA 36 mm x 24 TPI, 70 mm frame shell width), and T47 thread (M47 x 1.0 mm).
You can usually find the thread standard marking on your current bottom bracket or check your bike’s official website or manual for this information.
Press-Fit Type: The frame shell has no threads inside. Instead, the bottom bracket is tightly pressed into the frame.
To identify this type, you can consult your bike manual or measure the shell width and inner diameter, which will be used in the next step.
Photo: how to measure pressfit shell width and inner diameter
2. CHECK CRANKET SPINDLE DIAMETER
The next step is to determine your crankset type or spindle diameter.
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If you know your crankset type, such as Shimano Dura-Ace, SRAM GXP, BB30, or SRAM DUB, this information will be very useful in the next step.
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If you are unsure, you can measure the crankset spindle diameter. To do this, you will need to remove the crankset from the frame and measure it as described below.
Photo: how to measure crankset and identify type
3. MATCH THE INFORMATION
By identifying the frame shell and crankset type, you can go back to the above Find Your Bottom Bracket matrix to determine the appropriate bottom bracket.
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If you need further assistance, feel free to email us at info@bikebearingstore.com.au to double-check your selection.
BRAND OPTIONS
AITA CERAMIC BOTTOM BRACKET
AITA Ceramic stands for Australia International Ceramic, another true Australian brand of ceramic bearings that has supported Australian Paralympian teams since 2015.
They helped win two gold and one bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AITA has also contributed to three Australian National Records and two Oceania Records and has supported the Australian team at multiple Paralympic Games and Para Athletic World Championships.
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The unique part of this brand is that they have made nearly every bottom bracket type you may find in the cycling industry.
They also work very closely with the Australian Institute of Sport to develop the next generation of wheels for the Australian team.
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Compared to the HSC brand, AITA can be more expensive, but considering their high profile and in comparison with other international brands, the price is still very competitive.
And, like HSC, they are locally based in Australia, so support is always easily reachable.
HSC CERAMICS BOTTOM BRACKET
HSC Ceramics is a 100% Australian-owned ceramic bearing brand, rooted in the 1990s.
They source their parts from Japan, Germany, and China and make a very unique blended grease for their own ceramic bearings. Their bearings are assembled in the western part of Melbourne and have been used and loved by local cyclists for over 20 years.
Buying their brand bearings offers peace of mind. If you have any questions, concerns, or problems, they are always available to help. This is a brand that offers Aussie riders a trustworthy local customer care experience, making your journey happier and hassle-free.
HSC ceramic bearings are reasonably and affordably priced for ceramic bearings and are just as good as other big international brands. Performance-wise, they can definitely beat other big brands, but most importantly, when you need assistance, you can speak to someone who knows what they are doing.
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HSC supports the top Australian university, Monash University Monash Human Power (MHP) team, which broke the Australian men’s single-track bike record of 116.39 km/h—a speed that would get you a fine on an Australian freeway. This achievement makes their team hold the fastest and second-fastest Australian bicyclists titles as of 15th September 2023.
SHIMANO BOTTOM BRACKET
Shimano is a world-renowned brand in the cycling industry, known for its innovative and high-quality components.
Established in 1921, Shimano has become a leader in drivetrain systems, pedals, and bottom brackets, catering to road, mountain, and hybrid bikes.
Shimano bottom brackets are designed for durability. Available in various standards such as BB86, BB92, and BSA, Shimano bottom brackets are designed to work with its own range of cranksets, including popular models like Dura-Ace, Ultegra, and 105.
Shimano's precision engineering ensures reliability and a seamless riding experience for cyclists of all levels.