BB86 Bottom Bracket Guide for All Crank Types
- Bike Bearing Store Team
- Jul 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 8
What is BB86?
BB86 is a press-fit bottom bracket standard introduced by Shimano. It features a bottom bracket shell width of 86.5mm for road, or 89.5mm/92mm for MTB, with an internal diameter of 41mm. It is the only press-fit bottom bracket standard used across Shimano’s bottom bracket production line. If you come across a Shimano press-fit bottom bracket, it is most likely BB86.
Shimano's BB86 model includes
SM-BB72-41B – Recommended for Road
SM-BB71-41B – Recommended for Road
SM-BB92-41B – Recommended for MTB
These models are designed to fit frames with a 41mm internal diameter and accommodate 24mm spindle cranksets.
BB86 is also known by several other names, including:
PressFit 86
PF86
PF41
BB86/92
BB92
Shimano Pressfit
How to check if it is a BB86 frame
Visit your frame/bike's official website for the frame specification sheet, it is commonly mentioned as Shimano Pressfit, BB86, PF41, Pressfit, etc.
Check the marking on the current bottom bracket, for example, Shimano SM-BB72-41,
Measure the frame shell
Measure the frame shell inner diameter - 41mm 
Measure the frame shell width - road 86.5mm, MTB 89.5/92mm
BB86 Compatibility with Various Crank Spindle Sizes
The BB86 standard frame shell has been widely adopted by various bike manufacturers, creating a need to accommodate different crank spindle sizes. As a result, there are several types of BB86 bottom brackets designed to match these variations.
Crank Spindle Type | Spindle Size | Required BB Type | Notes |
Shimano Hollowtech II | 24mm | Ideal match; very low risk of creaking | |
FSA MegaExo / Rotor 3D+ 24 | 24mm | Same spindle diameter as Shimano | |
SRAM GXP | 24mm / 22mm (step-down) | Non-drive side step-down to 22mm | |
Campagnolo Ultra-Torque | 25mm | There is another option to change the bearing only with 2x6805-6mm | |
SRAM DUB | 29mm | The preload adjuster must be regularly checked | |
30mm Spindles (Rotor, Race Face, etc.) | 30mm | Avoid using 30mm spindles with BB86 frames unless absolutely necessary. | |
Shimano MTB | 24mm | The frame must be 89.5–92mm wide | |
SRAM GXP MTB | 24mm / 22mm (step-down) | The frame must be 89.5–92mm wide |
Details explained
1. BB86 for 24mm Spindles (Shimano Hollowtech II, FSA MegaExo, etc.)
BB86 is inherently compatible with Shimano 24mm spindles. Standard BB86 bottom brackets are readily available for these cranksets.
2. BB86 for 22-24mm Spindles (SRAM GXP)
BB86 is also widely used with SRAM GXP cranks, which feature a stepped-down 22mm spindle on the non-drive side.
3. BB86 for 25mm Spindles (Campagnolo Ultra-Torque)
While BB86 is not natively compatible with 25mm spindles, by removing the dust cover and modifying how the bearings are pressed into the bottom bracket cups, it can also accommodate Campagnolo Ultra-Torque 25mm spindle cranksets. You can choose to use a complete BB86 Campagnolo bottom bracket or simply replace the current bearings with 2x 6805-6mm bearings.
4. BB86 for 29mm Spindles (SRAM DUB)
SRAM's DUB system uses a 29mm spindle crank. A specific BB86 bottom bracket is designed to fit DUB cranksets into BB86 frames. A kind reminder that please regularly check the DUB preload adjuster, as it can occasionally come loose and cause play in the crank and bottom bracket, which may lead to creaking issues.
5. BB86 for 30mm Spindles (Rotor, Race Face, etc.)
Fitting 30mm spindles into BB86 frames is not ideal due to the limited space available for bearings. A common setup is a PF4130 bottom bracket, which uses smaller ball bearings with an enforced structure. It’s a challenge for manufacturers to accommodate the larger spindle, as it places high torque on the small bearings. We have tested several brands and found that AITA's latest version of PF4130 performs best in this category. It's generally advisable to avoid using 30mm spindles with BB86 frames unless absolutely necessary.
6. BB86/92 for 24mm Spindles MTB (Shimano MTB version)
The BB86 MTB version is commonly referred to as BB92 or BB86/92. The main difference lies in the frame: MTB frames have a wider shell (89.5mm or 92mm) compared to 86.5mm on road frames, to accommodate wider MTB cranksets. The bottom bracket itself typically features heavy-duty bearing seals, providing better protection for the harsher riding conditions found in mountain biking.
7. BB86/92 for 22-24mm Spindles MTB (SRAM GXP MTB version).
Similar to SRAM GXP road cranks, the MTB version of BB86 is also called BB92 or BB86/92, featuring a 22mm step-down on the non-drive side to fit SRAM GXP cranks.
Not sure which BB86 you need? Message us +61 494 323 665 or email info@bikebearingstore.com.au we’ll make sure it fits, or we’ll swap it for free.
Addressing Creaking Issues
Creaking noises are a common concern with press-fit bottom brackets, particularly in systems like BB30 and PF30. These standards use larger frame shell diameters, which often suffer from poor manufacturing tolerances. Combined with the high torque applied to carbon frames, this can lead to shell loosening and small amounts of play that result in creaking over time. BB86, by contrast, generally performs much better in this regard, thanks to its smaller shell diameter, especially when paired with 24mm spindle Shimano cranks. In such setups, creaking issues are rare.
However, problems can arise when larger diameter spindles, such as 29mm (SRAM DUB) or 30mm, are used. These create higher torque and greater stress on the smaller BB86 shell, potentially leading to material fatigue and increased play within the frame.
To help prevent creaking, applying an anti-creaking grease during installation is highly recommended. This specialised grease fills micro-gaps between the bottom bracket and the frame, reducing movement and suppressing noise.
However, if excessive play has already developed, grease alone won’t resolve the issue.
Recommendation: For optimal longevity and performance, it’s best to stick with 24mm spindle cranks on BB86 frames.
Tools for BB86 Bottom Bracket Installation and Removal
Installing and removing BB86 bottom brackets requires specific tools to avoid damaging the frame or components:
Pressfit Bottom Bracket Removal Tool: Designed to safely extract press-fit bottom brackets from the frame without causing damage.
Pressfit Bottom Bracket Installation Tool: Ensures the bottom bracket cups are pressed into the frame evenly and to the correct depth.
Anti-Creaking Grease: Recommended to prevent any micro-gaps and ensure a tight fit of the bottom bracket into the frame, especially for carbon fibre frame shells.
Using the correct tools is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your bike frame and ensuring the proper function of the bottom bracket.
By understanding the BB86 standard, its compatibility with various cranksets, you can ensure optimal performance and longevity of your bike's bottom bracket system.
Reference:
Below is a list of bike brands and models that use the BB86/PF41 standard, provided as a general reference. However, since manufacturers may change standards between model years or trims, we always recommend checking the frame specification sheet for the bottom bracket standard. Confirm the shell width (86.5mm for BB86, 89.5–92mm for BB92) and the inner diameter (always 41mm).
If you have a specific frame or bike you're unsure about, feel free to email us at info@bikebearingstore.com.au
Road & Gravel Bikes Using BB86 / PF41 Standard
Giant
TCR Advanced (SL, Pro, and base)
Defy Advanced
Propel Advanced
Revolt Advanced (gravel)
Scott
Addict RC
Foil
Speedster (some models)
Canyon
Ultimate CF SLX (earlier versions)
Endurace CF SLX (earlier versions)
Aeroad CF (pre-2021 models)
BMC
Teammachine SLR (pre-2022 models)
Roadmachine (some models)
Alpenchallenge AMP (urban/fitness series)
Orbea
Orca (pre-2021 models)
Avant (some trims)
Terra (gravel, depending on year)
Felt
AR series (earlier models)
FR series (some models)
Merida
Reacto (pre-2021 models)
Scultura
Cube
Agree C:62
Attain GTC
Litening (earlier versions)
Cervélo (some models pre-2015)
S2
S3 (older versions)
Liv (by Giant)
Langma Advanced
Avail Advanced
Parlee
Altum
RZ7 (early versions)
MTB Frames Using BB92 (MTB version of BB86)
(Still PF41 bearing diameter, but shell width 89.5/92mm)
Trek (some carbon MTBs, not using their proprietary BB95)
Scott Scale / Spark
Giant Anthem / Trance (carbon)
Specialized some earlier MTBs (though mostly use PF30/BSA now)
YT, Commencal, and Santa Cruz (some models with PF41 92mm shells)
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