The bike industry is constantly trying to improve the bottom bracket. This is the area behind the crank where the bike pedals are attached to the bike and move simultaneously with the legs. It’s a crucial part of the bike and one that many cyclists spend a lot of time researching.
The bottom bracket works so hard that it’s not something most cyclists think about until something goes wrong and they start wobbling up and down as they pedal.
Read on to learn more about the various types of bike bottom brackets and how to choose which is the best for you.
Our Editor’s Best Bike Bottom Brackets Reviews
- English (BSA) threaded bottom bracket
- For use with MTB
- Defined Color: Black
- Aluminum threaded cups
- Fits JIS square-taper cranksets
- Adapter material: Aluminum
- SHIMANO quality/performance cartridge bearing square bottom bracket
- Better chainline stability with chain line stabilizer
- 14 g lighter than SM-BB6700
- smoother than SM-BB6700 (50 % less friction)
- small ball bearings keep weight low
- bearing cups anodized
- recommended for Ultegra FC-R8000, FC-6800, 105 FC-5800, Metrea FC-U5000, FC-CX70
- Compatible with any 20-tooth cartridge type bottom bracket
- Practical: To remove or install BB for traditional tapered, shimano octalink, ISIS splined.
- Material: High-carbon steel, durable and timeproof.
- Conveniently works with 1/2 inch drive or 24mm wrench.
- One-piece bottom bracket cup set
- Bearings included
- Corrosion Resistant: Made from rust resistant stainless steel for durability.
- Double Sided Design: Features a double sided bottom bracket wrench for easy removal.
- Modern Style: Sleek modern design complements contemporary bicycles.
- Hand Control: Designed for easy hand control during use.
- Single Piece Construction: Compact single piece tool for convenient storage.
- COMPATIBILITY: It fits two common fittings on adjustable cup-and-cone bottom bracket systems.
- FOR 36MM FLAT CUP WRENCH: One end fits fixed cup with 36mm wrench flats.
- ADJUSTABLE PIN SPANNER: Another end fits adjustable cups with pin holes. The pins on this end are replaceable.
- MATERIAL: Built from heat-treated quality steel to maximum strength and longevity. The rubber-wrapped handle offers comfortable grip to fulfill the work easily. Length: 305mm/12". Weight: 319g=0.7lbs.
- ORDER NOW, WORRY FREE! We're so confident about our product quality that we can provide a life time warranty ! Made in Taiwan.
- Different sizes: We provide different types of bottom brackets, 68x113mm, 68x115mm, 68x118mm, 68x124mm, 68x126mm, you can choose from them to meet your different needs
- Simple to install: The bottom bracket is suitable for square-taper crankset and is convenient to install and remove
- Strong structure: Mainly made of tough steel, the bottom bracket is durable, robust, wear-resistant and not easy to break
- Well crafted: The bottom bracket features fine workmanship and has 110mm spindle length and is reliable and can provide good performance
- Nice replacement: The bottom bracket is an important part in a mountain bike, you can use our well crafted bottom bracket o replace the worn or damaged one
- 【Brand New】：100% brand new and high quality. Made of high quality material, durable and practical to use.
- 【Suitable Bike】：3S/3T/3P/5S different size for mountain bikes.
- 【Size】：5S whole length: 14.8cm, 3S whole length: 14.5cm, 3P whole length: 14cm, 3T whole length: 14cm.
- 【Package Included】：Package comes included with 1 Axle stick, 2 screws, 1 ring, 2 bowls and 2 ball bearing retainer.
- 【Tips】：We offer different size of the bottom bracket sets for you to choose, please measure your old ones before purchasing. If you're not satisfied with the product, you can return it for free.
- 【MUST HAVE TOOL】 – Nothing drives a cyclist crazy like a noisy bottom bracket! Use the cyclist CT-B02 Bottom Bracket removal tool to get in there and service the squeak out of your cartridge bottom bracket. The shop quality Bottom Bracket Tool enables effortless removal and installation of Shimano cartridge bottom brackets.
- 【COMPATIBLE WITH MOST BIKES】– The Bike Bottom Bracket Removal Tool is an essential tool for any bike mechanic or enthusiast. This high-quality bike tool is designed to make it easy to install and remove bottom brackets, and is compatible with any 20-tooth cartridge type bottom bracket and Traditional Tapered, Shimano Octalink, and ISIS Splined bottom brackets.
- 【DURABLE DESIGN】– Made of heavy-duty steel, this Bottom Bracket tool is built to last and can withstand years of use without wearing down. The bottom bracket tool comes equipped with a guide pin that ensures stability during the installation and removal process and ensures that your bike's bottom bracket won't be damaged during use, making it a safe and reliable tool for all your bike maintenance needs.
- 【EASY TO USE】– To use the tool, simply pair it with a 1/2" drive wrench or a 24mm open-ended shifter spanner for best results. We recommend using a 1/2" drive wrench with ratcheting handles or a torque wrench for better installation.
- Made in Taiwan. Major in cycling accessories more than 10 years, we know a lot about cycling products. We truly want you to be happy with our BB Remover Tools and our professional customer service will do whatever it takes to ensure your satisfaction we are offering a 6-month guarantee.
Best Bike Bottom Brackets Buying Guide
Before choosing the best bike bottom bracket you should consider following options:
1. Materials: The materials used in the production of a bottom bracket can make a huge difference in terms of durability and performance.
Most modern bottom brackets are made from aluminum, steel or some alloy. The best option is one made from aluminum or an alloy because they are lightweight and durable.
Steel is also a good option, but it is heavier and not as efficient as aluminum. Steel is generally cheaper than aluminum or alloy.
2. Number of Stages: Typically, a bottom bracket consists of two stages. One stage has the bearings and the spindle, while the other has the cups.
A single-stage bottom bracket has only one bearing and cup. A two-stage bottom bracket has two bearings and cups.
There are also three-stage, four-stage and even five-stage bottom brackets, but the number of stages is usually determined by the frame design.
The more stages there are, the better the efficiency. But it also means higher cost.
3. Quality: The quality of a bottom bracket is determined by various factors. The materials used, the quality of the bearings, the precision of the machining, etc.
A high-quality bottom bracket will last longer and perform better. Therefore, it is essential to invest in a high-quality bottom bracket for your bike.
What else you should know about bike bottom brackets
1. What is a bike bottom bracket?
A bike bottom bracket is a cylindrical housing that contains the bearings that allow the crank arms to rotate. The bottom bracket is typically mounted to the frame’s bottom bracket shell, which is a short section of tubing that extends out from the frame.
2. What are the different types of bike bottom brackets?
There are three main types of bike bottom brackets: threaded, press-fit, and internal geared. Threaded bottom brackets are the most common type and are typically found on older or less expensive bikes. Press-fit bottom brackets are newer and provide a tighter fit, but are more expensive. Internal geared bottom brackets are the most expensive, but offer the best performance.
3. How do I know which bike bottom bracket is right for my bike?
The best way to determine which bike bottom bracket is right for your bike is to consult with your local bike shop or a bike mechanic.
4. How do I install a bike bottom bracket?
There are a few different ways to install a bike bottom bracket, but the most common way is to use a bottom bracket installation tool. This tool attaches to the bottom bracket shell and allows you to thread the bottom bracket into place.
5. What are the signs that my bike bottom bracket needs to be replaced?
If you feel resistance when pedaling or notice that your bike makes creaking noises, then your bottom bracket may need to be replaced.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best bike bottom brackets. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best bike bottom brackets will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.