What spindle length do I need?

The best way to find out which spindle length you need is by looking up the specs. (The alternative is trial and error…) Spindle length and the resulting chainline have some leeway. If you are within 2-3 mm of the “correct” 43.5 mm or 45 mm, you are doing quite well.

How do you determine spindle length?

When measuring your spindle length for use with Wheels Mfg bottom brackets, measure overall spindle length from the inner face of one crank arm to the end of the spindle. Remove all crank spacers and wave washer if present.

Does crank spindle length matter?

The critical thing is your spindle length: as long as you can set up the correct chainline you will be good to go. But, again, best never to mix standards if you can at all avoid it. If you are looking to replace a cottered crank setup with a square taper setup, then look no further than a cartridge bottom bracket.

How do I know what length bottom bracket I need?

To find out the size of bottom bracket needed, measure the inside of the bottom bracket shell in your frame, it will be 73mm, 70mm or 68mm. Some older frames may have Italian threaded bottom brackets, instead of the more modern English.

What is spindle length bike?

Spindles are also specified by spindle length, which is simply the length end-to-end. As an example, a particular bottom bracket may be specified with a 47.5mm chainline, and a 113 spindle length. A crank arm designed for use with this spindle will have the middle of the crankset 47.5mm from the bike center line.

How do I choose a BB spindle length?

The best way to find out which spindle length you need is by looking up the specs. (The alternative is trial and error…) Spindle length and the resulting chainline have some leeway. If you are within 2-3 mm of the “correct” 43.5 mm or 45 mm, you are doing quite well.

What cranks fit BSA?

The company offers just three options for bottom bracket hardware: BSA (shown), Italian, and BB86. SRAM's GXP cranks are well suited to BSA and BB86 bottom brackets, hence the company has hardware to suit. These cranks can be fitted in larger shells however owners will have to look elsewhere for suitable hardware.

Can I use a 68mm bottom bracket in a 73mm shell?

You could install it, but it will shift your chainline, shift the centerline of your feet, clearance issues might arise on the non-drive side, and you might be leaving some BB shell threads exposed on the non-drive side as well.

What is crank spindle size?

Spindle size:

The majority of crank spindles come in either a 24mm or 30mm diameter.

When a bottom bracket size is listed as 1.37 x24 What does the 1.37 measurement refer to?

The bearings denote: 1.37 * 24. This means that the diameter of the thread is 1.37 inch and that it turns 24 times per inch. The diameter of a BSA bracket is between 33.6 and 33.9 mm.

Is hollowtech better than square taper?

Hollowtech is a bit stiffer and easier to take apart, but square taper will last much longer.

How long does a sealed bottom bracket last?

They can get "brinneled" or damaged in a crash or something, but 1500 miles is absurd. As for a bottom bracket, on the low end, maybe 5000 miles. The basic Shimano one most people use (UN51/55/similar) can reasonably expect 10k+ miles. But sometimes you get unlucky and get a bottom bracket that lasts maybe 500 miles.

When should I replace my bottom bracket on my bike?

To check if your BB needs replacing, drop the chain off of the smallest chainring and spin the cranks. If there's a side-to-side wobble, or feeling of grittiness, it's time for a new one.

How do I know what size crankset to buy?

Crank length is measured from the centre of the bottom bracket axle to the centre of the pedal axle. If you're not sure what length the cranks on your bike are, the quickest way of finding out is typically to just look at the backside of your cranks, just below the pedal axle.

Are all hollowtech BB the same?

Since the spindle is part of the right crank, there's no issue of compatibility. All Hollowtech II cranks work with all Hollowtech II bearing units. Any crank that fits on one type of spindle will fit on all spindles of that type, but if the length is incorrect, the chainline/clearance will vary.

Are all bottom bracket shells the same diameter?

Generally, your replacement cranks may have the same or smaller spindle diameter, and the same or longer spindle length than the system your bottom bracket is designed around. For example, a BB30/PF30 bottom bracket has the narrowest shell width of any of the standards, whilst being designed for large 30mm spindles.

How do I know if a cranks will fit my bike?

Most manufacturers will print the type on the bottom bracket shell of your bicycle. Look for a match between the “shell width” of the bottom bracket and the “diameter” of the crankset's axle. If both are equal, use the crankset. On the other hand, you can use the BCD (Bolt Circle Diameter) to check compatibility.

Are GXP and hollowtech compatible?

Hollowtech II cranks use also 24 mm cranks, but the GXP ones are thinner (22 mm) on the other end. It is not compatible and you need a Hollowtech II compatible press-fit BB (e.g. BB-MT800 press fit) compatible with your frame (the housing dimensions, the outer BB diameter + the housing length).

Is BB30 compatible with hollowtech?

Our Shimano BB30/PF30 68mm ROAD BB. It is compatible with Shimano™ Hollowtech II cranks. High-grade Enduro 2437 steel bearings are fully sealed and are a fantastic replacement BB for your Shimano™ drivetrain.

What is hollowtech II?

HOLLOWTECH technology is an ultra-lightweight hollow crankarm created by SHIMANO with the company's own proprietary forging technology that also maintains rigidity.

Should I grease my bottom bracket?

In the case of the bottom bracket, you will use the grease when you install it, whether it is threaded, press fit or similar, and in the same way when you install or clean the cranks. The point of contact of the cranks with the bottom bracket should be greased too.

How long does a bottom bracket last on a mountain bike?

Properly adjusted, and discounting weather related factors, all the bearings on a bike should last close to forever. Back in the bad old days of "primitive" steel spindles and threaded cup bottom brackets, most would outlast the bike, or 25-50,000+ miles.

Should there be movement in bottom bracket?

If there is play in your bottom bracket it means that the bearings are loose or worn out, it should be repaired soon because it will influence the whole drivetrain negatively, like sprockets and chain.

Why does my bottom bracket creak?

Most of the time, the true cause is a loose chainring bolt—tighten them up and that'll quiet most creaks. After you check the chainring bolts and if you still hear the noise, look at your pedals, crank bolts, seatpost, and seat. By checking these first, you'll save an hour of digging into your bottom bracket.