would a new bike fitted with a pf30 bb still have a threaded bb to fit a ht2 bb.

No, but there are plenty of adapters available.

Like this:

SRAM PF30-BSA

so the bb shell would be smooth internally?

There’s a smooth lip into which the PF30 bearing sits/fits, just like an inset headset.

so you can screw external bearings in?

Into the adaptor above? Yes, you can screw in the external cups just like normal.

The ‘adaptors’ just create an extra set of interfaces to cease, creak or work loose.

If you want to run a 24mm axle HTII crank in a PF30 BB shell I would strongly recommend the Wheel MFG or Praxis all in one units.

thanks fella’s.

The Hope PF30 bb for 24mm axles is the business, really well thought out.

There are plenty of threads on this one, consensus seems to be Wheels Mft, Praxis or Hope. Personally I’ve used the Praxxis one with HT2 cranks and no issues whatsoever. Initially tried the adapter option and they pulled out of the frame on the 2nd ride, so dont bother!

looks like a job for the bike shop when the time for changing it comes.

+1 for the Praxis.

Been running one for 6 months on my commuter – flawless.