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Got a new carbon roadie on the way, and it has a BB86 shell. The wisdom seems to suggest get the Hope PF41 and borrow or buy the installation tool, or the Wheels mfg option which uses a 48.5mm x 16 notch tool. There seems to be a bunch of options from Wheels though - you have to choose the right spindle (24mm for me), and then ABEC-3 or Angular Contact bearings, and there also seems to be some 'outboard' options as well - although not sure if they're all outboard and some places just omit it from the description? I'm inclined to go with the Hope option as there's few choices to make, and I'm sure I'll find someone to lend the tool.
Cheers,
Just putting it out there...Hambini
You might not need the hope tool for tightening the connecting tube, if you have a cassette tool the hex part might be the right size.
Too early to say but I fitted a hope pf41 in February to my jeffsy frame which went through 2 bottom brackets in 18 months, currently the hope is still smoother than a very very smooth thing.
Just putting it out there…Hambini
No ta. It's 3 x the price of the Hope, and even though he probably does know what he's talking about, he comes across as a bit of a knob. Would rather give my money to Hope.
Have you considered Shimano? I find their bbs are the best life/price ratio.
I did, but I'm a bit wary of press fit as I previously only had BSA. I'd quite like a fit/forget BB rather than potentially have to try and remove something in years time and risk damaging the shell. Press fit seems to have a poor rep in general for short BB life.
I dunno about road but on my mtb they lasted ages and are dead easy to change.
There are cheap presses on ebay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224161017929
Also its plastic in metal, hard to damage the frame, your carbon frame probs has an aluminium alloy insert right?
I went for wheels manufacturing for dub to see if they last longer than standard sram dub branded bbs. That tool you mention sounds like what I had to buy - it was pretty expensive for what it was and I doubt you’ll find one to borrow (unless you’re in Bristol in which case you can borrow mine).
I have a Wheels Mfg screw-together in one of my frames - needed 2 BB tools to install but been good ever since. The BB also comes with an additional pair of lip-seals that sit outboard of the bearings whereas the Hope one doesn’t - just relies on the conventional bearing seals.
Token ninja thread together - or ninja lite a bit cheaper and lighter. Won some design awards but similar to both hope and wheels just 1/2 to 1/3 of the price.
Thousands of miles and just fine.
No ta. It’s 3 x the price of the Hope, and even though he probably does know what he’s talking about, he comes across as a bit of a knob. Would rather give my money to Hope
Fair, he does come across as a knob…I can vouch for his BB though, couple of years on mine and it’s solid…still butter smooth and it’s never made a sound.
Had a bit of email traffic with him prior to fitting it and he was sound, certainly nothing like his online persona.
Worth thinking about if you’re normally switching BB’s out regular, initial investment is higher for sure but might save you £ longer term
Token ninja thread together – or ninja lite a bit cheaper and lighter. Won some design awards but similar to both hope and wheels just 1/2 to 1/3 of the price.
Thousands of miles and just fine.
That Token option does look good for about £50. I'm not sure if the bearings are replaceable like in the Hope and Wheels one though. I'm leaning towards the Hope partly because it looks neater without the large notched flanges!
I've had a couple of road bikes with Shimano BB86 press fit jobbies and they've lasted for years with no issues.
So they would be my top pick for price/durability.
As above, I think the fact that they are plastic is a plus, for quietness.
You can replace the bearings in a Token Ninja. I have one on most of my bikes and recently changed them in the winter road bike after a couple of years of heavy use.
You could buy my spare (unused) Hope bb and I’ll lend you the tool to fit it?
Private message me if you’re interested…