I've got CK headsets on all my bikes, always have. I've tried bottom brackets from the Big S, RaceFace and Hope Steel, all much of a muchness. I'm now looking for a replacement external BB for my 66: CK are now avail for £80ish, and Hope Ceramic the same. Is the extra wonga worth spending, and if so which would you recommend? I ride purely for fun, local trails and MTB Centres.
I have a CK headset but you could buy 6 XT bottom brackets from Rose Bikes for £80 or 5 XTR bottom brackets!!
That's where my money would go.
My current XT bottom bracket is now almost a year old and still silky smooth.
I've got CK ones, one set of hubs and one headset.
It was only when CK started making BBs that I moved from sqaure taper. They have so far been excellent, one even survived Kielder last week when the rest of the bike disintegrated.
Would definately recomend.
Another vote for CK. I have one on my fs and another on my commuter. I grease them every 4months and never given any bother.
Even my mrs had a seized shimano XT BB after a couple of hundred miles, and it amazes me how pants they are. Sometimes they last, sometimes they don't, it's a lottery. On the other hand my CK BB has been on 2 frames and with the occasional grease (easier with the tool) it has been faultless - pretty much the same as everyone else.
My hope ceramic has taken a hammering for the last two years and is still silky smooth.