Looking at options for a replacement for my 68/73 threaded BB, which didn't last as long as I would have liked.
Looking at Shimano XTR BB93. Is it worth the extra £10 over an XT version? I don't really want to go for Hope as I'll probably only be keeping the bike for another year at most.
Buy a Deore level and save the pennies IMO.
In my experience, the XT is significantly better than the Deore (BB, since that's what we're talking about here!) and worth the extra if you can get it discounted. Last time I bought one from CRC is was £15, and the Deore about £11 I think.
I'm not convinced there's a lot of difference in shimano bottom brackets. I think I'd rather have 3 Deore BB than 1 xtr.
Personally, Id buy a 2nd hand hope BB than a shimano BB.
I always press the bearings out, degrease and clean them and then regrease and install. They seem to last forever. From time to time I replace the plastic seals that wear down.
I know you're probably right, I just expected the seals to be better on xt level and above.
It's to replace a bb52 which didn't last long, so thought I might go for a slight upgrade.
Generally, if a Shimano bottom bracket doesn't last very long, it's because the cranks (pre-load) have been put on too tightly.
I never have issues with XT bottom brackets myself and had a couple of years out of a RaceFace which everyone slates too.
I’d agree gingerone,
any BB that I’ve fitted myself has lasted for ages,
but any BB that comes fitted to a bike has very little life.
Best for cost= deore
best overall= hope
purely imo, ymmv of course.