SO they've been out long enough to of been used in anger - what are people's opinions?
Anyone changed the bearings yet? I thought I heard the tool wasn't available yet or am I wrong? Is it easy as a bodge anyway?
Ta
Yes, I've used one through the winter (about 6 months of riding every weekend, in all weathers).
The non driveside bearing became quite gritty, I contacted Hope customer service who told be to return the b/b to them.
They replaced the bearings (both sides) free of charge and sent it back to me.
So, excellent customer service - but a little disappointed in the failure after 6 months usage. Stainless bearings if it matters.
Bought two ceramic ones as they were cheap - well reduced. First one lasted 3 days in Malham, Mayhem then Hit the North before needing to be stripped/cleaned. Ok'ish since then. Just put the second one in a bike - will see how long that one lasts. Overall better than the cheaper BB's but no great advantage over other similar ceramic BB's. A certain Chris King one where you can flush the bearings looks good though.
mmmmmm.. i was sold until tonight.
removed ceramic bb , non drive side is gritty after an easyish winter....
will contact hope to see what they propose...
Lecht - try this.
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Mine is dead after 9 months and less than 1000 miles, I'm going to phone Hope to see what they suggest.
bought a stainless 12 months ago, it goes round and round. Then again i have a 4 year old XT on the other bike which does the same.
Maybe my style is abnormal as i don't break things?
My lbs put one on for me the other day, the mech there reckons you can just change the bearings easy as pie.
Acros stainless/ceramic look like better value in my opinion.
acros also reccomended. remmember ceramic is smother but a lot more fragile .so avoid if your a lard arse or heavy rider go for stainless instead.
i use both hope acros the only down side is on the acros the plastic inserts are brittle as hell so removal for cleaning is nigh on impossible.
Knott4me,
Acros are aware of this but it is the only material they are happy using. All the new BB's are coming through with a free replacement pair of dust covers so if you damage them during removal or servicing, you have some spares.
On the other hand, you can always call us & we'll send you some FREE!!
Ceramic is brittle but it does depend on the grade you use. Acros use a specific grade if silicone nitride for their BB's which is different to what is fitted to their headsets & different again to what is inside the hubs. Other companies use generic Ceramic BB's but have no control over the grade of stainless or ceramic that is used in the bearings. Acros do because they make everything from scratch, right down to the balls.
J
i am in the middle of a hollowtech debate at the moment.
I seam to have killed to BBs in very little time, they make consistantly horrible clicking noises whilst pedalling, both XT bottom brackets just over a year old 🙁
was thinking of a hope one to replace, but after reading this i'm not so sure
been using a ceramic one on the roadie all through winter and spring. No problems.
Just remember, incorrect fitting is a significant variable when assessing BB life...
both of mine had the frame faced and the BB fitted by my LBS. BBs seam to be the only thing i ever break!
