Advice on BB replacement/alternatives

nordicb

Good day,

Appreciate any advice on alternative BBs that I may use to replace slowly failing one on my bike. I've stuffed it with grease to keep it quiet, but not sure how long it will last.

The bike is Felt AR5 and has this confusing to me FSA MegaExo Evo 386 BB, that I can't quite understand what to get as a replacement. The diameter of the axle seems to be BB30, but the axle is longer. Some sources call it FSA BB-6000, but not too sure. Retailers like CRC do not spec the axle diameter and I'm not sure I would get the right thing.

I learned by mistake (thanks God it wasn't expensive) Ultegra BB would seem to thread in into frame, but the axle diameter is too small for the crankset.

I now have Ultegra BB in the box (only one cup was taken out) and the wrench head if anyone wants it.

Thanks in advance!

Eamonnator

This or similar should fit the bill.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/BBTPB386/tripeak-bb386-bottom-bracket-for-bsa-threaded-frames

nordicb

Thanks.

I actually came across these while researching, but not sure about the brand. Would they be any better I wonder...

Chips Lovell

Yes, you need a BB386 bottom bracket.

You'll find a breakdown of standards here:
http://problemsolversbike.com/files/tech/Bottom_Bracket_Standards_Reference.pdf

According to that document, PF30 cups will also fit, since the only difference is the shell width.

nordicb

This is very useful, thank you. The only difference from the document I see that my cups are threaded rather than press fit. Document saved for the future. Thank you!

Chips Lovell

I've that one bookmarked myself.

If you've threaded cups, then stick to getting a specific BB386 bottom bracket.

Ryath

This is what you are looking for then
http://www.bike24.com/p230518.html

Seems a like BB386 is not that common newer AR5's have a BB30 bottom bracket.

mirv

Here's another two linkies which might ease the confusion. My brain is glad that I only own and take care of bikes with 68mm BBs.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/complete-guide-to-bottom-brackets-36660/

http://www.slowtwitch.com/Tech/Bottom_Bracket_Standards_2573.html

I'd happily collect the Ultegra BB off you if it's british threaded and if you're based in Dublin?

nordicb

Thanks for replies - looks like I'll have to stick with FSA bearings.
Not entirely happy with them failing only after 2.5k km, water damage it seems.

Last one, any real life advantage of ceramic over steel bearings, other than weight?

I'm in Limerick, but could post. PM me if you wish, we can agree further.

mirv

Hybrid ceramics bearings have ceramic balls and hardened steel races, and are still susceptible to rust and water ingress.

Fully ceramic bearings (balls and races) can't rust, and are supposed to be hard enough so that they chew up the grit rather than get chewed up themselves.

Don't get suckered in by videos of ceramic bearing cranks/wheels spinning for ages as most drag in normal bearings is due to seal drag rather than the material or quality of the bearings themselves.

nordicb

Thanks, will go for steel ones, same BB as I have now. Will keep in mind I need to inspect them now and then.
Upon removal I've noticed the frame doesn't have a drainage hole at the usual very bottom, but rather 1cm higher on a side - weird.