Bottom Bracket Upgrade for a Giant Defy 2 (2015)

squa

Hi Fellow Cycling Enthusiasts,

I'm relatively new to the world of road bikes & even greener when it comes to bike maintenance. I'm happy to give anything a go when it comes to DIY, since a common sense approach usual gets you through. However, after reviewing several online videos/forums relating to the BB, it appears to be one area that might be best left to the pros.

Before I head down to my local bike shop, I'd like to improve my knowledge on which BB is best for my Giant Defy 2 (2015 model), so I can at least have a semi-educated discussion about it with them. Plus I'm always skeptical I'll be taken for a ride (forgive the pun) when it comes to mechanical upgrades.

It looks like Giant use a PressFit BB for the Defy 2, but I've no idea of dimensions/standards......maybe PF86/92?

Can anyone recommend a good BB for the Defy 2, without getting too expensive. I'm thinking somewhere around the €100 mark as I have to factor in labour aswell.......maybe I'm way off with this guesstimate & a PressFit BB costs a lot more?

I'd prefer to aim for reliability (less likely for creaking to return) over performance.

Maybe I'm crazy to try change the stock BB from Giant & should be just replacing like for like?

Any constructive advice welcome.

Thanks,
Squa

clog

No need to spend anywhere near that, Dura Ace level b/b 35 euro and cheap press tool £7.50.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/shimano-bb92-road-press-fit-bottom-bracket/rp-prod44226

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MTB-RD-bicycle-Headset-BB86-90-91-92-Bottom-Bracket-Cup-Press-Install-Tool-/122078901502?hash=item1c6c7834fe:g:-lwAAOSwU-pXqToO

Look on youtube to see how its done. It's very straightforward.

Eamonnator

@clog

Thanks for the link to the BB tool.
Looks like good value.

jon1981

BB replacement costs for some reason are really expensive. cost me 50 euro for a basic BB one time, 25euro for the labour and 25 euro for the BB, I think it was a Tiagra.

The next time I did it myself. 20euro online for an ultegra BB and I used the BB tool that came with a cheap Aldi kit I bought for 20 quid. Took me 15 mins to do. I'd do it quicker the next time.

benneca1

You also have to buy the bb removal tool do not try to tap it out with a blunt object if you value your frame. TBH I ve been knocking about bikes a while and headsets and press fit BBs id leave to the bike shop who as the tools. 30 quid for the part and then labour on top. Uses specialist tools and 45 minutes time so time so anything south of 60 euro prob is fair .

iwillhtfu

benneca1 wrote: »

TBH I ve been knocking about bikes a while and headsets and press fit BBs id leave to the bike shop who as the tools.

You need to spend a bit more time knocking around with your bike so. Both DIY jobs a fairly simple the only issue is a stuck bb but nothing persistence won't solve.

magicbastarder

you seem to be replacing the BB for no benefit other than a new one will be better?

Eamonnator

magicbastarder wrote: »

you seem to be replacing the BB for no benefit other than a new one will be better?

I think, the OP was having a problem with his bottom bracket creaking.
Common enough with press fit BBs

squa

Thanks for the links clog.

Live Chat with CR confirmed this BB should fit my frame fine.

Along wit the other posts this has given me the confidence to tackle the job myself. Worst case scenario, I have to take my bike, along with a dismantled crankset to my local BS with my tail between my legs!

squa

Just to close this one out.

I successfully replaced the BB myself using the products listed by clog above & I'm happy to report that all went well, once I just had the confidence to go for it!

Check out the GCN channel on YouTube for a HowTo guide on replacing a press fit BB. Installing the new one was relatively easy once you have a press tool, but removing it was a bit more daunting.....especially since I used a steel nail punch & steel hammer, which required some accurate strikes!

I would definitely recommend having a rubber hammer/mallet instead & the correct tool for removing would probably make life a whole lot easier. Park do a useful BB90 removal tool;
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tool-bb90-bottom-bracket-bearing-tool-set/

Oh & a bike stand is a must!

Best of luck to anyone who wants to give this a go themselves