Shop Bottom Brackets Online at BIKE24
There are parts on bicycles and electric bikes that you can't see - and yet they are super important. The bottom bracket, also known as the bottom bracket, is a good example of this. Hidden in bottom bracket cups or directly in the frame, the bottom bracket is essential because it ensures that you can pedal smoothly. But that's not all: forces, dirt and water ensure that the bottom bracket - or bottom bracket - is sometimes subjected to the most stress. This is why it is also a classic wear part that needs to be replaced from time to time. Find the right bottom bracket with us now.
The Bicycle Bottom Bracket and Its Function
If the bottom bracket area groans and creaks, then in many cases this is a sign that a new bottom bracket is due. And this is usually the first time we consciously consider how important the bottom bracket is for the function of a bicycle. The bicycle bottom bracket provides the connection between the crank and the frame - and is therefore an essential component of the drivetrain.
The design of a bicycle bottom bracket is almost always the same: two stable layers house the axle shaft of the crank. However, numerous designs and dimensions have developed over the years, making the bottom bracket an extremely complex part. In general, there are two designs, which we will discuss in more detail below: the classic cartridge bearing and the individually inserted or bolted bottom bracket.
The classic cartridge bearing consists of a housing in which the bearings and the axle shaft of the crank are firmly pressed together. During assembly, however, the cartridge is finally bolted in place. This variant can only be found in older or inexpensive bicycles.
In almost all current frames, on the other hand, the two layers are inserted, pressed or screwed together without a drive shaft. The bearings are located in individual bottom bracket cups. The right crankarm and axle shaft are then simply pushed through and bolted to the left arm of the crank.
Regardless of which type is used on your bike: If you want to buy a new bottom bracket, we recommend first of all making a preselection according to the type of bike. We have specific categories for road bike bottom brackets and MTB bottom brackets. Next, you need to make sure that the bearing width matches that of your frame and that the dimensions and mounting of the crankarms match. More on this below.
Buying Advice - Dimensions & Types of Bike Bottom Brackets
To find the right bottom bracket for your bike, you need to compare the following dimensions with your frame and crankset.
- Type: In cartridge bearings, the axle and bearing are permanently installed in a sleeve that is screwed into the frame. The best-known versions are square and octalink. Most current bottom brackets are individual bottom bracket cups that are mounted in the frame. The axle is part of the crankset and is usually inserted with the right arm.
- Bottom bracket type: There are many types of bottom brackets, the most common are BSA, Pressfit or BB30, PF30. The frame determines which bottom bracket fits your bike. So you need to check which type of bearing your frame is designed for.
- Housing width: The housing width is the distance between the outer edges of the bottom bracket housing. This dimension is also specified by the frame in which you want to mount the bottom bracket. Common sizes are 68 millimetres and 73 millimetres.
- Axle profile: Depending on the design and dimensions, only axles with a certain diameter will fit into each type of bottom bracket - here too, you must follow the relevant standards.
How to Find the Right Bottom Bracket for Your Bike
If you are looking for a new bottom bracket, you definitely need to pay attention to which design and which bearing type - e.g. BSA threaded or press fit - fits your frame. The housing width must also match the dimensions of your frame. To make your selection easier, we have pre-sorted bottom bracket categories. For example, you can find road bike bottom brackets, MTB bottom brackets or BMX bottom brackets. Of course, we also offer bottom brackets from all major component manufacturers such as Shimano, SRAM, Rotor and Campagnolo. We also offer special components such as steel bottom brackets or ceramic bottom brackets.
By the way: To install and remove the bottom bracket, you need special bottom bracket tools, which you can also find in our range.