Bottom Bracket Standards Explained | Road Bike Maintenance

Step into the bottom bracket standard maze with Simon Richardson. Don't worry, he knows his way around.

BB30? PF30? Octalink? Hollowtech? The world of bottom bracket standards is about as complicated as it gets in cycling. Simon explains all in this video.

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[papachung]

I didn't enjoy this video, but I did need it. Thanks for the tough love, GCN.

[BEEBEE]

I love my old school square taper bottom brackets. They are very simple and easy to work on, and there is a sea of aftermarket cranks to choose from. No creaks either.

[javierschmit]

These videos are extremely helpful. I've been a bicycle mechanic at multiple shops, but there is always something new to learn. Thank you for the details, and the presentations in these videos makes the learning process much easier. I'd recommend these videos to anyone (novice or seasoned rider/mechanic)

[mfiola]

We as cyclists are good at suffering and I've done mine for the day. I watched that the whole way through.

[rogercowen]

Absolutely love your sense of humor. Thanks for making a topic bearable to watch!

[davehac]

well done Simon! I can't believe you managed to keep that to under 8 mins and explain it so well. Top class.

[iancookson]

GCN is the best cycling resource around. Messed about for ages trying to figure out how to repair my bottom bracket. Watched the first 30 seconds of this and new exactly what to do.

[PaulAllenLSTNE]

I think the manufactures are confused about the definition of the word "standard".

[mwhittle]

had to re-watch this twice to get the info I needed! Simon deserves a promotion for explaining this, it must have been worse than watching paint dry then followed by grass growing.

[billreddy]

I literally JUST bought a crankset for a bike I acquired on CL and don't know the first thing about bottom brackets. Thanks for such a cogent and thoughtful presentation. You ROCK.

[aznwierdone]

thanks very much for this! bottom brackets have been something i haven't been able to keep track of, so this was super informative and helpful!!

[LvcianoN]

More videos like these! I thought it was awesome how you talked about the chronological order of each, sizes and methods of attachment and compatibility. Great video, Si!

[Dontbuyitdiyit]

You've got to be one of the best talkers on Youtube, always a pleasure to listen to you explain things.

[xGshikamaru]

This one of your best videos ! Great job deciphering all this mess.

[rider]

Hi Si, thanks for informational videos. I changed my BB and the bike is riding like new. you have a calmness but confidence that helped guide my way. No more creaks!

[jimmyzhao]

Damn the manufacturers for all these different standards.

[craighorner]

the primary advantage of the square taper spindle cartridge bottom brackets is you could select a spindle length that would allow you to position the crank in any line that you would want relative to the cassette. doesnt appear that any of the other systems would allow for repositioning of the crank.

[Maxmaxz]

Wow. Simon, you are a BB King. No wonder you've got the blues... :(

[casualguy]

I've got a titanium frame with PF30, without the bearing press tool.
I just pushed the cups in by hand as far and as straight as I could, laid the bike on its side, and placed a flat piece of wood over the cup then knocked it in with a rubber mallet.
Worked like a charm.

[murlhaggard]

my fave GBN personality; funny as hell. rock on Simon!