WestCoastOldSchool
Aug 9 2003, 08:51 PM
Ok, this has been in my head for ages:
What's the difference, advantages & etc. when comparing an American bottom bracket to a European setup?
Does one spin smoother than the other, lighter, stronger, more durable?
What's the deal...
Kerry
Aug 9 2003, 09:38 PM
Differences..hmm smaller bottom bracket for one.The BB is also threaded for bearing cups etc.Lighter(less material)..I mainly think tis for shaving weight...Am I right or wrong...lets hear it
mr coasterbrake
Aug 10 2003, 05:19 PM
assuming everthing is of equal quality, i don't think there's much difference either way- except the euro is a bit lighter. the reason for the american BB in the first place is you can't fit a one-piece (ie: "cost saving") crank thru a euro shell.
X-it
Aug 11 2003, 04:19 AM
Preference/looks thing. Whatever looks cool to you. The euro might be your choice if you're trying to squeeze ounces.
The euro... it's not just for kids anymore (or roadies!)
jmac
Aug 12 2003, 02:58 PM
If you want to get technical the center of the bb regardless if it is small or large is the same.The material you remove from the larger bb to swap for the euro gets made up thru the little bit longer down tube seat tube etc.Both frames bare euro and american should weigh the same since 4130 weighs the same unless wall thickness changes drastically thruout the bike.Usually the hanger is the same thickness as the down tube top tube etc.If it differs then there is a weight difference but not much.In performance smoothness etc. their is really none some may claim.It is just the era.back in the 70'sand early 80's it was popular then it died out now into the 21 century it is back.With the frames being equal it is possible to gear up the euro for a final lets see which bike is lighter with the plethora of parts avail. Today.for performance it does wonders for the eyes like a 25 tooth front sprocket and 9 tooth cog that is about it.If anybody recently went from a large bb performing 360's and now you have a euro bb and can now perform 720 I want to hear about it
Kerry
Aug 12 2003, 03:08 PM
quote:
If you want to get technical the center of the bb regardless if it is small or large is the same.The material you remove from the larger bb to swap for the euro gets made up thru the little bit longer down tube seat tube etc.Both frames bare euro and american should weigh the same since 4130 weighs the same unless wall thickness changes drastically thruout the bike.Usually the hanger is the same thickness as the down tube top tube etc.If it differs then there is a weight difference but not much.In performance smoothness etc. their is really none some may claim.It is just the era.back in the 70'sand early 80's it was popular then it died out now into the 21 century it is back.With the frames being equal it is possible to gear up the euro for a final lets see which bike is lighter with the plethora of parts avail. Today.for performance it does wonders for the eyes like a 25 tooth front sprocket and 9 tooth cog that is about it.If anybody recently went from a large bb performing 360's and now you have a euro bb and can now perform 720 I want to hear about it
I don't want to get technical
Kirk
Aug 12 2003, 03:08 PM
Less Flex.
K
CSquare43
Aug 12 2003, 03:14 PM
Euro BB = smaller bearing (possibly shorter lifespan / durability)
American BB = Bigger bearing (more quality replacement options, possibly longer lifespan)
If you pay attention to the MTB / Road bike market, you'll see that there is a new standard starting to emerge that is a bigger BB shell than the standard Euro bb, but not as big as the American bb shell.
Also, Shimano's new MTB & Road high end cranksets & BB sets now house the bearing OUTSIDE of the bb shell so they can use a bigger bearing for better durability.
Me personally, while I think the euro bb looks cool, I'll take the better durability of the American bb's...
bmxbully
Aug 12 2003, 03:30 PM
What about the fact that euros are threaded for easing installation and removal? No more hammering on the bottom bracket.
WestCoastOldSchool
Aug 14 2003, 08:13 PM
Thanks fellas for chippin' in with the comments. You guys rock.
race_inc
Aug 14 2003, 08:19 PM
I love euro BB's! Real easy setup, shells thread in no cup pounding and they just look slick! As far as durability I think that they are just as strong as a standard BB. I have been pounding the Holy Snot out of the one on my mountain bike for about 5 years now and the thing still spins as smooth as it did when new, notta problem! I also have a Kappa with the euro BB setup and so far (havent really ridden it much) it's doing just fine. Peace!
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please
click here.