Originally Posted by
zebede
+1
The low cost and easily self maintained traditional bottom bracket, seems a natural choice for the bicyclist who is self reliant and seems to prefer inexpensive solutions to there needs.
Not buying it. A "natural choice" for the self reliant cyclist is the bottom bracket that requires the least amount of effort. Loose bearing bottom brackets don't fit that bill. They do need rebuilt relatively often and they aren't all that "low cost". A new spindle costs about $7. A new cartridge bearing bottom bracket costs as little as $10. If loose bearing bottom bracket is cheap, it won't have seals which necessitate more frequent rebuilding and replacement of spindles. And the constant removal for maintenance risks damage to other parts which may also need periodic replacement. Hook spanners are hard on lock rings.