Another creaky Shimano BB--BBInfinite replacement?
#1
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Another creaky Shimano BB--BBInfinite replacement?
Howdy folks.
English-threaded bottom bracket on a Lynskey Sportive Disc.
I'm 51 years old and 165 pounds. I don't hammer very hard--probably cruising around 150W and putting out no more than 250 for any amount of sustained time at all.
A few months ago, I was getting a massive creaking noise. Eliminated my pedals, shoes / cleats, handlebars/stem as culprits. Replaced the Ultegra BB with another (because it was $25...), and all good. Less than a thousand miles later, and the creaking is back. This is my 4th BB on the bike since 2018, and I'm deciding to give up--at $25, I seem to be getting what I'm paying for.
So in the spirit of "set it and forget it" and "I just don't want a creak," I was thinking that BBInfinite looked really interesting, though CK and Cane Creek have colors to match my (gold) headset.
Anyone know anything about BBInfinite's threaded brackets? They seem like a fantastic option for PFs.
English-threaded bottom bracket on a Lynskey Sportive Disc.
I'm 51 years old and 165 pounds. I don't hammer very hard--probably cruising around 150W and putting out no more than 250 for any amount of sustained time at all.
A few months ago, I was getting a massive creaking noise. Eliminated my pedals, shoes / cleats, handlebars/stem as culprits. Replaced the Ultegra BB with another (because it was $25...), and all good. Less than a thousand miles later, and the creaking is back. This is my 4th BB on the bike since 2018, and I'm deciding to give up--at $25, I seem to be getting what I'm paying for.
So in the spirit of "set it and forget it" and "I just don't want a creak," I was thinking that BBInfinite looked really interesting, though CK and Cane Creek have colors to match my (gold) headset.
Anyone know anything about BBInfinite's threaded brackets? They seem like a fantastic option for PFs.
#2
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For a one and done, I've installed Hambini BB's in two Cervelo road bikes.
When my 3rd Cervelo needs a BB, it's getting on too.
I did have to replace a bearing. Easy to do, just pull it out and squeeze in another.
The BB shell remains in the bike.
Warning: prepare for sticker shock
Barry
When my 3rd Cervelo needs a BB, it's getting on too.
I did have to replace a bearing. Easy to do, just pull it out and squeeze in another.
The BB shell remains in the bike.
Warning: prepare for sticker shock
Barry
Last edited by Barry2; 04-24-23 at 11:18 AM.
#3
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For a one and done, I've installed Hambini BB's in two Cervelo road bikes.
When my 3rd Cervelo needs a BB, it's getting on too.
I did have to replace a bearing. Easy to do, just pull it out and squeeze in another.
The BB shell remains in the bike.
Warning: prepare for sticker shock
Barry
When my 3rd Cervelo needs a BB, it's getting on too.
I did have to replace a bearing. Easy to do, just pull it out and squeeze in another.
The BB shell remains in the bike.
Warning: prepare for sticker shock
Barry
#4
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All his stuff is always on backorder.
Drop him a line and ask for an ETA.
I've not waited more than a week for the item to ship.
YMMV
Barry
Drop him a line and ask for an ETA.
I've not waited more than a week for the item to ship.
YMMV
Barry
#5
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For a one and done, I've installed Hambini BB's in two Cervelo road bikes.
Warning: prepare for sticker shock
Warning: prepare for sticker shock
#6
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if not done already I would consider getting the bb shell faced
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And if your frame hgas a traditional threaded BB, then the problem is likely not the Shimano BB, which is a quality piece of gear.
This seems like good advice.
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Did you eliminate the seatpost as the source of the creaking? I concur with Koyote about the quality of Shimano BB's. I'm not aware that they have a reputation for creaking. I'm also not aware that a Lynskey Sportive Disc with a threaded bottom bracket would be particularly prone to a creaking BB issue either.
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#9
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Yep. Traditional threading. I'll definitely have someone look at the BB shell. I believe it was faced at the Lynskey factory when I bought the frame. I assume titanium frames can be faced with regular tools, but they might just cause a bit more wear?
I'll admit that I'm not a mechanic, so perhaps I'm just dense...But English-threaded bottom bracket is not the same as press-fit (PF), right?
And if your frame hgas a traditional threaded BB, then the problem is likely not the Shimano BB, which is a quality piece of gear.
This seems like good advice.
And if your frame hgas a traditional threaded BB, then the problem is likely not the Shimano BB, which is a quality piece of gear.
This seems like good advice.
#10
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BBinfinate does make BSA threaded BB’s, but it is two piece and the plastic shield in the center section won’t aid in left/right bearing alignment.
Unlike their PF offerings with a totally one piece shell that will hold alignment.
Barry
Unlike their PF offerings with a totally one piece shell that will hold alignment.
Barry
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I concur with those who think the issue is not the BB itself. Shimano, and indeed most, BSA-threaded BBs last very well, and are not generally prone to creaking for far longer than yours have lasted.
Also as others have noted, your BB shell will not hold most of the solid thread-together replacements (I use Wheels MFG, with good results.) None of the quality aftermarket BSA BBs i saw use a solid aluminum frame like the press-fit replacement units .... but again, I doubt it is specifically the BB.
Also as others have noted, your BB shell will not hold most of the solid thread-together replacements (I use Wheels MFG, with good results.) None of the quality aftermarket BSA BBs i saw use a solid aluminum frame like the press-fit replacement units .... but again, I doubt it is specifically the BB.
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I noticed last fall that I had an annoying click happening on a downward left pedal stroke.
I cleaned, lubed, and tightened everything that has to do with the crank, even pedal bearings.
The noise kept coming back intermittently but I couldn't find the source.
Then I changed over from my winter bike to my more fair-weather bike...
Same noise!
It's my left knee that makes the sound but I just don't feel it.
I cleaned, lubed, and tightened everything that has to do with the crank, even pedal bearings.
The noise kept coming back intermittently but I couldn't find the source.
Then I changed over from my winter bike to my more fair-weather bike...
Same noise!
It's my left knee that makes the sound but I just don't feel it.
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#13
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I'd also want to know whether seatpost has been eliminated. Or seat collar. Or seat for that matter.
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#14
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I think you are concentrating too much on the BB and missing the real cause of the creak.
Just resolve yourself to put up with it for a time and eventually the real cause will show itself. Have you cleaned and maybe even oiled all your spoke crossings?
Just resolve yourself to put up with it for a time and eventually the real cause will show itself. Have you cleaned and maybe even oiled all your spoke crossings?
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So you are 100% sure it is your bottom bracket? How did you come to this conclusion? I get a few things were done to potentially narrow it down but not all the things and usually if you don't first try all the things you won't know it is the bottom bracket. Threaded bottom brackets are generally not known for creaking and if there is a creak there could be a crack but that is a situation that is far out until everything else has been eliminated. A loose QR or thru-axle, loose spokes or sometimes spoke crossing, loose bolts, seatpost....so many things that could be a problem that should be checked before making a determination of the bottom bracket especially with threaded BBs.
As some others have said try making sure the B.B. area is properly faced and chased once you determine it is actually the B.B. area.
As some others have said try making sure the B.B. area is properly faced and chased once you determine it is actually the B.B. area.