Ceramic bottom bracket upgrade...worth it?

Triathlon Forum
1

Hey…as some of u know I recently purchased a 2016 Cannondale Slice. It has 105 componants, including a lower cost FSA bottom bracket. I’m certain there are steel bearing in the bottom bracket. Is it actually worth the money to change out to ceramic? If so do u have recommendations?
I have already upgraded the cockpit, switched to 165 Rotor 3D+ cranks with Q-ring, ceramic derailleur pulleys, and a Fizik tri tone saddle. In the spring I will get carbon race wheels. I’m only letting u know this so u know what I’ve done so far…

Thanks, Larry

2

Ceramic bearings are the worst $/watt you could ever spend. Go to Friction Facts https://www.friction-facts.com/ and buy the reports for $15 and read them.

Only upgrade to ceramic after you have optimized everything else.

3

I recommend http://endurobearings.com/home/

The XD-15 is an awesome bottom bracket.

4

Thank u both for your help…I will check out both opinions…this is good stuff for sure!

5

If I were to upgrade the BB… especially one that’s PF30… I’d go for a collet style system similar to what’s made by BBInfinite or Praxis.

6

You should upgrade your group to Dura-Ace and then think about a ceramic bottom bracket.

7

Hey…as some of u know I recently purchased a 2016 Cannondale Slice. It has 105 componants, including a lower cost FSA bottom bracket. I’m certain there are steel bearing in the bottom bracket. Is it actually worth the money to change out to ceramic? If so do u have recommendations?
I have already upgraded the cockpit, switched to 165 Rotor 3D+ cranks with Q-ring, ceramic derailleur pulleys, and a Fizik tri tone saddle. In the spring I will get carbon race wheels. I’m only letting u know this so u know what I’ve done so far…

Thanks, Larry

There is actually a non-ceramic BB that is very fast, faster than most of the ceramics. Hawk racing makes it. Check out the results in the FF.

8

Have you checked out Phil Wood’s carbonyte bearings?

They are steel and very fast.

9

Will dura ace get me more speed? How does it compare to sram red?

10

I will definitely check this out…thank you
.

11

Nope , but I will now
Thanks
.

12

My ‘secret’ recommendation is an SKF Isis BB with an(y) Isis crankset.

SKF BB’s last 100,000+ KM

The same applies for their square-tapered BB’s but it’s easier and cheaper to get a peachy Isis crankset.

Superstar (in the UK) also make an excellent Isis BB with real bearings that lasts really well. I have one on my BP Stealth budget superbike and it’s sweet.

13

Nope, don’t bother with a ceramic bottom bracket.
I recommend getting the Wheels MFG PF30 to 24mm bottom bracket with angular bearings.

http://wheelsmfg.com/pressfit-30-to-outboard-bottom-bracket-for-24mm-cranks-shimano-w-angular-contact-bearings-black.html

Check out how smooth mine is when properly installed: https://instagram.com/p/BMCftfAg2PW/

14

The OP’s going to need a BB for a 30mm axle (3D+).

Is the Slice ‘true’ BB30 i.e. a narrow shell? If so, you’d need some spacers for a Rotor axle as it’s longer than the ‘true’ BB30 axles (so it can fit all frames).

15

Kogel make the best BBs in the business. I’ve been super impressed with all the Kogel stuff I’ve used so far.

Best thing about the Kogels is that they are super durable and well made for not much more money than a decent ‘normal’ BB. Added bonus is that they spin like nobodies business.

16

the problem is that many shops will not install it such that it works that way. becomes a DIY project, which is good anyway

17

I recommend getting the Wheels MFG PF30 to 24mm bottom bracket with angular bearings.

x2. I used to got through SRAM BB’s on my road bike every 6 months. My Wheels angular contact BB has been on for two years and it’s still butter.

18

Or this http://endurobearings.com/technology/torqtite/
.

19

Have you checked out Phil Wood’s carbonyte bearings?

They are steel and very fast.

I have not. The Hawk is steel as well. Frankly, I bought the report, all the reports for that matter, saw that for all practical purposes the Hawk was the best one and went with it. Now there are other options, but if they haven’t been tested, I am not going to bother. I don’t trust any companies internal numbers, and I want some independent numbers to work with.

20

The Hawks look like a great choice…I’m getting them
Thank u
.