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New product -45%Square taper bottom bracket Shimano Altus 116 mm- €6.04
- €10.99
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New product UsedBottom bracket Shimano 105 BB-5500 Octalink- €25.99
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New product -30%Bottom bracket Shimano SM-BBR60 ultegra 105- €20.29
- €28.99
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Shimano BB 6500 bottom bracket octalink
- €35.00
- €69.99
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New productOctalink bottom bracket Shimano Dura ace- €79.99
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New productFSA bottom bracket adapter BB386 EVO with 24 mm axle- €19.99
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New productFSA PF30 bottom bracket adapter with 386 EVO- €19.99
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New productBottom bracket cups press fit Rotor 4130- €6.99
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New product -40%Bottom bracket FSA Mega Exo BB30 Press Fit- €29.94
- €49.90
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New product -26%Campagnolo ultra torque OS-FIT cups- €19.98
- €27.00
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New product -52%Crankset bearings Campagnolo Power torque- €16.75
- €34.90
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New product -44%Stronglight BB86/89/92 press fit bottom bracket- €29.67
- €52.99
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New product -40%Bottom bracket axle TA Axix Light 110 mm- €77.99
- €129.99
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New productBottom bracket Stronglight JP400 110.5 68 square- €18.99
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UsedCampagnolo Power Torque BB30 68x46 cups- €24.90
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New product -40%Campagnolo Record ultra torque BSC cups- €16.20
- €27.00
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New product -30%Bottom bracket shimano press fit SM-BB71-41B- €22.33
- €31.90
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New productStronglight press-fit 30/24 cups- €26.50
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New product -44%Sram GXP BB104.5 press fit bottom bracket for MTB- €29.67
- €52.99
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Square taper bottom bracket Shimano BB-UN55
- €16.99
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FSA bottom bracket ISO square axle 107 mm 36x24T
- €12.99
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Campagnolo Veloce bottom bracket
- €14.99
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All you need to know about road bike bottom brackets: features and specifics
The road bike bottom bracket is a key component of the drivetrain. Often underestimated, it plays a vital role in ensuring smooth pedaling, efficient power transfer, and long-term reliability of your road bike crankset. Choosing the right bottom bracket means improving your bike’s performance and enhancing your ride quality.
What is a bottom bracket on a road bike ?
The bottom bracket sits at the junction of the road bike frame, where the down tube, seat tube, and chainstays meet. Inside this shell are the bearings that allow the crankset to rotate freely. The bottom bracket acts as the connection point between the crank arms and the frame, enabling smooth rotational movement with each pedal stroke.
There are two main types of bottom brackets:
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Threaded bottom brackets (BSA, ITA, etc.), which screw into the frame
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Press-fit bottom brackets, which are pressed directly into the frame
Each system has specific advantages and must be compatible with both the frame and crank spindle.
Key features of a road bike bottom bracket
When selecting a bottom bracket for your road bike, consider the following factors:
1. Mounting type
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Threaded (BSA, ITA): Reliable and easy to service, with fewer issues like creaking
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Press-fit (BB86, BB90, BB30, PF30, etc.): Lighter and stiffer, but requires precise frame tolerances
2. Shell width and diameter
Each road bike frame comes with specific bottom bracket shell dimensions. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's specs to ensure proper fitment.
3. Crank spindle compatibility
Your road bike bottom bracket must match the type of crank spindle:
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Square taper (older standard)
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ISIS / Octalink
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External spindle (Hollowtech II, GXP, DUB, etc.)
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BB30 or 30 mm spindles (common on high-end cranksets for stiffness and weight reduction)
Why it’s important to choose the right bottom bracket
A poorly matched or low-quality bottom bracket can lead to:
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Play in the crankset
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Annoying creaks or noise
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Premature bearing wear
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Loss of pedaling efficiency
In contrast, a well-fitted and properly installed bottom bracket, matched to your road bike frame and crankset, ensures smooth pedaling, better energy transfer, and a more comfortable riding experience—especially over long distances.
Maintenance and replacement tips
Bottom brackets are exposed to the elements—rain, dirt, road debris—and experience constant rotational stress. Regular maintenance is crucial. If you feel resistance or wobble in your crankset, it may be time to inspect the bearings or replace the bottom bracket.
High-end models often feature ceramic bearings, offering superior smoothness and durability for cyclists who demand top-tier performance.
In summary
The road bike bottom bracket is a fundamental part of your bike’s drivetrain—even if it’s out of sight. It connects your pedal power to the transmission, and its performance can significantly impact how efficiently and comfortably you ride.
Before installing or upgrading a road bike crankset, always verify compatibility with your frame and select the right bottom bracket for your riding style. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive rider, the right bottom bracket will help you get the most out of every ride.