SKF Bottom Brackets

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Roller bearing distributes the load over a larger surface area.

Patented multi-stage seal keeps bearings clean.

One-piece shell improves alignment and allows the use of larger bearings.

Large spindle and roller bearings on the driveside increase load capacity.

Designed from the ground up, rather than around standard bearings.

For a catalogue, click here (PDF file, 1.4 mb)

For information on the seals of the SKF bottom bracket, click here (PDF file, 52 kb)

• Designed and manufactured by SKF, world leaders in bearing technology.

• Roller bearing on drive side for higher load rating.

• Extra-large ball bearing on non-drive side rolls directly on spindle and in shell.

• Easy installation.

• Patented seals keep contamination out.

• All parts from stainless steel and aluminum to prevent corrosion.

• Life expectancy 10 years/100,000 km (65,000 miles) without overhaul.

• 2-year warranty includes bearings.

• Made in Germany.

Many modern cartridge bottom brackets, even the most expensive models, are relatively simple designs with exposed bearings that are separated from the elements only by rubber dust shields. These dust shields are not designed to keep out water. The bearings usually are standard cartridge bearings with relatively small balls. As a result, many high-end bottom brackets require frequent bearing replacements when ridden year-round.

SKF designed their cartridge bottom bracket from the ground up to optimize strength and durability. The bearings run directly on races ground into the spindle and the shell, so SKF can use larger balls and rollers, resulting in a much higher load rating and greater durability. For example, the non-drive-side balls measure 4.5 mm in diameter, whereas the standard cartridge bearings (61903) used in most high-end cartridge bottom brackets use much smaller 2.8 mm balls. Smaller balls wear faster and even can break under high loads.

To keep the bearings running smoothly, SKF designed and patented multi-stage seals that retain the grease and keep out water and dirt. All parts, including the bearings, are made from corrosion-free stainless steel and aluminum.

SKF bottom brackets are available for square taper (ISO and JIS) and ISIS cranks, for BSC and Italian bottom bracket shells.

Most ISIS bottom brackets have a short lifespan, because the larger spindle requires the use of undersize bearings. The SKF bottom bracket uses the same large bearings on all models, making this perhaps the most durable ISIS bottom bracket available.

Installation is simple, and requires only an ISIS-type bottom bracket tool (for example, Park BBT-18). A standard wrench for bottom bracket lockrings with a single hook will work in a pinch.

Click here for spindle length/crank compatibility.

Click here for a review of the SKF bottom bracket on BikeRadar.

Square Taper

• JIS taper, BSC threading, spindle lengths: 107, 110, 113, 116, 121, 126 mm (symmetric spindle)

• JIS taper, ITAL threading, spindle lengths: 107 110, 126 mm (symmetric spindle)

• ISO taper (Campagnolo), BSC or ITAL threading, spindle length: 111 mm (symmetric spindle)

$109

ISIS

Since the ISIS spindle is larger than traditional bottom bracket spindles, most ISIS bottom brackets use smaller bearings, resulting in shorter lifespans. The SKF bottom bracket's unique construction maximizes the available space and uses much larger bearings than other ISIS bottom brackets.

• Road bike, BSC threading, spindle length: 108 mm.

• Mountain bike, BSC treading, suitable for 68/73 mm BB shells, spindle lengths: 113*, 118* mm. (* asymmetric spindle)

$120

ISIS Freeride

• Reinforced spindle (smaller bolt hole), BSC threading, suitable for 68/73 mm BB shells, spindle lengths: 118*, 128* mm. (* asymmetric spindle)

$135

Shipping:

$7 per order for U.S. shipping (Canada: $13; International: $ 15).

Send a check with your order to:

Bicycle Quarterly
2116 Western Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121

Check out our other components:

• Tires

• Handlebars, Rims, Fenders, Bike Stands

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Questions? Please contact us.

Check out Grand Bois components at these fine shops.

Bicycle shops: We offer wholesale pricing on Grand Bois products, SKF bottom brackets, and Challenge tires. Contact us for information.