Hollowtech II BB Options

[kohlboto]

So, being newish to the Hollowtech II revolution I'm wondering what BB option there are out there apart from the Shimano offerings.
So I'm looking for recommendations, personal experience, durability issues, pricing (Chris King at the top, obviously), and overall input whether or not it is worth it to upgrade the Tiagra-level BB.
Cheers
Jay

[dave thompson]

it's been my experience that the Shimano bottom brackets are very durable and cost far less than many other equivalent bottom brackets. The only thing they seem to lack is bling.

[rice rocket]

Dura-Ace 7900 BBs are $30 on Amazon, and shipped free. They have great seals and lasted me two seasons and still are smooth like day one, I don't see an reason to get anything else (except if you go BB30, which I did).

[kohlboto]

Dura-Ace 7900 BBs are $30 on Amazon, and shipped free. They have great seals and lasted me two seasons and still are smooth like day one, I don't see an reason to get anything else (except if you go BB30, which I did).

are the 7900 BBs backward compatible?

[rice rocket]

Yessir.

[dave thompson]

are the 7900 BBs backward compatible?
5600/6600/6700/7800/7900 all play well with each others components.

[kramnnim]

I have to wonder if there is any real difference between the various levels of Shimano BBs...other than the color.

[firerescuefin]

I really like the Chris King BB on my bike.....but it is what it is....overpriced. I like the user serviceability, the warranty, and the fact that it is a CK. Downside, also is that you need to tack on $30 for the grease tool. Bottom line 165 dollars (BB and tool) will keep you in Shimano bottom brackets well......forever, but how many of us are riding with the components that we "need" only on our bikes.

[kohlboto]

I really like the Chris King BB on my bike.....but it is what it is....overpriced. I like the user serviceability, the warranty, and the fact that it is a CK. Downside, also is that you need to tack on $30 for the grease tool. Bottom line 165 dollars (BB and tool) will keep you in Shimano bottom brackets well......forever, but how many of us are riding with the components that we "need" only on our bikes.

It's only natural that I should have a Chris King BB to accompany the Chris King HS...

[firerescuefin]

It's only natural that I should have a Chris King BB to accompany the Chris King HS...

.....you'll get no argument from me :beer: