The Taperlock bottom bracket is available with either a titanium or steel spindle. Both versions are forged and machined to give precision 2-degree taper flats. Heat-treating and shot peening the surface gives the spindle incredible strength and fatigue life.
Adjustable threading feature allows the rider to fine-tune the spindle positioning for proper chainline and perfect shifting. Radial stainless steel ball bearings with 90% grease fill are ultra smooth and designed to accommodate heavy loads.
A locking drive side cup is available for riders who use a BB mounted front derailleur or chain guide.
Submitted by
f3rg
a Cross Country Rider
from Colimbia, MO, USA Date Reviewed: February 10, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Light, durable, lasts forever and a day
Weaknesses:
No longer made
Similar Products Used:
Shimano OEM products
Bottom Line:
I have the titanium version (blue cups). This is 2009, and I have been using it since 1999. It just hit 10 years of service, I've never once done a bit of maintenance on it, and it still works like new. I weigh 150lbs (sometimes less), so I fall within the safe weight limit.
This BB has turned out to be as bullet-proof as my Chris King headset, which I bought at the same time and also still use. Couldn't possibly be happier that I bought it.
No, I won't sell it to you. :P
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrenceville Date Reviewed: November 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
SRX cheapo. It lasted one year.
Weaknesses:
I should have heeded the bad reviews for this BB.. but I learned for myself. The center casing came apart from the screw ends. Was discovered due to rattle noises, took it apart and thought "yeah this is junk".
Similar Products Used:
Race Face Evolve BB
Bike Setup:
Mt Tam 29er (2002)
Bottom Line:
Will try another vendor as this is the first BB I have ever worn out. Well.. it worn itself out do to bad quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Corvallis Oregon USA Date Reviewed: March 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any trail that is extremely fast
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$9999.00
Purchased At:
Unknown, who cares? You get this anywhere
Strengths:
Strong, durable, bearings easy to replace
Weaknesses:
Steel axle is a little bit to heavy
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX bb
Bottom Line:
This bottom bracket has given me zero problems in more than 5 years of use. I way about 180lbs and ride in mud and wet nasty conditions for half the year. For the weight and strength of this bb it was well worth the price. I finally had to replace the bearings this winter. Bearings were cheap at $16 for the pair and easy to replace. I highly recommend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Collin
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis, MN, USA Date Reviewed: April 10, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Strong, uh......strong!
Weaknesses:
heavy, square tapered
Bike Setup:
Giant VT
Bottom Line:
i've been using this BB since '99 and it's amazing! I'm finally going to replace it this year. That's saying alot since it's been transfered from 3 bikes and has put up with 200lbs of beating on an everyday basis. By far, the most durable part on my bike. By the sounds of the new reviews, these aren't being made the same. But, if they are, this is the BB to get (well, it's square tapered, that kinda sucks)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T
a Cross Country Rider
from USA Date Reviewed: October 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
multi city loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
can't think of any
Weaknesses:
price & durability
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
blur
Bottom Line:
I read a review here where someone says they heard that some off shore company was actually making some of the Race Face BB's, well if that's the case, that might explain why the product information that was supplied with my bottom bracket was photocopied and not printed- I was wondering why I got a cheap and unreadable xerox copy. As for my the new BB...the frekin thing was defective before I even used it!! I turned the spindle in my hand and felt resistence (metal against metal), so I thought- put it on anyways and give it a try- I did it... and took it off 5 minutes later! What a piece of expensive junk! This situation caused me to do for myself what the manufacturers of Race Face BB's don't do to well- that is put a reasonable amount of grease in the bracket. SAVE YOURSELF SOME MONEY AND DRILL A HOLE INTO THE BRACKET, INJECT GREASE INTO IT, PUT STRONG TAPE OVER THE HOLE AND DON'T WASTE ANY MORE MONEY ON A RACE FACE BB. I did this to my "new" (and defective) BB and it did allow the thing to operate for a few hundred miles with no problems. Now the noise is back, so I reinjected some grease-I'll see how long this fix lasts (probably not too long). No more Race Face BB's for this guy- I don't like expensive products that perform like inexpensive ones. Get your act together Race Face.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Saint Paul, MN Date Reviewed: August 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Rock Lake
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Smooth, ok on the weight.
Weaknesses:
Give me a warning..please!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer, XTR all the way, Race Face Cranks, love the setup.
Bottom Line:
Out on a weekend ride with the peeps and the damn thing gave out on me. No warning or anything. Got back to camp and the bottom bracket was toast. Ended up cutting the ride short.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a Racer
from New jersey Date Reviewed: May 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Online somewhere
Strengths:
Very smooth and light weight.
Weaknesses:
Bearings did not last one year.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula Deluxe, marzocchi x-fly, race facr next lp, mavic 3.1 w/ xtr hubs, sram x.0 rear and shifters, xt front, and some carbon stuff
Bottom Line:
Bottom bracket was super smooth up until it died. It died without warning. Started the race with a solid bottom bracket and finished with poop. The bearings just died. For that much money it should last alot longer than one year. I am going back to Shimano, even there cheap bottoms lasted longer than that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leotis Denetclaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Socorro NM USA Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fantasy Island (Tucson)
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Durability, Durability, Durability ...... Looks, and function. One of the best I've used ever.
Weaknesses:
Nothing
Similar Products Used:
XT BB, Suntour XCpro (greaseguard), as well as various shimano
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown, Zochs X-fly, ringle hubs with rhino XL rims, raceface cranks, XTR derailuers, syncros stem and post, Monkeylite bar, Canecreek S-5 HS, and Time pedals
Bottom Line:
I am a 230 lbs rider, I've trashed many XT BBs and was told is was a penalty due to my size and nothing could really be done about it. When this taperlock first came out I was willing to give it a try, it was the best upgrade on my bike to date (4 years). I find that many people do not torque this bottom bracket correctly, this is an important step. Maintance once a year and proper torque specs and I am convinced this thing will go forever. At 230 lbs not many things last, everything on my bike is beefed up, this light weight bottom bracket is right at home. I Love it and would recommend to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bikerx40
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003
Bearings toast after one season of riding (mostly dusty trails, never pressure washed or anything like that). Excessive bearing play that cannot be adjusted out.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano UN-71, White Industries Ti
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Hiwassee Full suspension, Manitou SX Carbon, Full XT and XTR, Raceface stem, bars, and X0 Seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Though I have owned this product since 1999, last season was the first full season of regular riding. After just one season of normal XC riding (no drops or anything like that) the bearings are done. Lots of bearing slop, which is completely unacceptable. I've used cheap Shimano UN-71 bottom brackets for several seasons and they feel as smooth as the day I bought them! Time to get rid of this piece of junk and go back to what actually works. One flaming turd for this piece.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robbie
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontairo, Canada Date Reviewed: April 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Multiple Orgasm
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Sportable
Strengths:
Uber Strong, no flex, no creaking
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
shimano bbgay, truvativ
Bike Setup:
Dmr Trailstar, Psylo XC, Rhyno Lites, XT XTR
Bottom Line:
IF u break yer standard bb like I did this is a great upgrade for yer bike. I have had 0 problems from it and it has that cool red color. I also got an amzing deal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UT Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Binghams
Strengths:
Super light weight!! Cool colors
Weaknesses:
very flexy-I have the titanium version
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
'01 s-works hardtail with race face next cranks, full xtr, sid sl w/lockout, time ti axle pedals, cross max ust w/hutchison mosquitos etc. etc.
Bottom Line:
This is the only product on the bike I semi-regret buying. I have the ti version because I am kind of a weight weenie. There just is too much flex in my crank arms. The race face next cranks were on my old fat chance with a generic shimano bottom bracket, they worked awesome-zero flex, super stiff and great looking!! When I purchased my s-works, I had them credit me for the cranks and put the race face on, since the cranks were the old taper square drive, I needed a new bottom bracket so the race face ti was a natural selection. There is now flex in my drivetrain that was not there previous. I weigh only 155 and am not hard on my components. This selection would have to rate as a failure in my opinion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike b
a Cross Country Rider
from Sodom in the North Date Reviewed: December 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
boggs
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
park cyclery sf
Strengths:
weight cool anodized red cups easily replacable bearings chainline adjustability
Weaknesses:
bearing durability
Similar Products Used:
shimano un 72
Bike Setup:
superlight--race face turbine, xtr, mavic, easton monkey lite, yada yada yada. the thing weighs in at 25.5
Bottom Line:
don't buy this bottom bracket. get an xt level shimano unit. the shimano is cheaper and the bearings seem to be more durable.
it seems that i was at my dealer every few months replacing the bearings in this bottom braket every other month. i am neither a heavy nor an agressive rider, either. i just ride three to four times a week at about two hours per ride, on normal cross country terrain.
although the race face bottom braket is light and stiff, it was not a product i was able to put on my bike and forget about.
three stars based on the product working very well with fresh bearings and the cool factor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hopster
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Quantocks
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Strengths:
Does what it says on the box. My steel B/B has been through loads of mud and water, it has never creaked or moved in the frame. It is still smooth and I am looking to get a titanium version for my new frame. It currently resides on a single speed. Those that have had problems should check the threads in the frame and clean them with the proper workshop tools before installation.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Syncros, Shimano
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Cameleon, Race Face Cranks, Hope XC4 brakes, Titec Bars, Kore stem
Bottom Line:
Great B/B that is well sealed and runs smooth for years. I am not very heavy so I haven't encountered any reliability issues on the axle, however I would recommend the steel version for heavier riders. I have been a Race Face fan for years and have encountered no problems with any of their kit
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Keller, Texas Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Grapevine Bike Center
Strengths:
Very nice, light, strong
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
Custom Gary Fisher Sugar 1
Bottom Line:
Alright.. This is an apology for the last review I did... (Brian-racer form Ft. Worth, Tx.) My bb worked awesome.. then the bearing thing happened.. started creaking, sent it it, no prob, got it back, the bb still felt the same way OUTSIDE of the bike, so I sat and stewed on how "stupid the Customer service guys are at Race Face which is when i wrote that last review.. which really I was the dumb ass. I installed the BB and it is flawless since, Sorry RF Cust. Serv. You guys rock, Awesome service, I forgot the one rule of thumb and ti will never happen again.... SHUT UP AND RIDE!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wyatt Lecadre
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn,New York Date Reviewed: September 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything I can get to
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Sid's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Stiff, Light, cool looks
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
stock Shimano BB
Bike Setup:
Trek: OCLV Y22 Easton: CT2 MonkeyLite riser bar & CT2 seatpost RaceFace: Ti BB, Chainrings, SYStem & Next LP Onza: H.O. w/ Ritchey Red pads Rock Shox: Judy SL w/ Styff Components Shockbone fork brace MountainSpeed: Speed springs SRAM: 9.0SL (98's)brake levers, shifters & rear derailer Specialized: Stout hub (front) Nuke Proof: ATomBomb(carbon) cassette Mavic: X517 ceramic rims
Bottom Line:
This product is excellent. I chucked my stock Shimano BB for this one and don't regret it. Once setup, leave it and forget it. For those of you with slipping BBs check the frame threads (for wear, size, etc., you should know what to look for, if not then ask; it's your bike take care of it) first use a little lok-tite to keep things in place. As for creaks I have none, but properly cleaned and lightly greased (wipe away excess) BB threads on the frame you should have none. If you still hear creaks listen closely it may not be the BB. Check your cranks instead.
Don't try to be a mechanic if you don't know what you are doing. Sometimes following the instructions just isn't enough for some people. Get a friend who really knows what they are doing and can teach you; if you don't what to pay a bike shop. I don't trust them either; I do all my own work (I'd rather break it myself), we all have to learn somehow.
This BB is't for you 180+ or DHers or those of you who don't think twice about taking an 8 foot drop. Their strong and light. Great chainline adjustability and very well lubed out the box. I haven't noticed any extra flex due to the Ti construction. Extra cool feature interchangeable anodized colored cups (got red cups but need blue, then order the blue replacements and vice versa). Red cups are standard on the chomoly and blue on the Ti so you know which is which. I set 5 chilis a flame for this product. Do. your homework.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a Downhiller
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim / Crest trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
aardvark and universal cycles
Strengths:
It works perfectly for a long time without maintenance.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes you have to loc-tite it.
Similar Products Used:
various
Bike Setup:
Intense tracer modified for 5" in the rear with Jr. T up front and Hope discs. Trek 8500 with King hubs and Marzocchi Z1 Alloy up front.
Bottom Line:
Many people here complain of the noise these bottom brackets make. When properly set up, they don't make any noise. Sometimes, you'll run into a situation where the bb will move a bit in the frame housing (happened on my Intense with race face and on my old Trek 8000 with shimano bb). When that happens, you get all sorts of creaking. There's a simple fix and a little trick involved. The trick is that you have to be able to install a bb right in one try. The fix is that you get yourself some loc-tite (not the red...blue or less) and coat the threads of the bb before you put it in. You won't be able to take it out very easily, but you won't have to take it out for years and years. There will be no creaking and the thing will just be a smooth and happy as all get out. I haven't bent one yet in years of riding Utah and Colorado. I bent shimano pretty frequently. I can't use a Ti because I weigh about 200 lbs. Bottom line: Race Face works.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a Downhiller
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim / Crest trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
aardvark and universal cycles
Strengths:
It works perfectly for a long time without maintenance.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes you have to loc-tite it.
Similar Products Used:
various
Bike Setup:
Intense tracer modified for 5" in the rear with Jr. T up front and Hope discs. Trek 8500 with King hubs and Marzocchi Z1 Alloy up front.
Bottom Line:
Many people here complain of the noise these bottom brackets make. When properly set up, they don't make any noise. Sometimes, you'll run into a situation where the bb will move a bit in the frame housing (happened on my Intense with race face and on my old Trek 8000 with shimano bb). When that happens, you get all sorts of creaking. There's a simple fix and a little trick involved. The trick is that you have to be able to install a bb right in one try. The fix is that you get yourself some loc-tite (not the red...blue or less) and coat the threads of the bb before you put it in. You won't be able to take it out very easily, but you won't have to take it out for years and years. There will be no creaking and the thing will just be a smooth and happy as all get out. I haven't bent one yet in years of riding Utah and Colorado. I bent shimano pretty frequently. I can't use a Ti because I weigh about 200 lbs. Bottom line: Race Face works.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Wright
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham, WA, USA Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
911, Chutes and Ladders, Woodlot
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Smooth
Weaknesses:
Broke
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
RM6
Bottom Line:
Well, mine broke. Took an eight foot concrete wall drop, and cracked the bearing, but Race Face fixed it with no questions asked. Just for that, I give it four flamin' chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from T.O. Canada Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001
Haven't found much yet, but it does tend to creak if you submerge it! lol . . .
Similar Products Used:
Broke ass Sh!tmano stuff --I HATE IT!
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Chameleon, Race Face, Full XT, King ect...
Bottom Line:
Well, I'm not sure what all these people are bickering about! I ride through the water, mud, snow ect. and I've had no problems to date. The only thing I can see as a bad thing is that if you totally submerge it, it creaks a bit. But who cares? The bearings are smooothe as butter, the thing is super strong, and it kicks the big S out the window any day. So to all the people that are pissin' and moanin' down there . . .
SHUT-UP AND RIDE!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from T.O. Canada Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001
Haven't found much yet, but it does tend to creak if you submerge it! lol . . .
Similar Products Used:
Broke ass Sh!tmano stuff --I HATE IT!
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Chameleon, Race Face, Full XT, King ect...
Bottom Line:
Well, I'm not sure what all these people are bickering about! I ride through the water, mud, snow ect. and I've had no problems to date. The only thing I can see as a bad thing is that if you totally submerge it, it creaks a bit. But who cares? The bearings are smooothe as butter, the thing is super strong, and it kicks the big S out the window any day. So to all the people that are pissin' and moanin' down there . . .
SHUT-UP AND RIDE!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Berlin Md. USA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Avalon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Bikeshop
Strengths:
For 5 minutes it was sweet
Weaknesses:
constant maintenance, of the pain in the butt variety.Always needing tightening,The cheap crap that came stock was better by far. Sucks the big one. dont buy it.
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper XTR Race Face cranks
Bottom Line:
You can do much better then this product. You will spend less and be happier with almost anything else out there. I am talking about the ti model. This thing gets loose every time you ride more then a mile. Forget about it. Race Face should know better and I believe they do. Buy something else, anything else, there is no value in this product. There are enough parts of your bike that need constant maintenance already, the bottom bracket does not have to be one of them, but if you buy this crap it will be. For those of you employed by RF who dont like this review,change the product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisville Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Stiff, and strong
Weaknesses:
the bearings come loose
Similar Products Used:
xtr,xt
Bike Setup:
Spooky Pit Boss, Marzocchi Xfly 100mm.
Bottom Line:
Got a few good months out of mine, then i noticed slop in the bb, made sure everything was good and tight, then i noticed no matter how tight the bb was i still had slop. The bearings had gone crapola on me. The 2 buddies that had bought them also had the same problem. So now i am looking at 3 bb's that are going north for the summer. It looks like i will have to go back to the evil shimano empire, untill Chris King gets off his butt and gets his out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Cupertino CA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The last one ridden
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Cupertino Bike Shop
Strengths:
Weight
Weaknesses:
Creaks
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Campi
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper M2 Pro with XT, Kooka Cranks, Raceface Rings, Paul breaks, 9 speed set up with double crank set
Bottom Line:
I like the bottom bracket, but it sounds like hell. The Ti bb is really light. I run a 120mm on my mountain bike with 2 chain rings, and the set up give me real tight spacing. Gear ratio is good; I can get down to 1:1 allowing my plenty of spin for steep hills. On my cross bike I have a 110mm again with 2 chain rings. The set up was easy and the adjustability was great, but I cannot keep the thing from creaking. I have tried to lube the caps, but after just a couple of rides the bb begins to creak again. I have both the Ti and CoMO versions: CoMO on my mountain bike and Ti on my cross bike and both creak...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, alberta, canada Date Reviewed: June 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$66.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
Lifetime Warranty, Canadian made
Weaknesses:
Creaky, Bad spindle and flexy
Similar Products Used:
LX BB
Bike Setup:
1996 rocky mountain Hammer race with lots of raceface parts
Bottom Line:
As a loyal, proud canadian, I like to buy canadian made products. Too bad I have had such bad luck with Raceface. Thir stem wont clamp tightly on my bar, their Headset was either too tight or too loose and ovaled my head tube and this BB has been taken in once for warranty because of a "machining tolerance" issue with the Spindle. The bearing popped off with the cups. they were supposed to be pressed on, bombproof, watertight and blah, blah blah. So, when all reassembled it worked like a creaky old model T, insted of the corvette I was expecting. Overall, the bke this was on was stolen and while I miss it, I don't miss it's problematic race face components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Racer
from Toronto Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
skiis and biikes
Strengths:
durability, super smooth cartridge bearings, stiff axle.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
stx crap
Bottom Line:
I'm doing the review on the raceface turbine b.b. I've had this b.b. since '96 and it has held up to EVERYTHING that i've done to it. I weight 195 lbs. and ride aggresive xc, freeride, and trials, not to mention huge drops.
This product is a worthy product and is probably one of the best non-splined b.b.s out there.
After such a long time, i think it is time to replace the cartridge bearings as they are starting to work themselves to destruction.
If you are thinking of still going the non-splined way then purchase a raceface taperlock b.b. or the new isis raceface b.b.
You can't go wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
raceface
a
from vancouver Date Reviewed: May 11, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
your mom
Bottom Line:
this one's for the ones who are b*tching about the BB. They have lifetime warranty, RF also said that they will replace ANY broken BB's. If it creaks, then send it in so RF can fix it. they are the ones who made them, I am pretty sure that they can fix their own product. Quit whining and send it in to get it fixed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tho
a Cross Country Rider
from Brussels Date Reviewed: May 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Briançon, Fr.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$78.00
Purchased At:
Filip Sport
Strengths:
Works really nice, when it works. very stiff indeed. looks.
Weaknesses:
durability. Had to change the bearings after one year, which costed me about the price of an XT BB. Have to open it and clean twice a year. Maybe it's because of the muddy conditions in Belgium.
Similar Products Used:
UN52 (not very strong)
Bike Setup:
Scott comp racing
Bottom Line:
In Belgium this bottom bracket is very expensive (more than twice the price of an UN72 (Shim XT)). So I am a little disappointed that it needs so much maintenance. It doesn't resist muddy conditions. For the money this thing costed me up till now, I could have bought a new XT BB every 6 months. I wouldn't recommend this bottom bracket. Next time I get Shimano.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
El jefe'
a Racer
from Wellington NZ Date Reviewed: April 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lees Grove
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Jvillecycles.cjb.net
Strengths:
Light. Looks cool. Spins well. Replaceable bearings. Cromo spindle, should last well, I expect it too!
Weaknesses:
Taperlocks get stuffed if you do not overtighten the BB as instructed in the RF spec. They are cheap so not a major.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX quality (heavvvvvy)
Bike Setup:
1993 (I kid you not) Litespeed Ocoee XC racer. 21.78 pounds
Bottom Line:
Mine developed play after 6 months of minimal use (well I did do the MTB nationals). I am pretty lite weight (70 kgs)so was pretty disappointed, (cromo model). I talked to the national rep after the bearing people convinced me that my bearings were still sweet.He re-iterated the installation procedure which I have to admit I didnt really adhere to to the letter. I just installed as you would a normal BB. I didnt overtighten, back right off then re-tighten to firm. After I was sent a new taperlock set and re-installed, the slop has gone altogether. If your bearings are still good, then the Taperlock is the only other variable. My mechanic who is a heinous mongrol on his bike has had no trouble with his over two years and he is a hardcore freak. I guess I give it a year before I rate it again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Collins
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001
This BB is defo the best I've ever used - my chainline is spot on and my shifting (RF rings) works flawlessly. Had a problem with one of the bearings but I'm pretty sure I didn't install the BB correctly - Race Face's UK distributor replaced the bearing for me free of charge and the unit has worked spot on ever since. I think the only thing you need to be wary of is not overtightening the cups on the bearing surface, fit it right and you'll be extremely happy with it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garren
a Racer
from Phillips Ranch Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Race Face
Strengths:
Light
Weaknesses:
Don't get it wet, once it's wet, it's time for creaking. I hate noises on my bike!
Similar Products Used:
any other tapered bottom bracket, just lighter
Bike Setup:
Dean, Whole nine yards...sick light
Bottom Line:
great for saving weight, just keep it greased/lubed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manny Estrada
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin Date Reviewed: April 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Muleshoe;Bandera
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
The Bike Company
Strengths:
I think that it's engineered well! A great piece of equipment. It's solidly constructed;doesn't look cheap,or roughly finished.
Weaknesses:
I haven't encountered any. ( I do believe that I'm gonna get the ISIS splined BB,though!)
Similar Products Used:
Shima-NO!
Bike Setup:
2001 Intense TRACER. All XT -EXCEPT- for the drivetrain,which is RACEFACE : Next LP's(compact);Compact rings. Marzocchi Z1 CR fork; Speedplay FROG pedals; SDG Grand Prix saddle; RACEFACE SYstem,& XY seatpost; MAvic 517 rims (XT hubs); Panaracer FIRE XC Pro tyres (2.1) .
Bottom Line:
For all of the readers out there: I try to be objective,yet honest;It's my opinion. Yes. -But I ain't tryin' to railroad anyone here!
This BB is pretty cool! It has done me well,so far.And I've had no squeeks,dragging,or rough spin. For those of you all that didn't have such good luck With this RACEFACE BB- I am sorry,fer ya! Maybe your bike will work better with another one. As for me,I'm happy that I opted for this part (and Next LP drivetrain!). It's doin' the job very,very well!! NOTE: In working with precision machines here in Austin,I know that there are so many variables that can affect your machine's performance. The bottom bracket part of the bike,gets a lot of grime and crud all over it. It's a hard workin' part of the whole setup,right? (We all have bad luck with things,at times.)
This RACE FACE Bottom Bracket has worked flawlessly for me,so's I gotta give it Five Chilies. A "value rating"? That's up to each of us to decide,individually.But I give it 4 chilies.
** Good riding,dudes! **
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
beaux duke
a Cross Country Rider
from hazzard Date Reviewed: March 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
bear creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
boneshaker bicycles
Strengths:
adjustable chainline
Weaknesses:
shallow indentations for bot/br tool, bearings aren't as long lived as even the lower end big s
Similar Products Used:
xt,lx,specialized bot/brackets
Bike Setup:
stump/all race face exc for stpst,race-lites,pythons,etc.
Bottom Line:
developed slop in under a year of riding, granted i was in school full time and i was riding most every day,i also weigh 200#, tightened a few times but it just got more and more slop in it, e-mailed julie at r-face and she got back to me the same day!!! adv to send my cranks as well as the b/br for inspection, (my crankarms had been working their way loose w/more frequency as well, she shipped me back a new b/br and a new gr/gear which i didn't ask for, was vry professional so i do recommend the product, just realize that if the maint thing isn't your game; go elsewhere, i also recommend that you use blue loc-tite on you cr/bolts and follow the instructions on the r-face inst instructions to the t, 4 flaming sailors for quality because of the high maint but a 5 overall for a company that backs their product
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Ft. Worth, Tx. Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Northshore- Grapevine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Grapevine Bike Center
Strengths:
somewhat lite, doesn't creak great customer service
Weaknesses:
Customer service has no clue what they're doing. started getting play between spindle and beraings after 1 month of average riding
Similar Products Used:
cheap Shimano stoof
Bike Setup:
'01 Fisher Sugar 1, Racelite wheels, XTR brakes, Race Face Cranks, XTR Drivetrain, etc.
Bottom Line:
It was a great smooth riding BB for the time it worked.. it worked AWESOME compared to what I was used to at the time. then.... it happened.. My BB started having a sort of... "knocking" feeling to it when you pedaled. which the Spindle and bearing had somehow moved from teh main body and had a bit of play in it. Sent it in for warranty work, no questions asked, good good. got it back a week later.. good good.. but.. it still felt teh same. had the same play and everything.. they just replaced the bearings. that was it. it STILL HAD PLAY! so.. I called them and they told me that the play is natural.. if that much play is natural. Then Snip my balls and call me Sally. Bottom Line.. it's good for the time it works.. and maybe I got a crappy one for all I know. The customer Service is OUTSTANDING.. but are dumber than a bucket of nails. I told them it had play in it and it wasn't right.. they fix bearings that were fine to begin with. it seems like the bearings need to be pressed into the main body a little tighter. But anyway next BB I buy is the new 3 bearing Ti FSA BB.. try that out next. let you all know how that all goes. I give Race Face 3 chilis for how well it worked b4 it all happened. and 3 overall for the performance and the great but stupid customer service folks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lcunnion
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, WI Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001
Special tool is necessary for installation into frame - and its necessity isn't well known (until you buy the BB and read the instructions). new crank puller is also neccessary. i used shimano selfextracting bolts.
Similar Products Used:
shimano BBs splined and square
Bottom Line:
so far i cannot comment on the reliability of the bottom bracket. it does seem neatly designed though. so far, it spins smooth and easy too ( and the isis spindle definitely gives me confidence... it is BURLY. i too was irked when i found out that my park BBT-2 would not clear the hard stop on the spindle. probably more so because i work in a bikeshop and ordered the product directly from raceface and was never informed that such a tool would be necessary (though i would have gladly paid had i known about its existance). my rating is going to be arbitrary... i can't quite tell how this product will hold - but i suspect that it will. The retail for the BB i bought is probably steep considering the abundance of cheap and functionally sound BBs offered by shimano. i do lean on the high side of the rating though - i am excited about isis and i'm glad that it presents a viable alternative to shimano cranks and BBs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Wagner
a Racer
from San Clemente,Ca Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
San Juan Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Stiffness, Price
Weaknesses:
Custom tool nneded for installation
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown
Bottom Line:
What a joke...Race Face brings out this new ISIS format splined BB and they are carefull to design it so that you also have to purchase a special installation tool to install it. The standard Park/Shimano types WILL NOT FIT. To make matters worse the bike shops in So Cal knew nothing about this special tool thus, nobody can install it. What a joke. Stay away from this format!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clint Johnson
a Racer
from Saskatoon Date Reviewed: March 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Bench
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Doug's Spoke n Sport
Strengths:
Indestructible, silky smooth, fits like a charm.
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none.
Similar Products Used:
XT BB.
Bike Setup:
Kona Blast with Next LP's.
Bottom Line:
This is the best BB I've used. You notice a difference right away, as your pedalling efficiency feels way better. I've had friends ride my bike who immediately noticed the difference, too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: March 1, 2001
The bearings poped off, when I pulled it out for servicing. The spindle was poorly made and could not hold them in. It made clicking noises because of that. Ti sure creaked too, and I would loctite the hell out of it and tighten it up, but it would loosen.
I got it fixed (relaced the spindle) And it still creaked and moaned, even after being professionally installed.
I loved that bike, too bad it was stolen. Now only If they could return it with everything but that BB and that Crappy raceface headset
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX USA Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Grapevine
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
smooth, reliable, quiet
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
01 RacerX; XTR & RaceFace
Bottom Line:
Required no maintenance for over a year and a half. Only recently have I had to tighten it up a little. Very smooth and quiet. Worry-free part.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Lodi, Ca Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Price, chain line adjustment feature, reliable
Weaknesses:
perceived bearing smoothness, not very
Similar Products Used:
Shimano UN91
Bike Setup:
Ventana Marble Peak w/XTR, Race Face, Marzocchin, blah blah blah.....you know all the good bits.....
Bottom Line:
It has been a very reliable part. It has not come loose and I haven't done any maintenance for the two years I've been riding it and it works just fine. A good product for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WolfDog
a Cross Country Rider
from VA USA Date Reviewed: February 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
Well one of the good things is that I can now call the majority of people here who have complained about the Bottom bracket idiots and be right about it.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
XTR....XT
Bike Setup:
2001 Elly. Raceface Next LP
Bottom Line:
The bottom line. Well I have most of your guys answers as to why your BB are failing. After reading through a couple of reviews I found one guys review how said “The blue rings look cool” and “The bottom bracket only last 6 months before it developed play”. Well here it is …Blue rings are associated with the Titanium version of RaceFaces Bottom bracket. Race face specifically states that riders over 160 lbs should not use this bracket and suggest the use the Red color steel BB. This in combination with improper installation is no doubt the reason your BB fails. THERE IS YOUR ANSWER MORONS !!!! For ths love of God some people in this world are just plain STUPID !!
I weight 230 lbs and I have never had a problem with this BB. I do 3 foot drop ins all the time. I jump my bike sometimes in excess of 6 feet and not once has this BB failed…ever. I ride on average 100 miles a week. To be fair…..Shimanos stuff…..I have never had a problem with either. I rode “PLASTIC” XTR splined BB for two years and never had a problem with it and XT before that. They both work well. In this case I bought the Race Face because I had Race Face cranks…. figured it only made sense.
So there you have it. While I have no doubt there are a few ..FEW…of you who have genuine legitimate problems with your Race Face BB most of you only have operator error to blame.
Im giving this BB 3 chilies in value because there are cheaper one out there that work just as good...and 5 overal because this thing does exactly what it is supposed to do and performs flawlessly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry
a Cross Country Rider
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: February 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Deep Cove bikes
Strengths:
Produgy version of new ISIS drive BB has much greater Torsional rigidity and stiffness,
Weaknesses:
You Park BBT-2 and the Lifu BB tool won't quite fit over the ridge around the spline, you'll only be able to get the cups done up to within 1/8" of seated and then the old screwdriver method will have to be used. Maybe Shimano tool fits. Seems to be more bearing drag than typical BB, not really noticable when the cranks are on.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT, Race Face Taperlock
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Vertex
Bottom Line:
The Prodigy version of the Race Face ISIS drive BB is fairly light, priced right and is a lot stiffer than a Shimano XT square taper. You can see the difference in flex on the cranks arms when seated on the bike with the rear wheel brake locked. ISIS drive works, it is a better way to go for the big guys who like to torque up hills and hammer out of the saddle.
The glitch with the Park BBT-2 and Lifu BB tool not fitting will be a nuisance, it is so close, it would be nice if that could be fixed so existing tools fit to install the cups.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scorch
a Weekend Warrior
from calgary Date Reviewed: February 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
lightweight even with the cromo axle durable never failed
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shimano un52, 72
Bottom Line:
These are the best BB's I've ridden on so far. I've broken one, but that was due to a crash onto pavement. Everything is running smoothly. The first one I owned started squeaking after 2 months of riding(maybe dirty). This second one I have is reaching a year old and I haven't had any problems. I've been using it for trials, XC, and all around abuse and they haven't failed me yet. I keep it clean after dirty rides and that's about it. The weight is also great for a bb with a cro mo axle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Davidson
a Racer
from Santa Cruz, CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 31, 2001
I can't understand all these negative reviews about the bearings. I can honestly say that I've been using the RF bottom brackets since 95. I have bought 5 RF BBs over the years and installed them on different bikes. I think I had a creeking problem with a RF BB on my 95 Rocky Mtn Blizzard after two years but it was replaced by the bike shop under warranty.
I have *never* experienced any problems with the taperlock BBs. I've been using the same taperlock on my Vertex since 98. This bike gets *a lot* of use: XC racing, DH racing, trials, large drops, creek crossings and it has never creaked let alone worked itself loose. Granted I'm only 135 lbs but I ride and jump a lot.
Obviously, some people are experiencing problems with the RF BBs. I'm wondering if they have been installed correctly. The taperlock will fit a 68 and 72 mm shell. You have to pay attention to ensuring that the BB has been correctly tightened for your BB shell width. The taperlock has been designed so that it may feel snug when in the shell but it still may not be tight enough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a
from CNMI Date Reviewed: December 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Jenson
Weaknesses:
Bearings - man I wish I checked out these reviews before buying this BB!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bottom Line:
After about 4 months the bearings started to fail. Called Race Face - after going around and around with them they finally agreed to send me replacement bearings. The "new" ones they sent already have a rough spin to them and I havent even put them in yet.
Generally I love RF stuff, I have a RF stem, headset and Turbine cranks - all are great. Do yourself a favor, when it comes to BB's - buy another brand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wrandeeman
a
from hfx Date Reviewed: December 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
mine
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
a local cool shop
Strengths:
Light, 68/73, it says "raceface" on it, made in canada
Weaknesses:
bearings, cups, it says "raceface" on it. when a BB goes, you're screwed.
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
custom 853, sid, xt/xtr mish-mash
Bottom Line:
Do not buy these. They suck. RaceFace is the Syncros of the new school of mountain bikers. If you do not know what that means, ask one of the older guys in your local shop. Race Face make good stems, buy those. When they start making rims, hubs, beer glasses, oh never mind... Look, both bearings (drive and non-drive) disintegrated over the space of 10 minutes 1.5 hours back in the middle of nowhere on an exploratory mega-ride. That sucks.
Shimano works. Use it. Ok, maybe when Chris King comes up with one, go for it. These are not worth the bother. Oh, and they didn't warranty it either(bearings rarely are, but it was more that the bearings that were at fault here)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Noks
a Weekend Warrior
from University Place, WA Date Reviewed: December 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Capital Forest
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Shop I worked at
Strengths:
Strong, Light, good value.
Weaknesses:
Can't think of any
Similar Products Used:
LX/XT
Bike Setup:
Stumpy set up for Trials.
Bottom Line:
I bought the Steel version for my trials bike (had the Ti on my XC bikes) and have always loved the performance. THe light weight is a n added bonus. Worth the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MikeD
a Downhiller
from Victoria Date Reviewed: November 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Milstream, Cherrybomb
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
bike cellar
Strengths:
super good performer, very durable and maintenence free very strong
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
lx, xt
Bike Setup:
98 santa cruz heckler with a marzocchi Mr.t and a 2000 kona king kihuna
Bottom Line:
I have this bb in both of my bikes and it totally works fine, I havent even done any maintence at all because it's not needed. My oldest one in my santa cruz used to be an xc bike but now it's a freeride north shore style bike and the same xc bb is doing amazing. I have it mated with a pair of turbine lp's on both bikes and they're the most worry free parts on my bikes. I'm most amazed at how strong it is and how it's holding up in my shore/dh/urban assult bike ( santa cruz ). I've seen many of the break and every shop I've ever seen them broken in said that they were installed wrong so that's why they're breaking. I had mine done at a shop and I've had no problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont Date Reviewed: November 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Toads
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
bikeshop
Strengths:
Light and looks good but ...
Weaknesses:
Bearings are crap ! Creeks under any load.
Similar Products Used:
XT , World Class , and Race Face chromoly.
Bike Setup:
Superlight - supertrick.
Bottom Line:
The bearings are junk , they seem to last about 6 months and it never did spin very well. I have used both models - ti and chromoly with the same results - bearing failure in about 6 months . Friends have been using Phil Woods for years and I will be too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren Mabbott
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: October 30, 2000
This BB rules. I've had no problems with it whatsoever, I've hammered it for two years solid and still not had to replace the bearings - at least when they eventually do wear out I've only got to shell out about ten dollars for a new pair - that's got to be better than binning your old Shimano BB and having to buy another. My chainline is spot on for the first time ever...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: October 26, 2000
CURRENT SETUP: giant cadex alcoa aluminum frame w/ psylo sl - 20mm QR front & rear xtr vees mated to xt 9spd controls profile carbon fiber bars - 2" rise raceface system raceface realseal headset raceface turbine bottom bracket rear - mavic 517 citron laced to ringle superduperbubba front - sun rhyno lite laced to hayes disc compatible 20mm coda saddle [titanium/leather/kevlar], thomson elite post future upgrades - hayes discs, race face next lp
Bottom Line:
i've had this bb for four years running now, and no problems at all. I've raced several races on this bb, and have done anything from hard trail riding, to trials, to freeriding, and this bottom bracket still holds up. the bearings are still running smooth. the only thing is that i need to replace the cartridges because the bearings are starting to become shot. that is actually pretty good durability considering that i have hammered this bb to hell for four years straight. 5 stinkin pieces of your moma's sh!t for value and for overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Captaincrash
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Strengths:
NONE AT ALL!!!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
Explodes and ruins your ride....Race face Warranty Denial Dept. wont admit its a chunk of sh*t. Stick with Shimano or anything not Race Face.
Similar Products Used:
All Shimano
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR, XTR, King, Raceface
Bottom Line:
I work in a bike shop and seeing grenaded RaceFace BB`s is a weekly occurance and RaceFace NEVER warrantys these even if they are a day old and installed by the shop to specs!! Warranty Denial is there specialty! Dont deserve 1 chili but thats the lowest I can give!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Cheyenne Wy USA Date Reviewed: October 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
centinial trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
Smooth and quiet. Have had no problems and it is a definite upgrade from my previous BB
Weaknesses:
None yet, I'm not too sure there is.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano crap
Bike Setup:
Serotta 853 Max Mars C fork, race face cranks/chain rings/BB, Sun/Ringle wheels, XTR, Sram, and various other goodies.
Bottom Line:
This is the first after market BB that I have used and I purchased it because of all the positive things I have heard about the product. So far I am pretty happy with its performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scorch
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shop
Bottom Line:
I've gone through 2 of these and i'm on my second one. The first took a nasty spill on pavement doin trials and shot it to hell. This second one is pretty good. Doin damn good job of keeping the cranks together. Creaks under heavy pressure, i weigh 200lbs. Squeaks when brand new out of hte box. Everything is fine and its been one year. good in dirty conditions. Axle is stiff(cro-mo), bearings are holdin up good. i get it serviced once a season included with my bike tune up
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr. Pistol "The Tec"
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the one i ride all the time
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Comes with a snazzy decal
Weaknesses:
melts away like so much cruddy snow from one's bumper
Similar Products Used:
specialized BB
Bike Setup:
All kinds of wacky trinkets
Bottom Line:
Bought it because of the name, unfortunately 6'5" and pushing 200 lbs I wore it out quick. I hate pulling my friggin' cranks and replacing a BB. Hey! at least you can dial in a perfect fit with the thing! Too bad, it falls apart before you have time to find a tree to piss on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Engelhorn
a Weekend Warrior
from Fall City Date Reviewed: July 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light
Weaknesses:
poor bearings, creaking
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Z-1 X-Fly, Hope Discs, Chris King hubs and headset, XTR shifters, derailleurs
Bottom Line:
I've used Race Face cranks and bottom brackets for a few years now and have really liked their cranks, but their bottom brackets are not up to par with the rest of their stuff. I've replaced the bottom bracket about every twelve months, but the latest one only lasted six months before I had to pull the bearings and install new one's. I'm holding out hope that Chris King will finally produce their BB in the new splined design sometime before these new bearings blow up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ormtnbiker
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, Oregon Date Reviewed: July 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
its a secret, thats why its my fav
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very smooth at first.
Weaknesses:
Cost...
Similar Products Used:
Shimano U-52, U-72
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper, Crossmax, RaceFace, XT
Bottom Line:
Just a so, so bottom bracket. I assumed it would be the end all because of the price...but mine literally wore out in less than a year...about 8 months. Just like the Shimano's.
Luckily I have a great bikeshop that replaced the cartridge no charge, but I wouldn't buy it again. Will go with Phil Wood next time. If you are going to spend close to $100 you might as well spend $120 and get a Phil Wood that will last a lifetime...so they say.
live and learn.
I will give it three chili's on the off chance Raceface stepped up to the plate and didn't charge my bikeshop for the cartridge. Otherwise 2 chilis!
THANKS PAULS BIKESHOP!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Downhiller
from calgary alberta Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
canadian made strength red cups
Weaknesses:
creaks,creaks,more creaks
Similar Products Used:
un-52
Bike Setup:
rocky mountain blizzard w/ z1 qr20, north shore cranks, old xt
Bottom Line:
Good bottom brackets if its goin to be used for xc wouldn't buy again for free riding cause shimano just as good for alot cheaper. me and a friend both have them and boths suffer from very loud creaks. if your goin to get a new bottom bracket to freeride get a shimano un-52 cause there cheap enought to replace
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Buddha
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, California Date Reviewed: June 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the really technical kind
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Takes abuse well for a while
Weaknesses:
Bearing longevity, "Creaks" under load, misappropriation of materials
Raceface must admit that this isn't their best product. I use Raceface cranks and handlebars with undenyable satisfaction, but I won't be using the bottom bracket anymore. It'll take abuse for a while, but the bearings in mine didn't hold up to the hard riding I do as well as I would have liked. In addition, this wasn't the best bottom bracket for my riding style. I tend to put a lot of load on the cranks and the design and misappropriation of materials led to it's early demise. At 5'9" and 165 lbs I would expect a little more from a significant weight-bearing part. This product just didn't suit my needs very well. So, you live and you learn.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Ponderosa NM Date Reviewed: June 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Too many to count
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Fairly light, adjustable chainline, affordable
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
'97 GT Ricochet with various upgrades
Bottom Line:
I read some of the previous reviews, and was surprised to hear all the bad news. I've had realy good service out of this BB. Mine is the steel version. I'm in the 200+ lbs catagory & ride with another big guy with the same BB. He seems really pleased with his too. Could it be just the TI ones? Maybe the desert is much easier on the BB I've got...?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason D
a Cross Country Rider
from VA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Dirt
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light Strong Versatile
Weaknesses:
Bearings are SHOT after 2500 miles
Similar Products Used:
XT, LX,
Bike Setup:
Tazmon, Atom 80, XT, Raceface
Bottom Line:
Would a Shimano have lasted 2500 miles in Virginia mud and grime????? The world may never know......
Seems to be a common problem, having these bearings go bad. Live and learn I guess. I just can't decide if I want another RF BB or not. The cranks are still goin' strong. I can't decide if 2500 miles is acceptable or not.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slim Tree Shadow
a
from Oregon Date Reviewed: June 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Yoda's Choda
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
Just had one of these installed. First impressions are good. The thing looks bad ass and trick. The thing works smooth as Humboldt gold. It's also nice and stiff. I hope things don't go downhill from here. People seem to be saying that the Race Face bottom brackets are made with poor bearings. Well, I'll give it hell for about 3 months and then come back here and re-post a review. For now though, I'm giving it high marks. Let's see what 90 days of sand, welded tuff, Ponderosa, Juniper, creeks and curbs does for it....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rusty Pliers
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX, USA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
America
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The cranks haven't fallen off
Weaknesses:
Noisy and now that I've read the reviews scary.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano (came with the bike)
Bike Setup:
98 Cannondale Raven 2000
Bottom Line:
Scrolling through the negative reviews has given me answers to what has been causing the loud embarrassing noises coming from my bike (these noises suck heavily when racing). I purchased the raceface BB for its lightweight and I trusted in the strength reputation of raceface. Apparently the noise is caused by bearing problems. From what the mtbr reviews have reported, Replacing the raceface BB with the XT BB that originally came with my bike may eliminate this problem. Thank you MTBR for the informaion! Thus far, nothing severe has happened as the result of the raceface BB; however, my next move is to examine this part off the bike for bearing damage.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
K Sevier
a Cross Country Rider
from N. Cal Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all of 'em
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
huh?
Weaknesses:
Bearings are cheap (seems to be a chronic problem here, RaceFace are you taking note?) Alloy caps are super soft "creak free"???????
Similar Products Used:
All the sh#tmano WTB
Bike Setup:
WTB, Zokes
Bottom Line:
rode this BB for about 10 months, it worked good for about 4 months and then it started to fade. Basically the underlying issue as to why this BB is a piece of doo-doo is THE BEARINGS ARE LAME, like horse crap on the trail. After realizing that the bearings were chincy i checked out my friends taperlocks and they were feeling horrible as well. The final ride on the taperlock shreded the bearings into little kibbles of Iron O's, not my ideal breakfast, thanks Race Face but i'll pass. Going to try some of that good home cook'in from the folks at American Classic or Phill Wood
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee Bergin
a Racer
from Eagan Date Reviewed: May 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Minn River Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good install instructions Sexy good looks
Weaknesses:
Sticky seals Durability
Similar Products Used:
World Class Simano Sampson Ti
Bike Setup:
Trek OCLV Carbon HT, Race Face LP Cranks / XTR drive train, SID, Power Post XC, mixed other etc
Bottom Line:
This was my first and probably last Race Face Ti BB. When installed correctly, it definately cured the creaks that came from my previous World Class unit, but it seemed to be a little bit flexy, and more importantly, it lasted only a little more than a year before it developed significant play between the outer casing of both bearings and the aluminum shell! I liked the little plastic taper ring design. The teeth in the cups should be deeper, I slipped with my BB tool a few times. I ride in varying conditions year round, and have had the best luck with the silky World Class BB's (3 of them now) over the years. Maybe their next model we be an improvement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew bernard
a Cross Country Rider
from uk Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
richmond park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
About the lightest you can get, cool blue cups
Weaknesses:
Pricey, but you get what you pay for
Similar Products Used:
UN52
Bike Setup:
Mostly Shimano XT with Kore + Control Tech + Pace
Bottom Line:
At 60kg, or 132 pounds for the old guys, this has been a great choice for me. No flex, creaking, no problems whatsoever - and it's very light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from North Andover, MA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lynn woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fairly light weight. Lighter than my old stock Specialized BB. Nice red alloy color.
Weaknesses:
None!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized BB's. Shimano Un 72.
Bike Setup:
1998 FSR Comp, T2 Fork, Rock shock rear, Hayes disc brakes fornt and rear, Race Face BB, XT hubs.
Bottom Line:
An excellent BB. I've been beating the Sh*t out of it and so far so good. It's pretty light in comparison to other BB's out there. When installing make sure it's done right with the right specs. My first install was poor. I had to retighten the unit again.
I reccomend it to any one, unless you have the cash for Titanium spindles. Easy to install, just get yourself some crank pullers and a BB tool(I rec. Park brand). Definately an upgrade for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Riyad
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Red Bull Run - North Wales
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Silky smooth, light and strong
Weaknesses:
Compatibility
Similar Products Used:
UN72
Bike Setup:
Specialized M4 S-Works FSR, Pace forks, Race Face crank, XTR mechs & shifters, Chris King headset etc......
Bottom Line:
I loved this bottom bracket. It's incredibly light for a chromoly spindle model and the spidle is guarenteed for life. The action is smooth and it's not given so much as a squeek, let alone a creak. Problem is I've just had to ditch it. I've changed my frame from an Orange P7 to a Specialized M4 S-Works FSR and the Specialized needs a BB mounted front mech. Unfortunately, the Race Face isn't compatible with a BB mounted front mech, neither is a Hope titanium BB or a Syncros. So, this leaves me the option of down grading to a Shimano UN72. Not the type of component i wanted on a bike of this calibre.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
albator le pirate
a Downhiller
from Hell-Mer Quebec Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000
I like race face product, but...this bottom bracket is a real peace of crap! I pass 3 of those in the summer (All guarenty ,whits is exellent)now im usin a cheap Shimano lx end i dont have no problems... so ?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Panos
a Weekend Warrior
from Anaheim, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The RACEFACE Taperlock BB with the Chromoly spindle is the lightest BB I have seen. You can adjust the spindle position by just screwing in or out the caps.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX, XT
Bike Setup:
KHS Team ST
Bottom Line:
This product is great. And Raceface stands behind their products. The first caps I had I screwed up, because some idiot at Irvine Bike Shop did not chase my frame (they went out of business anyways; ha ha). So I e-mailed Raceface and they gladly replaced my caps free; even though it was my fault!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brad
a Cross Country Rider
from phoenix, az Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light (ti-axle model), smooth
Weaknesses:
none (bought "like new" from mtbr.com seller for $50)
Similar Products Used:
xt (n72)
Bike Setup:
moots ybb sl
Bottom Line:
a good bottom bracket is like a good hub, you don't think about it when it works properly because you don't have direct contact with it. i had no problems using the smooth & durable un72, but i kept have creaking/loosening problems (yes, the bb was faced properly). found someone selling one of these after he realized he needed a different spindle length. for $50 i got a smooth, light (
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kev
a Cross Country Rider
from New York City Date Reviewed: March 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
alley pond park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
no creeks light red! stiff no drag
Weaknesses:
what weaknesses?
Similar Products Used:
un-52 - real piece of crap
Bike Setup:
giant xtc se2
Bottom Line:
this is a great bottom bracket. Its much better than the stupid shimano un-52 that I had. the un-52 would creek and makes noises- it also flexes a lot. The raceface bb is so nice. It doesn't creek at all and it is very stiff. It makes me feel safe when I do the 5 foot drops. everyone should go get one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Foppe Haitsma
a Weekend Warrior
from Putten, Holland Date Reviewed: March 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
gravel roads
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lasts forever, cool red anodized shells, light.
Weaknesses:
none I can find.
Similar Products Used:
shimano un52
Bike Setup:
BeOne Axima 7005 T6 frame, Chris King hubs + headset, Mavic 217 SUP "28 rims, DT Rev. spokes, XTR deraileurs/brakes, RaceFace bb, Kore Lite stem/bar/post, Selle Italia Nitrox saddle, Controltech skewers.
Bottom Line:
Probably the best bb made. It needs a few miles to break in the lip seals, but after that: smooth!! I really am impressed with the simple but o so effective Taperlock system. Just slam this baby in and forget all about it. I would only trade it for a Chris King bb, but I don't know if I'll live to see that one released... For anyone who is looking for a light, hassle free bb: Look no futher, your search has ended!
Five big flamin' torches for this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zac
a Cross Country Rider
from Denton Date Reviewed: February 17, 2000
Needs occasional loctite re-application to keep the axle/crank intersection from squeeking (ti version)
Similar Products Used:
Low-end Shimano job--good too.
Bike Setup:
96 Bondrager Race, RF cranks
Bottom Line:
A good bottom bracket is one you install and forget about--and that's pretty much what I've done for the last 2+ years. Reapplying the loctite is a small hassle. Also, it took me a long time to realize that you just neeed a LITTLE anti sieze on the threads--too much and they GRADUALLY loosen. This seems pretty standard for a Ti-axle BB, and the weight-weenie in me says it's worth it. Get the CroMo axle and you'll never even think about your BB again. I've also had a VERY positive experience w/ the company when I had a prob w/ some of their chainrings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Terrell
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mr. Toad's
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Ease of installation Weight Strength Durability
Weaknesses:
Initial drag - goes away
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX/XT-level BB
Bike Setup:
Szazbo frame, Marzocchi Z2 X-fly, Chris King HS & Hubs, Raceface cranks,stem & bb, GripShift derailleur,shifters,brake-levers, Shimano v-brakes,rear cluster, Giant CF handlebar, Control Tech seatpost, Koobi seat
Bottom Line:
Installed the bottom bracket. Chainline is great. Some drag when turning the axle. Too much tension? Quick, look at the instructions ... says that you should lube the seal to minimize drag (Doh!!) ... goes further to say that the drag will go away after putting in some miles. They were right!! There is now zero drag when I spin the cranks. This BB has taken all that my 225 lbs (of speed and romance) can dish out. I have performed zero maintenance so far and have subjected the BB to several creek crossings, numerous landings (dropoffs, jumps, etc.) and quite a few washings (with hose - of course). I recommend this BB to all who want a quality product that is reasonably priced and that does NOT creak. What do YOU want?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy
a Racer
from Mesa Date Reviewed: January 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Elden, Flagstaff
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lightweight colored taper locks seals around spindle
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, FSA titanium
Bike Setup:
K2 5000, Race Face, SRAM SL, Rolf
Bottom Line:
I purchased this BB with my Race Face LP cranks about 6 months ago. My previous BB was an FSA titanium. That damn thing squeaked after 20 miles and for the rest of the 6 months I had it. I researched and found that titanium spindles have a great deal of flex. Thus, the bearings get squashed under torque. I decided to go with Cromo-RF because of the steal spindle and light weight. It's been about 6 months with the Race Face BB. I haven't had a squeak yet. I have lubed the bearings one time (it's called preventative maintenance). Race Face is definitely worth the $$$ 5 flamers for these bad boys!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Acadian
a Racer
from Milpitas, CA Date Reviewed: January 9, 2000
Submitted by
Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Nanaimo, B.C. Date Reviewed: January 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
urban assualt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Strong great warranty smooth rolling its raceface
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
a bunch of broken shimano crap
Bike Setup:
Kona chute Z3 QR 20 mammoth rims, toiga tires
Bottom Line:
I was getting tired of wearing out and breaking that shimano crap, so i decided to spend a like more and get a raceface. It was a good choice, no creaking, no snapping, smooth rolling, and if something goes wrong, raceface has a lifetime warranty on the spindle and cups. Now thats quality
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bike Master Mike
a Racer
from Canton, MI Date Reviewed: December 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
ISLAND LAKE!
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light Sealed very good Adjustable chain line Red Annodized cups ( oooohhhh wow! ) Strong
Weaknesses:
The teeth for the installation tool to go into are kinda shallow. If the tool isnt perfectly straight, it can round the aluminum teeth.
Trek Y w/ XTR XT Race Face Cannondale Hardtail w/ XT Race Face
Bottom Line:
Wow, do you previous posters know how to install anything right? Whats the big deal here? The Race Face BBs are super easy to install, NEVER fail and they have adjustable chain line. Someone's BB creaked? Never heard a Race Face creak, they use rubber inserts to separate the shells and axle/bearings. My fat a** is 210 pounds and after 2.5 years of beating my BB on the Y, it still workd perfect. I do 5+ foot drops, blah blah blah, no problems. My shop has sold at least 50 of these BBs and never 1 was returned for warranty. I love installing em. Theyre the best deal in BBs on the market. Race Face makes some of the best parts, or perhaps, THE BEST!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad
a Cross-Country Rider
from Virginia Date Reviewed: December 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Gambrills ST Park (MD)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
light, adjustable
Weaknesses:
At 160#, I busted one of the bearing shells. The aluminum cups were stripped out when I took them out.
Similar Products Used:
XT
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper/Manitou SX-TI
Bottom Line:
This is a damn expensive BB to be worthless after one year! And, it creaked.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: December 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Pink starfish
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Strong, light & Canadian made
Weaknesses:
?
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
C'dale freeride
Bottom Line:
If your considering it, you won't be disapointed. Install the BB with a torque spec of 30-40 ft.lbs. (less than most bb's) and you should have no probs. Mine has survived the wet weather of Vancouver and big drops with no probs.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from Acworth, GA Date Reviewed: November 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
it's lighter than Shimano bottom brackets It's made by the same company that makes the best cranks in the world (they'd be a 6 out of 5 stars if it was possible) Adjustable chain line The red cups look cool if you have a magnifying glass
Weaknesses:
It's either too loose or too tight. If you get it to the spot where there is no play in it, the spindle is really hard to turn. If you learn to deal with the fact that you are pedaling with extra effort, it won't be for long because it will be loose again in about 30 miles. It creaks unless you grease the tapers in the cups after every couple of rides.
Similar Products Used:
all shimano except XTR splined Action Tec
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Truth, Race Face Turbine LP, 2x9 gearing
Bottom Line:
The adjustable chainline is nice if you need to adjust the chainline just slightly to get the shifting perfect, but in most cases it's useless. Basicaly, this is the bottom bracket for somebody who doesn't care how much money they spend for a good idea, but a crappy product. I'm only giving it 2 stars because so far the cromoly spindle has held up.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Downhiller
from Denver , CO Date Reviewed: November 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Logger'd Way, Keystone CO
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
what...weak
Similar Products Used:
LX but it sucks
Bike Setup:
XTR/XT with Manitou XVert R
Bottom Line:
Awsome BB and is great for the money
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike b
a Racer
from sf Date Reviewed: October 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
boogs mountain/china camp
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
weight, stiffness
Weaknesses:
problems with adjustability and chainline, low quality bearings
Similar Products Used:
shimano xt
Bike Setup:
ibis alibi, manitou sxti, xtr, race face cranks, syncros, you know where this is going
Bottom Line:
why do any of you need chi chi bottom brakets?why did i, at a mere one hundred and sixty pounds shatter three sets of bearings in this thing?i have a friend that weighs two hundred and thrity five pounds, he's the one who's supposed to be shattering bearings. (he's the beginner class california clydesdale state champion and he's abandoned race face bbs as well)why was our mechanic constantly POURING WATER out of these bbs when he disassembled them?i have never had any problems with shimano bottom brrakets. i will always use shimano bottom brakets from this day forward.love it or hate it, you all have to admit that shimano is the Component King.i still like my race frace cranks though.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob
a Cross-Country Rider
from NM Date Reviewed: October 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX 890 Johnny T Edition, RockShox Judy DH
Bottom Line:
This is an awsome BB. I've used it for over a year and have only had minor creaking which was easily cured with a few drips of White Lightning. I weigh a healthy 250 lbs. and have never had a problem. Great BB.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross-Country Rider
from Arlington, VA Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Long lasting Duability
Weaknesses:
The '95 model that I have was very difficult to set up unless you have the RF tool.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
'95 Mountain Cycle San Andreas, Manitou, Grip-shift, XTR
Bottom Line:
I installed this BB in my bike when I bought it in '95 when I lived in Utah. Most of the rides there are dry and dusy. I now live in Virginia where it is humid, the rides are muddy and lots of stream crossings. I have put more than 4000 miles on this BB and it is still smooth. I have not touched it or done any maintenance on it since I installed it in '95. Take your time the first time you install the RF BB and do it correctly and you will have a trouble free BB for many years.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MarioC
a Downhiller
from Calgary Date Reviewed: October 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Milstream
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
light lasting a long time Canadian Made F#ckin Eh!
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
Specialized shimano xt
Bike Setup:
98 Specialized Fsr with 4.8 rear, Z-1 Bam, all race-face components none failed me yet
Bottom Line:
this thing has been in my bike for almost 16months and I haven't ever noticed it being there, never had a problem yet. super long lasting light and not a bad price for what oyur getting and how long it's going to last.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TIM
a Cross-Country Rider
from KEATING Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
ERWIN PARK
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
LIGHT STRONG DURABLE SMOOOOOTH!
Similar Products Used:
SHIMANO XT LEVEL AND LOWER
Bike Setup:
SCHWINN MOAB RF CRANKS,BB,AND RINGS
Bottom Line:
VERY SMOOTH LIGHT AND BUILT TO LAST. HAVE RIDDEN THROUGH STREAMS MANY TIMES OVER LAST YEAR AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO TELL AT ALL.BETWEEN CHRIS KING HUBS AND MY RF BB I WILL PROBABLY NOT EVER HAVE TO REPLACE BEARINGS ON MY BIKE. IT IS THAT GOOD!GET YOU SOME BOY!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Ind. Date Reviewed: September 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
smooth light great looks
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
syncros ti
Bike Setup:
cannondale f700
Bottom Line:
Easy to install solid smooth feel no creaking with lp cranks could not ask for more for the price.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
maTT
a Racer
from Iowa Date Reviewed: September 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Millville, MN
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Super Light
Weaknesses:
Creak-free performance not so Creak-free
Similar Products Used:
XTR
Bike Setup:
My Race Bike: Dean Scout
Bottom Line:
I had the Ti spindle vwersion. Two-chillis for being feathery, the other for being better than otther Ti BBs, but not as flawless as the XTR.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Kallas
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntington Beach, CA Date Reviewed: September 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lightweight,smooth,easy to install
Weaknesses:
none yet!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano UN72
Bike Setup:
Schwinn S-10, full XTR,Raceface crankset, ti BB, AD-10 shock,Sid XC, Easton carbon bars&post
Bottom Line:
I think the reason for the shallow cups is to give the bearings a wider stance for less flexing. Just be careful and don't over torque it (sieze the cartridge bearings) and it will run smooth as glass. They say to torque it 30 to 40 lbs. but I think 25-28 ft. lbs. is enough, and I haven't had any problems. I'm using the Ti one and I'm at the weight limit (180).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary,AB Date Reviewed: August 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
This was the biggest waste of money ive ever spent. it creaked, it broke, it fell apart. the barings totally blew apart twice. way to much maintance, every month the bearing would be compleatly dried out. just a waste.
Bottom Line:
peice of crap!!if i could the rating would be a no star raiting.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sactown, CA Date Reviewed: August 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
lite weight, race face name and cool red rings
Weaknesses:
non so far
Similar Products Used:
stock
Bike Setup:
hard tail, but this doesn't matter.
Bottom Line:
I am very pleased with this bottom bracket so far. no reports of creaking or bending. I immediately noticed a difference in rotating mass once i installed this bb. So far so good.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Trenton Date Reviewed: July 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Cosmetics
Weaknesses:
Looks pretty Durability Shitty!!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Syncros
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR Extreme Manitou X-Vert T Stratos Helix Expert
Bottom Line:
Broke within 6 months of mild riding!! Drive side bearing completly gone! When I e-mailed RF they told me I over torqued it!! In the instructions it said no torque wrench required but I used a $200 torque wrench to make sure! Then they told me the life expectancy of the crappo bearings is 6 months!! Stay away from RF!!! Pretty stuff but if you need customer service you might as well talk to yourself!! If I could give it negative ratings I would!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
62098
a Cross-Country Rider
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Sharp looking. Light. Made in Canada.
Weaknesses:
A few design flaws which I think lead to the early degradation of the taper locks and bearings. Spindle tends to rotate with a surprising amount of friction.
Similar Products Used:
UN52
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar
Bottom Line:
Good product with excellent technical support from Race Face. The product does require consistent maintenance and overhaul however. Most Race Face products are top notch - this one is not.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mudman
a Cross-Country Rider
from lincoln,ne Date Reviewed: June 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light,spins like magic
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
shimano (various models)
Bike Setup:
DBR steel frame, full XT, Marzocchi Z2 Atom Bomb, Mavic 517,
Bottom Line:
The performance of this product makes me want to buy more Raceface stuff.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver BC Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
OK, basic BB; fairly light
Weaknesses:
poor bearings, poor finishing on taper faces
Similar Products Used:
Shimano UN72, many ball/cup models, WTB GreaseGuard, TNT
Bike Setup:
Pro-Flex 857
Bottom Line:
Decent BB, but expensive. Bearings are average quality cartridges, replacement bearings are expensive. Splines on cups are shallow and easily damaged during installation; highly recommend using a tool to keep BB tool in place and prevent damage. BB bearings failed after about 2000 miles of wet, muddy riding; replacement is expensive and not really worth the cost or effort. The BB axle is forged and the tapers are not machined after forging. The result is probably not material but the crank does not fit onto the tapers as finely as on my suntour grease guard BB.After wearing out three BB's in as many years, I've gone back to classic ball/cup designs - they are serviceable and new bearings cost a fraction of the cost of cartridge bearings. It's too bad that classic BB's are getting hard to find. The grease guard designs allow the bearings to stay clean without rebuilding the BB, and the BB can be rebuilt when necessary (instead of thrown away like most cartridge BB's).
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Submitted by
Islander
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Boogeyman, Mt.Seymour
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Well sealed. Clear installation instructions. Lifetime warrantee on spindle. Lightweight.
Weaknesses:
Grooves that accept tool are too shallow and are easily damaged. Special tool required to change bearings.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano UN72 and UN52
Bike Setup:
98 Norco Torrent with XT/XTR, ManitouSXti, RaceFace Crank+headset
Bottom Line:
I've had this bb for 15 months of wet wet riding on the west coast. I race and train on it so it has seen lots of k's. I just had to replace the bearings though I'm not sure if 15 months constitutes a long time in the life of a mtb bb cartridge bearing. I've seen them as cheap as $30CDN (www.covebike.com) and the company stands behind their product with good warrantee.
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Submitted by
Kathy
a Cross-Country Rider
from New England Date Reviewed: June 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
40 mph speed limit
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light weight, adjustable chainline
Weaknesses:
Crappy bearings
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LP26, UN 72, many old-fashioned loose ball bearing BB's
Bike Setup:
C'dale road bike w/ RSX triple group
Bottom Line:
I bought this because I could not get a UN72 in a 68x118, and frame clearance would not let me use a shorter 68x115. The adjustable chainline feature allowed me to use RF's 120mm unit. I had my cranks off today to work on them and found that the spindle turns with significant effort, pulled it out, same problem, so it was not installed too tight. It is only slightly better than the nearly frozen LP26 it replaced. It's deplorable that an expensive BB like this one should have so much drag. Wish I could get a UN72.
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Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Hacienda Hts Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Submarine Rock Sedona
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
light and the color is nice
Weaknesses:
durability
Similar Products Used:
un-72,un-52
Bike Setup:
Proflex 857
Bottom Line:
I'm less than 160 lbs and the BB bearing failed within a year of riding. That is not that good of performance I expected out of RaceFace. I switched to UN-72 and that failed within 100 miles...what's up with that? Maybe I'm just specialized in busting up BB.
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Submitted by
Bentrager
a Racer
from Blacksburg, VA Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Brush and Gap Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Pretty red parts. Ultra light. Good company.
Weaknesses:
Eats bearings like M&Ms. Poor cup design (grooves way too shallow). Part is TOO light to withstand real world abuse.
Similar Products Used:
Race Face Cranks - they ROCK! As far as BBs - Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Bontrager Race Lite
Bottom Line:
I weigh 160lbs, my bike is 24lbs. This is the second set of bearings I have gone through in 3 months of hard riding. I allowed my LBS to install each time and they too are frustrated with the failures. Sorry Race Face, but I want to ride, not waste my time yanking my very fine cranks off my bike every couple weeks to replace bearings. The poor bastards were just crushed - AGAIN! Back to XT. 1 Flaming chili for the cool red color, and the fact that it did keep out the dirt.
$
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