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Shimano
LX Bottom Bracket
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Submitted by
lauren
a Cross Country Rider
from long beach, ca
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | still working after 12 years | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Bottom Line: | lasts a really long time. came on a '95 cannondale. in '03 i moved it to a new hardtail frame. now moving it to a new fs frame. other than a bit of corrosion on the shell, still works great. maybe it's heavy compared to newer models, but i'm not a weight weenie. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada, NB
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | durable, affordable, worry free.. | | Weaknesses: | heavier then xt??? looks shiny.. too bad you hafta hide it | | Similar Products Used: | ummm.. other cheaper heavier not as good BB's | | Bike Setup: | this n that its an oldie but a goodie | | Bottom Line: | after 3 years.. still going strong.. not many other components on my bike lasted this long.. im impressed with durability.. creaks after water crossings once in a while
overall its a good product not a great one.. then again its a good price.. not a huge one! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Connor
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO USA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Came with bike | | Strengths: | Reliability. | | Weaknesses: | None. ?Weight. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 970 cromo hardtail, Z2 Atom 80, front Avid mech disk, Rolf Urracco/Mavic 717 wheels. | | Bottom Line: | This is for the stock UN-51/52 bottom bracket delivered with my bike in 1996. Not really relevant now with newer splined/ISIS cranks but instructive. Other than removing it every other year to inspect and regrease the housing threads, no maintenance at all despite daily use commuting to work in rain/snow/heat, road biking on slicks and mountain biking in Colorado and Moab innumerable times. I keep waiting to replace it after 5900 miles of use but it just keeps on smoothly trucking, like the LX 5-arm crank it's attached to. It may not be the lightest and is old square taper technology, but it is hard to imagine a better price-to-performance product out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eyal
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | at some www... | | Strengths: | It looks like a crank !! (for a reasonable price) | | Weaknesses: | But it not! | | Similar Products Used: | Deor02 Bontrager01 | | Bike Setup: | S.C heckler, manitou Sherman fork, F$@imano B.B. | | Bottom Line: | The middle chainring died after 300 miles on single tracks
So flex, the drive train would have to "choos" what chainring it wants when putting force on it.
Shifting even on normal conditions is bad and noisy.
No durabilty what so ever
I do ride aggressive but not free ride! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a
from exeter
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | pretty strong (as far as i can tell)
smooth bearings
creak free
cheap | | Weaknesses: | heavy | | Similar Products Used: | other cheaper shimano BB's | | Bike Setup: | trials | | Bottom Line: | dunno why every one has been saying how cr*p these are, i havent broken one yet and have hit it very hard and it has outlived lots of pairs of cranks.
has survived lots of messed up gaps landing on the bashring. the sorta landings that bend bashrings and spiders, yet the bearings and axle still run smooth as ever.
doesnt look pretty but you cant see it. heavyer than its hollow higher ranger counter parts but from other trials riders use of hollow BB's i'll stick with LX. untill i ride smoother that is! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Baube
a Weekend Warrior
from Baie-Comeau
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | spinsport www.spinsport.qc.ca | | Strengths: | though, easy to install | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | stock bearing and shaft | | Bottom Line: | i've made some five foot gap and nothing broke even my rims(stock rigida) and the bb is still performing like it was just came out of the shop. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eder Giovani Savio
a Downhiller
from Florianópolis - Brazil
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Três Pedras - Nova Veneza/SC - Brazil | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Just the name Shimano LX, but name don't get my money. | | Weaknesses: | Squeak, flabby. It is very weak. Deore LX is weak like Deore and Alivio. Three craps! | | Similar Products Used: | Deore, Altus, Alivio. | | Bike Setup: | Haro MX2 7" rear travel. Mozo Delta 5". Specialized Dh tires, Tektro Gemini disc-brakes, Big-Boy Sadle, XT, LX, STX. | | Bottom Line: | I don't understand. My old hard-tail specialized has a bb Altus about six year and never had troble. In others full bikes I had Alivio, Deore and Deore LX. All broke after three months. I don't know if a buy XT or Altus... I'm thinking about another brand... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fluffy
a Cross Country Rider
from Belgium
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Cheap | | Weaknesses: | Weight | | Similar Products Used: | XTR, On One, STX, Alivio | | Bottom Line: | I've used this BB on my XC bike for about 3 years. Never had any problems with it. There was a little play in it recently, so I replaced it with a new one.
To all the people that claim to have snapped 3 or more: stop buying them!! Get something stronger!!!
If you're a DH racer: get XTR and expect it to break!
If you're a freerider: get On One crancks + BB
If you're a XC-racer: get XTR
If you're a XC-rider: get an LX and replace it after a few years... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Downhiller
from Bay Area, CA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Northstar @ Tahoe | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Cheap, easy to install. | | Weaknesses: | BREAKS OFF ANYTHING. BROKE OFF A 4 FOOT DROP. WORTHLESS, USELESS PIECE OF CRAP. I COULD PROBABLY MAKE A BETTER BB MYSELF WITH 2 BEARINGS AND A PAPERCLIP FOR THE AXLE. | | Similar Products Used: | XT BB, much better. | | Bike Setup: | Giant ATX, RaceFace cranks, Stratos blah blah..... | | Bottom Line: | Well, if you are an idiot and like breaking BB's then get this. I know that they are cheap, but if you keep breaking them, then htye get expensive after awhile. I've gone trhough 3 of them so far and fianlly got an XT BB and its much better. Save your money now and get an XT- It'll last longer and save you more in the long run. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gaz
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Strengths: | cheap | | Weaknesses: | heavy, resin cup is kind of crappy | | Similar Products Used: | cheesy stock bb that came with bike | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | This thing wieghs half the wieght of my ride. Too cheap I think, this bb has only lasted 1000 miles before it packed in. makes so much noise it scares the wildlife. I am getting the xt version in the hope of a bit more quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johnny C.
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lava Flow | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$23.00 | | Purchased At: | Penny Sport Cycles | | Strengths: | Hard to say with a bb, but it works and hasnt broken after several 5 foot drops to flat concrete | | Weaknesses: | none so far, although ive heard heaps of bad reviews for this bb, i havent had any trouble. | | Similar Products Used: | stcok wheeler | | Bike Setup: | Wheeler hardtail | | Bottom Line: | this is a good bb and has lasted much longer than the stock one, which i broke three of takes hard drops, good buy very cheap
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kalyn no
a Weekend Warrior
from nanaimo
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | big hits | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$34.00 | | Purchased At: | the realm | | Strengths: | not many, if you want a bb that likes to snap off 8 ft drops or bigger, buy this bb!!!!. broke 4 of em!!! and 1 xt bb | | Weaknesses: | everything, they bend off 5 fters and snap off 8 and cut your leg to heck!! if you want 8 stiches in you calf buy this bb!! | | Similar Products Used: | shimano!! xt broke it off a 5 ftr no better!! | | Bike Setup: | norco vps buzz (kooka cranks) | | Bottom Line: | if you like to cut your legs open and sack yourself eevery time you do a drop then buy it cause its cheep as crap!
Shimano needs to go suck themselfs!! and do everyone a favor and throw there bb away!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip Collins
a
from Southampton, England
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Stoke Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | Peter Hansfords | | Strengths: | good design cheap price | | Weaknesses: | Some prducta have dodgy bearings than never set as a result of this i have been through about 6 in two years. | | Bike Setup: | Viper F14 frame, Deore/XT groupset | | Bottom Line: | good cheap bb, but if you do jumps or anything that involves landing hard on them then buy a different one, i only had to go a few foot high out of a bombhole in my local jumps and much to my surprise the axel snapped, much to my local bike shops disbelief as he thought you caouldent snap them, so if you are a town rider looking for a smooth bb then this one will do but if you intend doing some big jumps with big hits the get a much stroger one maybe try hope, or raceface | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, SC
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | It goes around when you Pedal | | Weaknesses: | Heavy
Has a plastic holder | | Similar Products Used: | XT | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8000 with XT components | | Bottom Line: | I pulled the BB to clean the bike and when I went to put it back in I was screwing in the support ring on left side and the thing came apart. I was using a torque wrench. I had no other problems with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a monty
a Weekend Warrior
from yorkshire England
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | owt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | scott F.O.C. | | Strengths: | Costed me s0d all. replacement for the rubbish fitted on my scott timber under 1 year old warrenty | | Weaknesses: | time taken to fit by shop | | Similar Products Used: | sh1t fitted orriginally | | Bike Setup: | scott timber custom | | Bottom Line: | At £0.00 i cant complain | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob aka Wheezer
a Cross Country Rider
from Van.
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any N.S. Double/Single D.trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$26.00 | | Purchased At: | a shop on n. shore | | Strengths: | Absolutely nothing | | Weaknesses: | squeeks, creeks,and is very week | | Similar Products Used: | lots o crap out there | | Bike Setup: | Brodie Devo w/JR T. ,Blackspire cranks,Hayes brakes,Sun Double Wides and Gozzi. tires | | Bottom Line: | I had this bottom bracket for less than a month and already its creeking and bent.This is my second one "Silly Me" in 6 months.My last one snapped doing a teeny little 3ft drop.Yes I know its horrible.I haven't a clue what i'm going to try next I geuss I'll try raceface I suppose.Anyways bottom line is that this BB may be okay for "Urban Riders"but when it comes down to the shore....shop around trust me! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Fenton
a Racer
from Clinton Connecticut
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any one with rocks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | came with bike | | Strengths: | good paper weight, if u take the broken spindle out of it it makes a nice pencil holder | | Weaknesses: | it is weak, and noisy, and bad, and i dont like you (UN52 that is) | | Similar Products Used: | Race Face, truvativ, XTR | | Bike Setup: | Trek, K2, Specialized P3 | | Bottom Line: | Broke, dont buy, go with a spined system by shimano, or by ISIS, if you buy it careful not to breath on the box, it may break.
If you want a nice hood ornament i guyess you could polish it up and use it for that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
poida
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | one with big obstacles | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | It is cheap and runs smooth | | Bike Setup: | DMR Sidekick trials | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bb for about 1 and a half years and had it in two bikes. It doesn't have any play and it still runs well. I'm surprised how long it's lasted, buy it if you want a reliable bb but it seems there are good ones and bad ones so take your chances if you're game | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tony
a
from kingston - ENGLAND
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | mail order | | Strengths: | reasonbly cheap
readily available | | Weaknesses: | it snapped
i was not happy , in doing so it messed up the taper on my RS7 which i cannot replace under warrenty
I know that i wont get a replacement which is annoying and this being my second shimano BB snapped I will now look at alternatives, those being raceface for trials and 3 piece for jumping | | Similar Products Used: | UN72 | | Bike Setup: | Ms Ilse , sidekicks middleburns, azonic , roox DMR , Spesh and other stuff | | Bottom Line: | if your a dedicated rider look at alternatives especialy if you ride hard | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby Brawnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Kelso | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Came with bike | | Strengths: | Cheap | | Weaknesses: | Poor reliability | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | hardtail with a big fork and wheels | | Bottom Line: | This is my third season with the same bottom bracket and i have had no problems with it at all. I ride hard, but i don't weight anything. My brother on the other hand, is on his third in two years. I think the quality of some is better than others. So take your chances if your cheap otherwise, go RACE FACE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Lorencz
a Weekend Warrior
from Hinton
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Cheap to purchase | | Weaknesses: | Weak | | Similar Products Used: | None yet, but going to try Race Face | | Bike Setup: | KONA Stinky Five | | Bottom Line: | I have broke 3 of these pieces of s&*t (always seems to happen at the top of the trail). Granted, they have broke from pilot error, but what the hell, f$%&ing up is part of the learning curve. A BB should be able to take a mega beating without breaking, bending or creaking. Spend the extra money and try something other than the UN52. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PAUL
a Weekend Warrior
from ENGLAND
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | BRILLIANT BICYCLES | | Bottom Line: | TOTAL CRAP IVE BEEN THROUGH 4 NOW AND ALL THE TIME I ONLY GET AROUND 3 HOURS LIFE BEFORE THEY START TO CREAK AND GROAN AT ME, I RIDE TRIALS SO THE BOTTOM BRAKET DOES NOT LAST LONG ANYWAY BUT I WOULD EXSPECT THEM TO LAST A COUPLE OF MONTHS , I LIKE OPEN BOTTOM BRAKETS , AT LEAST YOU CAN FIX THEM
UN52 RESEMBLES A CHEEP PEN THAT YOU TRUGH AWAY WHEN THE INK RUNS OUT , PLEASE TRY AND STAY CLEAR OR THEM | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a Downhiller
from hull
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | spook wood | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | ken ellerker cycles | | Strengths: | smooth, cheap, fairly strong | | Weaknesses: | bends if abused, also creaks after bending | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | saracen n-zyme, magura's full LX setup | | Bottom Line: | this BB is ok for xc, but anything more i reckon it is to weak. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from T.O. Canada
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hardwood Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | costs near 75¢ | | Weaknesses: | Cheap (hey, it's Shimano...)
Heavy
Flimsy | | Similar Products Used: | Race Face
Shimano | | Bike Setup: | '99 Trek 8000, Race Face ISIS BB, Race Face Turbine LP, XTR | | Bottom Line: | This product was unbelieveably cheap from day one! It's heavy, makes odd noises, and only lasts around a year IF you're lucky! HA! So now I have a Race Face BB that is ISIS drive. WAY better, GO RACE FACE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from South Wales, UK
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | Various Stores | | Strengths: | Price | | Weaknesses: | Weak, heavy, plastic, | | Similar Products Used: | XT BB | | Bike Setup: | Check. | | Bottom Line: | I made the wrong decision of trading off quality for price. Never again. I snapped the first BB after a week, attempting a 5 foot drop. The second one bent after a DH race. Spend a bit more and get an XT, they seem far stronger for DH / freeriding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Petrol
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any dirt trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$16.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop LBS | | Strengths: | cheap, reasonable quality | | Weaknesses: | ounces/grams what ever you weight winnies are counting | | Similar Products Used: | XT | | Bike Setup: | hardtail | | Bottom Line: | lasted over two years with 2-3 weekly rides of 1-3 hrs, i am over 200 lbs. just wore out, good enough.
I spend the extra $5 and upgraded to an XT (UB-72 or what ever) no problems with that so far, none expected | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Little Rhody
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Arcadia- Mt Tom | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | Quiet
Smooth
I pretty much beat on it and it still works....
Cheap as all hell. | | Weaknesses: | Not going to bother with the weight "issue"
Will get to below.... | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing worth mentioning! | | Bike Setup: | GT Xizang Ti, Marzocchi 3.5, Magura Hydraulic, Thompson Elite, Bontrager, Middleburn rings, WI cranks, old-bombproof-heavy wheelset | | Bottom Line: | Bought this as an inexpensive upgrade when I purchased my new cranks and forgot about them. Certainly not top of the line on a part which for some reason is only now getting attention it deserves as one of the most important parts of your rig.
I really couldn't not complain about it's performance on the trail, as it IS quiet, and it does turn fine. Just switched my parts over to my "new" Xizang frame and made an interesting discovery: Half of the threads on the drive side stripped out in the threads of my old bike's BB. The metal that composes the theads (what is it, lead??) are GLUED to the cylinder housing the bearings, which promply fell off when I took the BB out. Now- the BB tube of my old bike is not a problem- just needs to be retapped, so I am not worried about that. And I am figuring that this is just another instance of Shimano using the consumers as guinea pigs and is fully aware of the problem and I can get a replacement part to GLUE back on.... Apparently, Shimano is aware of this, but will ONLY sell you the piece on the non-drive side, meaning that I am SOL.
My LBS hooked me up with the part off of one of his BB that he had in stock, hoping that he can get one of those pieces off of his distributors, if not- maybe he just ate a BB. Yes, the BB is cheap, and yes, it is still working on another bike, but I think that the wise choice would have been for me to fork over the coin for a BB that will last a lifetime, at a price that I'll be paying off for a lifetime. That way- I won't have to worry about dodging bullets on a cheap part. For now, though- I am in this battle and want to see how far I can last before having to switch to something else.
3 value chilis because it IS inexpensive, but you get what you pay for, and 3 overall chilis because it is made pretty cheaply, but it is still working and quiet- until I decide to switch it to another bike..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Austin
a Weekend Warrior
from Milford, MA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | 22 bucks at the bike store
Works
It's heavy (I get more excercise that way) | | Weaknesses: | It isn't top of the line, but that's why we call it LX
and not XTR | | Similar Products Used: | Next one down from LX, whatever the code name for that is | | Bike Setup: | GT LTS 2000 (the red one) | | Bottom Line: | "WAAAAA, my LX bottom bracket broke when I launched a 10
foot flight of stairs and landed on both wheels at the
same time on the cement sidewalk, what a piece of crap!"
Come on, what are you bunch of extreme wanks thinking?
Most mountain bikes you buy, if you read the owners manual,
will tell you they are not designed for extreme jumping
and such. You wanna do that, and you need a custom
set-up (Woo-hoo, Race Face, my pants are wet!) Well, duh.
"WAAAAA, my bottom bracket makes my bike weight 4 OZ more!
What a piece of crap! Race Face, Race Face, Race Face,
I've got a chub!"
Hmmm, well, let's see, I've taken dumps that weigh substantially more than 4 OZ, so just relieve yourself
before the race. And if you don't race, good deal! You're
burning more calories and making yourself stronger and
fitter with LX!
I mountain bike, which means I get air, but not a lot of
air, and I run over alot of rocks and logs and roots and
stuff, but not at 50 miles an hour. I neither know nor
care what my V02 Max is, or what my exact calorie intake
is. Took two and a half years of New England technical
riding (average of 2 rides per week), to finally wear
the cheap little sucker out and I weigh 200 (quality)
pounds dry. I can buy three of these things for the price
of a Race Face, at least.
LX, ain't the best, but it ain't bad. So if you're like
me, keep 'em and use 'em. Don't buy into the hype of
over-priced accessories. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david clarke
a Downhiller
from worcester
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any large dirt jumps | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | cheap, strong, smooth if properly greased. | | Weaknesses: | quite heavy but if your using it for jumping and downhill what does the weight matter? | | Similar Products Used: | none always used this bb | | Bike Setup: | dirt jumping, short stem, wide bars, strong wheels | | Bottom Line: | anyone who complains about the strength of this bb must be one hell of a hard lander or a cartman lookalike this thing has taken one hell of a beating from me and casing on jumps but i have never had any problems. If any of you could be bothered to grease the threads and the outside of the bottom bracket i can guarantee you would not hear a creak from. also for this price you can't complain can you? this may not be suitable for flyweight cross country riders but for any other type of riding it is perfect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
justin gillis
a Weekend Warrior
from north van
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | lots | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | I guess it rides smooth? i don't know | | Weaknesses: | The damn thing broke after only 3 months of riding. I took it off a 5 footer near the gate of northlands golf course and my left crank broke off and the bottom bracket cut my ankle as I landed. It pissed me off because it costed $40 to replace. | | Bike Setup: | 99' kona roast se, z3 long travels, rokko 2.4 front + intense 2.4 rear | | Bottom Line: | It all depends on your landing. I happened to land flat
while traveling very slow which made an unusually hard landing also considering I have a hardtail. The LX bottom bracket can be strong if you land your drops always correctly but for a safe bet, upgrade to something a little more pricy like say a race/face. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matthew magill
a Racer
from ashland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | toothpick | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | The cranks are finally freed up to my standards from breaking it but this thing is total crap. | | Weaknesses: | If you buy a bike with this bottom bracket and you ride alot switch it ASAP! weight | | Similar Products Used: | XT and XTR | | Bike Setup: | '00 G.F. Big Sur Shimano LX/XT | | Bottom Line: | If you ride alot and your bike has this bottom bracket switch it out ASAP if your dealer will let you do it. It will break I guarantee it.. This is the 2nd LX BB failuer Ive had in a year. The BB never breaks in until you break it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Racer
from Waterford, WI
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Southern Kettles (Muir/Carlin) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Hasn't broken
reliable | | Weaknesses: | NOT ADJUSTABLE
heavy
more drag than I would like | | Similar Products Used: | soon Race Face Taperlock CrMo | | Bike Setup: | Y2k Trek 7000, Race Face crankset, Time ATAC pedals, Avid Arch Rival 40 Brakes | | Bottom Line: | This BB came with my bike, I put a race face crank on, and LOST THE ABILITY TO SHIFT INTO MY BIG RING which cost me about 4 places in my last race. This is because the BB is not adjustable and had the wrong chainline for me. It did stand up to a 24 hour race (in deep mud the whole time) and lots of beating, so it is kinda reliable. sorry shimano, but I'm going Race Face | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Austin
a Cross Country Rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Landahl | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Cheap
Somewhat reliable | | Weaknesses: | Creaks
Weight
Sounds like it's grinding coffee beans after a while | | Similar Products Used: | n/a
Race Face Cro-mo upgraded soon | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8000 | | Bottom Line: | It's an ok product if you are a begginner or very tight on your spendings. After a few water crossings on local trails and races, the darn thing sounds like someone poured sand into it. The weight is very noticable. For a mere $10-$15 extra you can get an XT BB. I am changing mine to a Race Face taperlock. I am tired of the embarrassing noises coming from my BB when I race. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SGT ROCK
a Racer
from Drumheller, AB
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Reliable
Strong | | Weaknesses: | Weight | | Similar Products Used: | XT BB | | Bike Setup: | 2000 GIANT ATX 890 | | Bottom Line: | No reason for this component to exist. For a mere ten bucks more, you can buy an XT BB that weighs 25% less and is just as durable. This is one of the cheapest ways to drop weight from your bike. Keep the OEM LX as a spare in case your XT blows up - you can use it until you procure a new XT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
euan g
a Weekend Warrior
from edinburgh
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | cheap. maintanence free.
| | Weaknesses: | weak.
very weak.
extra week. | | Bike Setup: | azonic ds1. judy xlc's. fsa cranks | | Bottom Line: | well i'm only 16 (so i'm not that heavy) and i've broken three in six months (2 in 6 weeks). all three have snapped in the same place (l.hand spindle), from fairly moderate jumping. the only option now seems to be some twentyfourseven three piece cranks or similar. any recommendations for about £100? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike taylor professed kook
a Cross Country Rider
from dallas tx
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | waco st pk | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | cheap reliable, no maintainance | | Weaknesses: | heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | other un52s, cup and cone road bbs on road bikes | | Bike Setup: | carbon hdtl, xt/xtr, 165mm RSX cranks sale ritchey bb 122mm spins | | Bottom Line: | i'm 140lbs, know proper torque settings, and maintian my stuff, so I never break anything. I think unless you are rich or ride crazy stuff, get the next up, the xt or xtr instead of some 150dollar thing you can't even see that is basically the same thing. come on, phil, you're a freak! or nashbar if you are cheap or freeride with square cranks. Bike mfrs suck. too much $$$ on finicky racers and full page color ads in bicycling mag. I hate creek crossings, but after i fell in one 4foot freezing creek the bb was fine even months later. If i wanted to swim or get muddy i'd go to the gym or a psychocross event. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JUSTIN lane
a Cross Country Rider
from Eldridge, Iowa
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything fast | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | None that I could find besides price. "You get what you pay for" | | Weaknesses: | Junk from day 1, I put 2500 miles of pavement on it last summer then put it away for the winter. The first day I got it out this year it snapped on me after 10 minutes of riding leaving me injured and pissed off. My bike was under warranty so it was replaced but I am very skeptical still | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F700 CAD2, CODA components, Shimano components | | Bottom Line: | I had the utmost faith in Shimano products up untill now. I can promise you that if the new bb fails again I am stepping up to a race face cro-moly BB. My local bike shop and authorized Cannondale dealer assures me that if a bottom bracket cracked on me once it will never happen again because of the rarity involving these breaks. I can't see how they justify saying that when it shouldn't have happened in the first place. Bottom line= JUNK, JUNK, JUNK I put no abuse on that BB and it completely failed on me. I have absolutely no faith in shimano BB's RACE FACE ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Tallahassee, FL
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tom Brown Park, Fern | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Oh so cheap.
Gets the job done | | Weaknesses: | Heavy like me.
Plastic cup creeks with every push of the pedal. | | Similar Products Used: | Nope but I'm now switching to XT.
| | Bike Setup: | Giant MCM990 full suspension. Marzocchi, XT/XTR. | | Bottom Line: | Well, it's cheap and supports my crank like it was designed to, but I am a little heavy you see(245lbs) and the stupid little plastic cup just can't stop creaking every time I pedal, and in the woods, it's a big pain in the ass because everyone in the woods knows i'm coming because of that damn noise. After 4 weeks come the creaks. 3 months and 250 miles, it's time for a new one. Only 2 upside down buring dodge neon's for this flaming turd of a bottom bracket | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scratch
a Cross Country Rider
from Sheffield, UK
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Coed-y-Brenin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Cheap - but only just cheaper than UN72 | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't last long | | Similar Products Used: | UN 72 | | Bike Setup: | Marin East Peak, Pace RC36 Forks, XT V's + levers + shifter + changers | | Bottom Line: | This is the second UN52 I've had fail in under 12 months. Both were "standard" fit on the bikes when purchased.
1st once replaced with UN72 and had no problems since. Plan to do the same with the second one too.
I ride XC mainly and some playbiking, I'm ~185lb so I wouldn't consider myself particularly heavy, but the UN52 just doesn't make the grade for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Atkinson
a Cross Country Rider
from Welsh borders
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hergest Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | cheap | | Weaknesses: | nasty | | Similar Products Used: | xt, zero | | Bike Setup: | hardtail | | Bottom Line: | LX used to last for a year or more,even in wales;not any more. I got 4 months. Talking to the same shop John Munday frequents, our experience is sadly typical. Shimano trying to drum up some business? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Nanaimo, B.C.
Date Reviewed: December 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
urban assault | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
cheap | | Weaknesses: |
bearings
spindle | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Kona chute
Jr. T
mammoth rims
Kujo tires | | Bottom Line: | The first one i had lasted me a year until the bearings went. Then i bought another one. The next one i had, i had it for 3 weeks then i snapped the spindle in half. I was so pissed. Its not like i am a 200pound rider. Its raceface next | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Munday
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wales UK
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Cheap | | Weaknesses: |
Don't last very long. | | Similar Products Used: |
UN72 which lasts and lasts and lasts | | Bike Setup: |
Marin Rift Zone | | Bottom Line: | Wore out after 3 months - this equates to about 250 miles. True I ride in Wales, muddy and wet conditions prevail but I though 250 miles a bit thin. The shop supplied a second one for free, this lasted a similar time. The XT one I replaced it with has now lasted 700 miles and exibits no play. Enough said. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Downhiller
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: October 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Loger's Way, Keystone Co | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
won't drain your pocket of cash (niegther will an XT) | | Weaknesses: |
wore out the bearings in 5 months. | | Similar Products Used: |
Race Face Taperlock | | Bike Setup: |
857 with XT and Manitou XVert R | | Bottom Line: | It came stock on my bike so i used it untill its demise wich came when the bearings all got worn out. we took out the bearings and they all looked deformed and eroded. i would not buy this BB ever. just look around for a sale on the XT since it is lighter, stronger, lasts longer, and is way quieter | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
papapuppet
a Cross-Country Rider
from Saratoga
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
prospect mountain | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Cheap | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy
Creaks like crazy | | Similar Products Used: |
Other lesser Shimano BBs | | Bike Setup: |
K2 5000
Carbon Noleen fork
Smartshocks (coil over) | | Bottom Line: | You can get an XT BB for the same price it's lighter, quieter, and more reliable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
al
a Cross-Country Rider
from college station, tx
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Cheap
Works | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy
Wears out
Noisy | | Similar Products Used: |
xt, Ultegra | | Bike Setup: |
baraccuda/manitou | | Bottom Line: | This bb is very cheap and gets the job done, but has 2 major drawbacks: you can't rebuild it, only replace it, and that lousy plastic cup! Over the 18 months I've had my new bike, grit had gotten in between the shell and the bb cup, and made all kinds of nasty noises, and the spindle now feels graunchy when you spin it by hand. It also wore all the threads off the cup. If you get one of these new, grease it up good before you put it in! I'm going to replace it with a higher quality rebuildable part: this isn't worthy of my bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Preston Railroad (Tiger Mtn) | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
inexpensive | | Weaknesses: |
heavy, plastic retaining cup | | Similar Products Used: |
XT bottom bracket | | Bike Setup: |
GT Zaskar, Manitou SX, LX/XT/XTR | | Bottom Line: | Have never had a problem with breakage or disturbing noises. This is the second LX BB I've had but I admit, the only reason I got this instead of the UN-72 (XT) is because none of the nearby shops had the size I needed in stock and I was itching to ride on the bike I was building the next day. Its real inexpensive and does the job, but is alot heavier than the XT version and even though I've never broken the plastic arts I still think they're a little sketchy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Cheap | | Weaknesses: |
See bottom line | | Bike Setup: |
Claude Butler Cape Wrath (Alu 6000), Formula Discs, LX group, Suntour MG90 forks. | | Bottom Line: | After a few hard cross country rides this bottom bracket creaks, ticks and generally gripes with every turn of the crank. It's hard to ride when you're imagining all sorts of horrible things happening down there. It's getting replaced asap. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
OPSM
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Bottom Line: | It cracks very often and everytime it happens, it shakes the entire bike. I think it is because of the resin outer seals. Get the 72 with the Aluminium covers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lindgren Carroll
a Racer
from Washington DC
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The one I built/anything with a ten foot drop off | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
I didn't buy it,
it's shimano | | Weaknesses: |
heavy, noisy plastic parts | | Similar Products Used: |
CT-91 (bottom-of-the-line shimano BB) | | Bike Setup: |
Heavily modifided Kona Pahoehoe | | Bottom Line: | It's is a fine bottom bracket if you don't ride hard, but don't ever buy it as an upgrade because after a week of real riding (hard riding) you will be back where you started, with a very creaky BB. The piece is really not a quality part, but it never actually broke, even after all of the downhill riding I have done on my hard tail, so I will give the BB two hotties. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bay Area
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
cheap | | Weaknesses: |
plastic retainer, cheap | | Similar Products Used: |
Shimano XT (UN72) | | Bike Setup: |
hardtail | | Bottom Line: | It's a cheap OEM bb. I spent a year on it and to give credit, it didn't outright fail on me. But, I upgraded to a UN-72 after I broke the cheap, plastic retainer and now I don't hear the creaks and noise that I used to endure. Spend a couple of extra bucks and go with the 72 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Madlem
a Racer
from Marietta, GA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Durable
Chump Change | | Weaknesses: |
Almost as heavy as my raceface cranks!! | | Similar Products Used: |
Shimano XT | | Bike Setup: |
Vintage Cannondale that is maxed out with my dream components | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding almost a year with the LX BB and have not noticed the kind of problems others have yet. Then again....I have not had the pleasure of jumping my bike off of a cliff or trying any abusive riding techniques to give this a one flaming chilli. But, you know I would love to diss this BB....However, the bottom line is that it has been creek and maintenance free since day one which I like. My XT BB on my old bike was lighter and maybe a tad smoother than the LX. The downfall of this product is that it is much too heavy for a serious xc racer thus my fellow mtn. bikers I have decided to terminate this part from my bike effective ASAP. I have ordered the mack daddy of BBs a Action Tec Ti which will be reviewed in the future (under 160 grams). Somebody told me that the LX BB weighs around 300+ grams thus Shimano should put the LX and XT (around 240 grams) on diets to help us who like to make our bikes lighter/faster. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Victoria, BC
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The Dump | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Cartridge | | Weaknesses: |
Cartridge | | Similar Products Used: |
open, non-cartridge, no-name BB | | Bike Setup: |
97 Giant Rincon, RS Indy C | | Bottom Line: | Bought it after the stock BB died very shortly after I purchased the bike. It was sold to me as the best compromise between cost and durability by the LBS. I put a lot of commuting miles and some trail miles on my bike. The BB lasted a year which I suppose is par for the course. While it was alive, it performed without complaint but I was hoping to get a longer life out of it. That said I've got a UN 52 on my new bike and will watch it closely to see if a year is standard. Good piece of kit. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allison Alexander
a Racer
from Newfoundland
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
-It's Shimano | | Weaknesses: |
-It's Shimano | | Bottom Line: | Well, I'm on my second one, because I toasted the first one. If it breaks again I'm going to get a better bb. It's not suitable to my style of riding. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor MacDonald
a Cross-Country Rider
from Prince George, BC
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The Abyss | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Strong/Beefy | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy/creaks a bit | | Bike Setup: |
Marin Indian Fire Trail, Manitou Pro X, LX/XT groupo, Syncros rims | | Bottom Line: | Not a bad deal for the money but save it and buy an XT | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: July 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
long single track | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
durability
cheap enough I don't feel the need to service it | | Weaknesses: |
heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
rocky-mountain hammer race,almost everything upgraded | | Bottom Line: | This BB lasted me 5 years(came on the bike). That is over 5000 miles! I never serviced it once. Hard too complain with that. I am a light rider(150 lbs) but I do race, which can be hard on a bike. Sure it's heavy, but for a couple of bucks it's really good BB. Something to note, I did upgrade to un-72 BB to save weight. It's a good BB but it's note high end part. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter McCann
a Cross-Country Rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
ho chi mihn | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
None | | Weaknesses: |
Started making noise after 1 ride. Heavy. | | Similar Products Used: |
Bottom brackets on bikes owned during 30 years of riding. | | Bike Setup: |
C-Dale duelly | | Bottom Line: | This BB went bad in less than 20 miles of riding (noisy). Tried extra grease and then blue locktight before spending $20 on an XT and solving the problem once and for all. Got credit for the LX from the shop that sold me the bike. Save yourself some time if your planning to buy a bike with an LX BB and negotiate a swap before you close the deal. This piece of junk does't belong on a Huffy, much less a $2000 bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
BULLET PROOF! | | Weaknesses: |
None I know of! | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale SVA 700i, Fox Vanilla | | Bottom Line: | I am a heavy rider (225 lbs), I ride every weekend in all conditions. I ride trails, I do some jumps. In all that time I have not yet have even had to think about the BB. It just plain works! To all you retards out there who think that any BB is good for any kind of riding; Get real! Buy the part for the type of riding you do. If the part creaks then make sure the frame is up to spec (many are not) Take the frame and the BB to a machine shop and have them check the threads against know standards, you will find many are way off (as little as .01 mm makes a difference) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darko Andreevski - okraD
a Cross-Country Rider
from Skopje, Macedonia
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lesnica (Popova Sapka, Macedonia) | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
It's cheap, but i guess it's not worth becouse for just more money u'll get XT BB (much better) | | Weaknesses: |
I'm riding a lot almost everyday... This BB laster one year.. Now it's so flexy, and i have to replace it as soon as possible (i guess with XT or Real BB) | | Similar Products Used: |
FAG, SKF.... | | Bike Setup: |
Alu Frame, Maniotu SX'97, Mavic x517 rims, DT Revolution Spokes, Real Hub..... | | Bottom Line: | This BB is not for some serious riding... If u ride hard in the dirt then don't even think.. Just buy at least XT BB (the price difference it's that big.)
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joel
a Cross-Country Rider
from bellinham wa
Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
911 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
lasted for almost 3 years | | Weaknesses: |
heavy | | Bike Setup: |
klein | | Bottom Line: | this bb is not something i would buy but it lasted 3 yrs. it creaked on me every now and then and recently got stiff, now it has play. so I going to get an xt to save weight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
>_<
a Weekend Warrior
from SD CA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Remote Control | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Reliable | | Weaknesses: |
A LOT heavier than the next model higher which only costs like $5 more | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized SJ | | Bottom Line: | I have 2800 miles on my Stump Humper which I bought last fall of 98. This UN-52 BB otherwise known as LX/STX-RC only creaked on me once. I had it greased up and that took care of that. I took my LBS's advice of planning for more maintenance if I do a lot of wet/muddy rides, so I had it lubed again after 2 months. Nice and trouble free. I know I can lose a LOT of weight by buying/using the UN-72/XT BB, but I'll just use this til it dies first. Problem is, my Race Face cranks are so stiff that this BB might break earlier than usual. Shimano's dominance cannot be compared with Microsoft, coz Shimano dominated by selling us stuff that works. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bath
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | This is a cheap BB and hence has only lasted about 5months. Throughout those 5 months it worked well, but a longer life would be good. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jas
a Weekend Warrior
from Cheltenham,Glos
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Forest Of Dean | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Cheap | | Weaknesses: |
Only lasted 9 months | | Similar Products Used: |
un72, worth the extra money | | Bike Setup: |
Nail Trail | | Bottom Line: | A friend told me they were a decent piece of kit, he was talking bollocks. Spend the extra money and
get an xt!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from michigan
Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
novi tree farm (see review) | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
cheap, dependable | | Weaknesses: |
plastic non driveside cup. | | Similar Products Used: |
bb-un72 | | Bike Setup: |
raliegh f-500 | | Bottom Line: | I agree with one of the reviewers below that wow this one is all over the spectrum as far as ratings go. I have found this to be very dependable, the non driveside cup did loosen after about 400 miles but that could have been due to the shop I bought it from. It is heavier than my un72 on my other bike but I really don't notice that, overall a good value for the recreational rider I think. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SGT ROCK
a Weekend Warrior
from DRUMHELLER, AB
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Cheap, strong | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy | | Bike Setup: |
TREK Y11, Fox Vanilla, Marzocchi z4 | | Bottom Line: | Original equipment, haven't touched it for two seasons, still spins smooth. Other than weight, it's perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joa
a Cross-Country Rider
from Karlsruhe, Germany
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Weaknesses: |
The first OEM UN52 i've owned held 6 months. I've replaced it, because i sold the bike to a friend due to frame fit. Got a new bike (again with UN52, hoping the first breakdown was an exception), and rode (even harder). Unfortunately, i had to find out, that i'm through with it after approx. 20 hours of riding (click-scratch-click-scratch...) | | Similar Products Used: |
'91 LX BB, '92 DX BB | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher '98 paragon, Gary Fisher '99 ziggurat | | Bottom Line: | It looks like this part might be as strong as the once i had for years in my '91/'92er bikes. The problem seems, that it's not strong enough for the current generation of MTBs. If you buy a new bike with UN52 OEM, make shure your LBS will replace it for free once you're through with it, and give you an UN72 (propably you'll have to pay the extra 10$...)
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a cross-country rider
from australia
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
i got this when i got my LX cranks and frankly I HATE IT!!!!!!! i was doing jumps at a friends place only about 2 ft high and it snapped clean in half and iwas left to walk home holding only a crank arm.
In my opinion if your goingf to buy lx why not put in 10% more and get the MUCH better XT..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Duffin
a cross-country rider
from Horsham Sussex England
Date Reviewed: February 25, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Being a shop owner I fit a lot of bottom brackets the shimano UN52 is the best value for money by far. as with any product you will get the occassional bad one but in my experience not very often. If you need a bottom bracket use a shimano UN52 or UN72. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch
a weekend warrior
from Bedford, IN
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Over 550 miles on these so far. Thay came stock on our Voodoo's. Have been smooth and reliable. I had to take the cranks off and reinstall them on my bike to get a creak out but hey, I weigh 220 pounds. So far so good. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jan Bovin
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: January 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had the UN52 for 4000 km (2500 miles). I wheigh about 140 lbs and ride hard in often poor conditions with lots of mud.It has worked flawlessly all that time. The wheight is no problem for me. I did'n notice any change in the ride when I replaced my V-brakes with a Magura hudralic system, and that added about 100 grams to the bike.A month after I bought the bike I heard a creaking from the crank area and thought it was the BB, but after removing and regreasing the pedals the sound dissapeard. I give the UN52 three smoking chillis for being smouth and quiet so far. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham
a cross-country rider
from Lancashire
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
3 - LX bottom brackets in two years - no good - only one seal that doesn't work, weighs a to, clicks annoyingly half the time - don't buy it if you have any sense / money | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
danny boy
a weekend warrior
from
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
its a bottom braket, its reliable it fits easy, it does the job, its fit and forget etcetc...its a bottom braket, its reliable it fits easy, it does the job, its fit and forget etcetc...its a bottom braket, its reliable it fits easy, it does the job, its fit and forget etcetc...its a bottom braket, its reliable it fits easy, it does the job, its fit and forget etcetc...its a bottom braket, its reliable it fits easy, it does the job, its fit and forget etcetc...its a bottom braket, its reliable it fits easy, it does the job, its fit and forget etcetc... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a cross-country rider
from Richland, WA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Disappointed with durability. It lasted for only 6 months before it started making bad noices and required replacement. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl
a cross-country rider
from NH
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Funny how the reviews are all over the place on this one... Anyway,
I'm 195 lbs and after lots of big wheelie-drops and other abuse,
I've ruined three XT's (UN72)in no time flat. I reinstalled the original LX model that came with the bike (which I only replaced to save weight), and
the thing's been bombproof. It is a heavy sucker, though. BTW, I have
the Nashbar BB on another bike, and it's been completely indestructable !
About the same weight as an LX, but much better seals, all metal, and best of
all only 10 bucks. 3 chiles for the LX; good part but too damn heavy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok...I'm on vacation, and while kicking back for a week or so, I plan to put the Klein through its paces. On my first trip out, my FSA bottom bracket with gave out after 4,123 miles. So, I go to the local bike store, a VERY local bike store, in the town I am visiting and end up with the only bottom bracket this shop has that will remotely fit or function...a LX . I had herad of some problems with this unit, but was forced into to the position of having no better alternative.After two days, riding a total of 32 miles, the LX was creaking, moaning, and singing the blues through the aluminum frame. It made the Klein sound like a f**king church organ it was so loud!I took the unit back out, cleaned it up some, lubed it, and reinstalled and tightened everything remotely connected to the drivetrain. The LX not only started creaking again, but this time with a sharp sounding 'grind-click', a sure sign of a bad bearing. Not to mention the now very noticeable increase in crank resistance from the unit...after less than 40 miles or riding!!The LX is a unit designed for recreational, commuter, and urban riders, not serious MTBr's. For MTBr's, the LX is a one flaming pile of excrement. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Willy Li
a weekend warrior
from SF,CA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If you need a good trouble free BB for your beater or something, this is it. It has the same quality as the xt but is about 100 grams heavier than a xt with about a 5 dollar difference. Personally I would go with a XT because it is simply lighter and the spindle does'nt rust because of a coating of some sort. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pizzy
a downhiller
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What, you's are all full of it. I've done 3000km on my LX BB, and the only thing needed for it was a regreasing of the threads inside the frame. Nomore creaking. Super strong, well mine hasn't snapped, and I do alot of heavy jumping. Make sure you install it right, and use alot of grease and you should have no worries. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my bike for five months (Muni-Mula) and the LX Bottom Bracket started creaking/cracking three weeks after buying my bike. Even the bike shop says it's not unusual to have it sound like a bucket of bolts. If I had known better I would have had them swap it out for another BB when I bought my bike. It still works and all, but people can hear you coming just from the noise of the thing. GARBAGE!! Doesn't even deserve one chilli. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ant
a weekend warrior
from Kent,UK
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had my LX Bottom Bracket for only a couple of months before it started groaning. I read a similar story with of Bottom Bracket's. I don't understand why you can spend good money and still Bottom Bracket's only last a few months. I remember when I was a kid, I had a cheap racer and the BB in that lasted the lifetime of the bike; and that was three to four years. I think the manufactures design the modern Bottom Bracket 's not to last. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe 90
a downhiller
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Absolute crap!
I got about two weeks out of mine before it started creaking and cracking.
so now I have to replace it again.The type of riding I was doing might have been a bit harsh, but two weeks, I mean thats a bit lame for a higher grade bottom bracket. Stay away from this product! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a cross-country rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: July 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The LX BB came with my frame and after about 2500 km, I thought about changing it because something in my drivetrain made some funny sounds. So I switched to a XT BB and that thing really broke after 1200km. So I put in my old LX and it hasn't failed on me yet, although there is a drawback: I'll probably have some trouble getting it out since I wrecked it with this special Shimano tool, but I guess that was my fault. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blair
a racer
from Vancouver, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
the LX bottom bracket is the biggest piece of shit that I have ever used. What the hell is this thing made of, lead. I have had my bike for 8 months and i have gone through four of this things, And i only weigh 130 pounds, and every time the axle brakes. You would thing that if it wieghed that much that the axle would be strongh. Well they really proved me wrong. I would give this zero chilis but I can't. WHAT A PIECE OF SHIT!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl C
a weekend warrior
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my bike for over 3 years now, it came stock with everything LX. Over the years, I've replace many componenets, it's now mostly XT. Thing is, the LX BB has worked great through streams, mud, power washes, no complaints. Will switch to something lighter soon. For the money, LX is great! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
moriarty
a
from atlanta, ga
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
just upgraded to an XT after my LX lasted 6 months...creak, crack...LX is whack...didn't even last as long as the un51 o.e.m...don't even hammer that hard...what a piece of shit...maybe if I had enough of them I could make a good boat anchor...probably will use it as some kind of projectile...any suggestions? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve woodward
a racer
from Bristol England
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a UN52 in my race bike for 6 month, it now needs replacing. The UN51 I
had in the bike before lasted about 2 years but did had a metal not nylon end.
I'm not sure if I got a bad one or the quality has gone down, either way I was
told at the time of buying that the only difference between the XT and LX was the end and hollow axle. So I'll probably buy another LX and throw it away after another 6 month when it wears out again, as its cheap and had worked well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
red
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
There seems to be a current wave of Shimano LX bashing going on out there, whether it's this bottom bracket or another member of this product line. I have used the same LX bottom bracket for the last 3 years. That's upwards of 6000 miles, countless stream crossings, and tons of mud and dirt. It still runs smooth. Granted, not as smooth as my XT on my older bike, or I assume as smooth as some of the other more expensive bottom brackets out there. But, you can get the thing for around $20!For the money, this and the XT are great deals. Maybe I have just been lucky with mine, but for the money I would recommend them to anyone.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Fredericton, NB, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
50 words, eh. Well it seems to work fine. I had it for 4 months and I ride through all sorts of $hit (but not streams). The examples include (I'm doing this to meet the minium 50 word requirement). So were was I--oh ya--examples: mud, sleet, rain, dust, sand, rocks, snow, hail, and other nasty stuff (but I do not displace my chain oil and dirt that clings to my bike by riding through streams which results in environmental degradation). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alun Evans
a weekend warrior
from Swnasea, uK
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
As a follow-up to my last review, the LX bracket in my last frame did, in all fairness, last for a godd 4 months and was still going when I trashed my frame. I have now fitted a new one to my new frame (a Zaskar) and it flexes even more than usual, so much so that on the downstroke on my right hand crank arm the chainrings bend over and let the chain rub against the mech cage. Quite frankly, I can't wait until I get more money so I can shuck the LX and buy an XT. Nuff, said | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CW
a cross-country rider
from Burlington,vt
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It is VERY heavy but it is also strong as the dickens, with exception of the plastic cup. It doesn't spin as freely as XT or Race Face, but for 15-20 dollars it'll get you on the trail and keep you there til you can get a better one. I guess it would be a good spare to have around as well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jacob
a cross-country rider
from TORONTO, CANADA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
THis bottom bracket flexes like mad!!. It it creaked even when it was new. But it has lasted an entire season of riding. Give it a two. I jhdfg kdhf ks sks sks s THis review need s to be fifty words so this is gibberishskl skd s'lkha ';
SFHS FA; JSGFSLAKJ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BobC
a weekend warrior
from Ri
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Its a solid bb for about $16 M/O. But I had gotten it at the LBS for
$25 because I needed help on a chainline problem. Its smoother than
the LP-26 and LP-30 found on cost saving installs by the bike
manufacturers. Smooth. solid spindle with cromo body and threads.
The other side is the plastic thingy. But best to get Un72. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lancer
a weekend warrior
from Northridge, CA
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I upgraded to the XT in two of my bikes, the XT is cheap ($22), it saves
weight and is stronger. For the $10 difference between the
LX and the XT I can't think of any reason to consider the LX.
One chili for the LX and five for the XT. Too bad XT isn't posted
here too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
H.Bennett
a cross-country rider
from portsmouth, nh
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I went through 2 of the damned un52's in about three months. I upgraded to a xtr, mm950, for about 45.00 clams and love the smoothness of it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad
a downhiller
from WI
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I downhill on a hardtail and use these because they are a little fatter than the XT and they are a solid axle, not a see through. I go through about 5 a year, but they are worth the price, the best part is that if you get water inside your seat tube, they turn really neat orange color. compared to the hundred dollar TI options out there these things suck, but when they dump, just toss it and buy a new one | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clayton
a cross-country rider
from Carbondale IL
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
It develop a quarter inch of place the first time I used it trail riding and it starting making a metal to metal noise shortily there after this BB sucks! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a cross-country rider
from Baltimore
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
After a year, the bearings dropped in my un51. It was smooth while it lasted, but I expected to get more than I did out of it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alun Evans
a weekend warrior
from Swansea, Wales, UK
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I only got this BB because I got it dirt cheap - otherwise I'd do the sensible thing
and get a UN72 - the UN51 clicks like hell. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billie-Joe-Bob
a racer
from Hickville, USA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
It's a little heavy, but what do you want for $15?! It has the same smoothe
feel of an XT. If you've ever felt an LP-26, you know how smooth these are.
I think the only difference is that the XT is machined in the middle and
has an alloy non-drive side cup. Excellent for the price.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew Willis
a
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
It is very good. I have had it for over a year now, but it is totally stuck inside my frame. I, the bike shop and several of my friends were unable to get it out, but it still works just fine. Also, the spindle is bent, ajdusting my front derallur is very difficult. Overall it is preatty good. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
VTBOY
a cross-country rider
from burlington,VT,USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
LOW end very heavy and seems to lack durability under the heavy weights like me 225lbs, just got bake from a ride sounds creaky arond the crank think its the BB and the cheap white industries (sugino) crank combo. If you can upgrade get better I'm looking right now for something better to go with my new White Industries cold forged crank and rings anyone got some good advice for a good match let me know. I'll give it a two because I know from experience there is far worse shit on the market for suckers starteing out to get stuck with. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brendan Gunther
a cross-country rider
from McLean, Virginia
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The UN-51 works excellent and I've had it for two years. I'm a heavy rider (185 lbs). I'm an agressive rider and reckless sometimes. Overall, I give it a 4 because it works sweet but on the heavy side | | Overall Rating: |
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