Submitted by
matt wittler
a
from rough and ready Date Reviewed: July 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
downieville polly creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$46.00
Purchased At:
tour of nevada city
Strengths:
strong, rebuildable (if you know what your doing), they last longer than most.
Weaknesses:
they are heavier than road bb's, which last just as long, they don't come short enough for most 2x9 applications. they are expensive if you ride in muddy conditions, then again all bb's will wear fast.
Similar Products Used:
dura ace, fsa (everyone they make) and i broke one in half. race face bb's,
Bike Setup:
kelly delux, sid wc, 2x9 drive train with xo, and carbon crank.
Bottom Line:
if you need a bottom bracket that flat out works, and will work for a while. this is a good buy. it's not as heavy as some of the other shimano's
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vince
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
San Juan
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Light, clean, initially smooth
Weaknesses:
* seals are not reliable * had to be replaced before 1 year mark * Shimano considers it normal wear and won't warranty it. Bike was not used in wet rain riding or abnormal conditions. My old Specialized crank bb & 4 year old XT bottombrackets lasted longer then this!!! Bad design - either build it 100% sealed or make it more servicable.
Similar Products Used:
XT bb, specialized bb, etc.
Bike Setup:
full XTR minus brakes
Bottom Line:
Raceface, Truv would be my next choice - until Shimano either steps up on warranty or makes a better BB. Pretty lame of Shimano for a $400 MSRP crankset up. WEAK..
Too bad you can't give negative chili's.. This would be a negative 10 on the bb. Though the cranks are sweet. But sweet cranks with a lame bb - is not a good setup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bellulla Bob
a Racer
from Rhode Island Date Reviewed: January 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$46.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
It spins (for a while)
Weaknesses:
Seals suck big time; not so rebuildable; doesn't tolerate wet weather...brakes down beyond repair
Bike Setup:
Tracer
Bottom Line:
this BB sucks. Use for less than a season, before it started to have play. Brought to my lbs to have it cleaned and serviced and it was beyond repair. When they opened it up, a full cup of rusted water came pooring out - the seals let water in, but not out! Its a good thing they don't make it anymore....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hon Lung
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong, China Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
X country in dark tunnel
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
CC
Strengths:
Shimano XTR BB M950 :
- Needle rollers can support very heavy radial load. - Ball rollers helps to eliminate the axial play. (Radial load and the axial load was support by different rolling element so it can eliminate any rolling resistance due to axial preload) - Better appearance. - Can be disassembly for maintenance (where M952 cannot)
Weaknesses:
- Difficult to adjust its lateral alignment.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR BB M952
Bike Setup:
Full Dynamix Olympic Frame, RockShox SID RACE Carbon fork, Crossmax UST Disc, Hope Mini Disc Brake.
Bottom Line:
Suitable for a DIY rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John-Jacob-Jingleheimer Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara, CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The dirt one with lots 'o' rocks.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Scene
Strengths:
Stiff, Rebuildable, Light and Serviceable. I like Serviceable.
Weaknesses:
You actually need to know how to properly adjust and maintain a bike or have a good mechanic.
Similar Products Used:
Square taper stuff. Hey, when I bought it thats all there was.
Bike Setup:
Seven Sola with parts and stuff. Hi Chuck!
Bottom Line:
Wow! First of all there are 2 XTR BBs: The cartridge M952 and the Original M950. I have the original M950. I've had this thing for 4 years! It's been in four different frames!Every now and the I add grease and readjust it and not only does it still work, but it works great! If you cannot properly adjust bearings buy the 952. If you can and you want the stiffer (needle and ball bearings) lighter version, spead more for the M950. Wow, sums it up well. If you're gonna complain about difficult setups don't buy top of the line. 4 years, 1 BB = Good value to me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duncan Blake
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne Date Reviewed: November 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lysterfield/Moab...multiple
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Strengths:
Lightweight, Engineeringly sound, Nicely finished
Weaknesses:
Price, Practically unsound, Hard to adjust
Similar Products Used:
UN 52, UN 72, UN 92, Sweet Parts (Road)
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX LE, Hope Hydraulics, 2000 SID SL's, etc....
Bottom Line:
This BB is a good setup for those with good mechanical know-how, but has the unfortunate problems of working loose the cups and the crank fixing bolts. Loctite may fix these. The sealing of the system is pitiful and requires an immaculately clean setup to avoid any graty noises. the cups remain in good condition, but the axle pits, suggesting that the cro-moly used is not as hard as good polished/shot-peened alum cups?!?!? The set up would be far better with a cartridge setup as the alum lockrings do not tolerate a lot of tightening and loosening before rounding off the corners....oh and buy a quality C-Spanner. Cannot wait to see if ISIS beats it Oh....when working well this setup is brilliant, pity it is not for the amateur mechanic
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John McKenzie
a Cross Country Rider
from Chino Hills, CA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
poor attention to detail, This should be a sealed unit from all the elements.
Bottom Line:
This is some low end c r a p. Squeaks, Creaks, and clicks. Yea you can rebuild it but it always comes back.
Don't buy one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clarence
a Weekend Warrior
from timmins Date Reviewed: September 16, 2000
I had the sealed xtr b.b version and was annoyed when I could not open them up after they got contaminated and developped play after only a couple of months. With the m950 b.b. you get a lighter unit, needle bearings for additional stiffness, plus they are maintainable. I've opened them up about twice a year to clean and regrease them and changed one of the bearing races once because of a cavity (they are removable). If B.B.s were made waterproof they would not be able to rotate. Sealed B.B.s are not sealed, they are just relatively sealed. I prefer maintainable B.B.s because if water or other contaminants enter I can fix it. I also regularily check the B.B.s adjustment when the crankarms are installed by adjusting the tension ring. Works great in conjunction with the XTR crank. Stiff... great power transfer. Good performance for the cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kelly
a Weekend Warrior
from SF.CA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
who cares
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Doesn't matter; got used
Strengths:
It's an Ultegra, not an XTR
Weaknesses:
It's an Ultegra, not an XTR
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bike Setup:
Dope ass connondale with dual disks and a lefty
Bottom Line:
Splined is cool but I had a creak I coudln't identify. Anyway, go for raceface, but use Shimano BBs if you know what's good for you. I love the turbine LPs for their machining more than anything. Give props to RaceFace, even if their bearings aren't up to par.
K
profeign@hotmail.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: August 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Colorado trail @ Buffalo Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
This is for the M950 model. * Light * Can be serviced * Stiff * Splines
Weaknesses:
* Has to be serviced * Crank bolts won't stay put unless you use locktite * Requires non-standard BB tool to remove
Similar Products Used:
Other shimano BB's.
Bike Setup:
1999 Specialized FSR XC S-Works with XTR/XT/Specialized house brand parts.
Bottom Line:
The M950 came stock on my FSR XC and I had some problems immediately. The crank bolts wouldn't stay tight on the drive side causing my cranks (Specialized S-Works) to come loose within 100 miles. This is a problem when you are 15 miles out and don't have a wrench to tighten the cranks. Using locktite (blue) on the bolts seemed to fix this problem. The serviceablity of the BB is a cool feature and a problem. The seals didn't seem to keep the water out very well and after about 500 miles BB was due for a serious overhaul. Pulled it out and found out the bearing races were pitted on the drive side. Once the races are pitted you are screwed. Ended up buying the new M952 XTR BB which has sealed bearings and can be installed using a standard shimano BB tool. Down side of the M952 is it is heavier by about 20-30 grams. The bottom line is the M950 BB is not the best thing Shimano has built due to it's service requirements. In my opinion a BB should be maintenance free. If you are deciding between the M950 or M952 buy the M952 and take the slight weight penalty in favor of no maintenance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Gilroy Date Reviewed: May 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Demonstration Forest, Aptos
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light weight One of two BB that will fit the XTR Crank
Weaknesses:
Older Version has bad seals making everything within rust and worn out. It was on the verge of seizing before I replaced it.
Similar Products Used:
XT BB, World Class BB, White BB
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Carbon Sweetspot XTR all around
Bottom Line:
The old version has bad seals which will give you nothing but problems down the line. Mine was on the verge of seizing before I replaced it with the Newer version (M952) XTR BB.
The newer version is more like an XT BB with the fully sealed body. I forsee no problems with the new version.
Stay away from the older version which has the cheap clear plastic sleave covering the body. The rating is based on the newer version, otherwise I'd give the older version 1 flippin pepper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cjm
a Cross Country Rider
from Clear Lake, TX Date Reviewed: April 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The only BB that is compatible with an XTR crank.
Weaknesses:
Damaged after 1 year of moderate use.
Similar Products Used:
Several Shimano BBs.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F700
Bottom Line:
The BB locked-up to the point where it could hardly be turned by hand without the crank. During rebuild, some of the ball bearings came loose and their track was actually scarred. I was dissapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spunky Trumpet
a Cross Country Rider
from Great Britain Date Reviewed: March 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Soqeul Demo Forest, Santa Cruz
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Bottom Line:
The old XTR BB (pre '99) was the biggest pile of arse I've yet seen from Shimano. I could go on about the need to strip, clean and regrease or the fact that doing so repeatedly actually wore down the splines of the LH crank enough to make it loose, but that would be pointless.
There is a new selaed BB out now, it's great, fit it and forget it.
Rating reflects average of old and new style
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross-Country Rider
from The Netherlands Date Reviewed: January 9, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
- high quality 'feel' - Smooth (when new) - light
Weaknesses:
- fiddly to set-up - bad seals
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Sealed BB's (BB91)
Bike Setup:
Hard tail
Bottom Line:
After 2000 miles the axle is pitted and has rust on it. The rubber seals just don't seem to work. I'm now looking for a sealed cartridge wich matches the XTR-crank.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demo Forest
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Smooth, stiffness with splined spindles..... light weight
Weaknesses:
ummm...nothin yet
Similar Products Used:
stupid BB's
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper M2 Comp, XTR/XT, Avid 2.0
Bottom Line:
So far these things are smooth and light. Threw on some CODA Tarantulas w/ the BB and am very impressed! Recommmended as a more affordable upgrade than all XTR. CODA/XTR = same weight than all XTR drivetran. :-)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derick
a Cross-Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
click-click-click-click-click seals? what seals? maintenance
Similar Products Used:
DX, LX, XT, Klein proprietary BB.
Bike Setup:
True North (ckeck out the review)
Bottom Line:
2 BBs in 6 months and I take care of my BB! I religiously clean and repack my BB after every muddy ride, and about once every two weeks if not riding in muddy conditions. I currently have the M950 BB. Still, each of my two XTR BBs creaked and the first one seized! I will be switching to the XTR M952 BB next time round. Apparently, it's sealed. We'll have to wait and see! 3 stars for the weight.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike-m
a Racer
from mnila Date Reviewed: September 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Weight
Weaknesses:
Mud/water seals
Similar Products Used:
Dura ace(stupid design too), XT,LX,105 Ive road and mtb
Bike Setup:
Super V
Bottom Line:
DON'T BUY THIS IF: YOU RIDE ON MUDDY TRACKS, RAINING AND USING OTHER CRANKS (OF COURSE) BUY THIS IF: WHY? YOU'LL BE REPACKING THIS EVERYTIME YOU GET CAUGHT BY RAIN. YOU HAVE TIME TO DO THIS OR ITLL BE A JUNK. CHECK-OUT THE 99 /2000 MODELS, THEIR ALL SEALED. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR CHOICE.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ike
a Racer
from New Mexico Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
wouldn't you like to know
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
easy to install, looks spiffy
Weaknesses:
Sealed, preventing maint.
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR, duraAce,
Bike Setup:
ti frame, xtr gruppo
Bottom Line:
'99 XTR BB held up well for 7 mos. Unbelieveable squeak and click from within sealed cartridge. Removed BB, cleaned threads, re-lubed, reinstalled with 600 inlbs. Still creaks, super annoying, though probably doesn't affect performance. XTR quality? Nope. 100% Shimano engineering. P.S., never exposed to mud, live in the desert.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Miller
a Racer
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: July 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wintergreen trails, Virginia
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Super light but most importantly, the tines make it ultra rigid. Must better then the regular BB setup that always tended to creak. (plus it's just a better means to connect crank arms to the bike.)
Weaknesses:
Could be better sealed to keep grit out. The resulting situation promotes rapid wear on the spindle. In just one season, the spindle had two small grooves worn into it.
Similar Products Used:
White Industries Ti BB. Shiman XT BB.
Bike Setup:
97 GT Team LTS. Judy SL/Full XTR.
Bottom Line:
Light, easy to install, beautifully engineered. I love EXR Stuff.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FAT BOY
a Cross-Country Rider
from Highland Lakes Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
smooth when clean
Weaknesses:
not smooth when dirty or wet
Similar Products Used:
LX/XT
Bike Setup:
Cannondal CAAD3 w/ Manitou SX TI & XTR
Bottom Line:
Not very impressed, I bought this BB because I had to with XTR cranks. Sometimes I wish I bought RF. I got it fairly cheap, $39 on price match with Performance and it worked fairly well for about a yr. Then the creaking started, I took it apart and relubed it but that lasted only a couple of months. I am about to buy Dura-Ace or possibly new XTR. I think it is now sealed. I just don't think this product is on par with XTR level.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eddieM
a Cross-Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA Date Reviewed: June 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demo.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, servicable
Weaknesses:
needed to run XTR cranks poorly sealed
Similar Products Used:
UN72, Race Face
Bike Setup:
S.C. SL, Z1, XTR
Bottom Line:
I ran this BB(98xtr)for about 6 months before a total bike teardown/cleaning was needed, wherein I found that my scrawny little 130lbs bent the hollow axle. No big crashes, but I pushed it hard up and down the mountain. Still I'm little compared to most riders. Big guys beware.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Some K H
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
All trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great, 1st time design Spline rules ! Vs Taper 4 needle bearings arrangement Light
Weaknesses:
Not as water-proof as expected Expensive Can only be used with 98 & onwards XTR
Similar Products Used:
Non ; the closest is CODA but that's not widely available !
Bike Setup:
TREK 8500 SL with XT MERLIN XLM with XTR
Bottom Line:
An amazing product to say the least!May not be as water-proof. The grease within turned black upon inspection. Yet there's no creaking at all !!! Unlike many other top-end bb. Upon regreasing, it works like NEW !!! Amazing... Get one!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross-Country Rider
from CA Date Reviewed: June 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
East Goverment Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
ultra-smooth strong flex-free sealed the letters XTR light splined
This BB is light as they come (not including Ti crap). It's perfect for FS riders because the ball and needle bearings make it extremely smooth, I've noticed my pedal stroke is much smoother resulting in better climbing with less pogoing. I'm really hard on mine and never feel a bit of flex or play. It's sealed much better then my old XT which makes me feel good about riding in the dusty, sometimes rainy area I live in. Finally, the design is splined so you can maintain it hundreds of times without wearing down the standard square axle found on 99% of BB's out there. As for the XTR crankset it's designed for, I've never felt a better setup in my life.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Piwoslaw
a Weekend Warrior
from Piastow, Poland Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Weight
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Alivio BB
Bike Setup:
'96 Trek 850
Bottom Line:
Replaced alivio BB when axle started started to rattle. Bought XTR BB with normal (not splined) axle at half price. Almost half the weight if alivio and much better pedaling.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T.R.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Germany Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
The XTR is a very lightweight and durable bottom bracket, which offers good seals and works without problems when you install it correctly. It offers much technical stuff, like the hollow very stiff cromoly spindle and the bearing technique. The bearing technique is excellent it uses two bearings on each side.
Weaknesses:
It's a bit difficult to install it without having play in the bearings. You have to install it carefully and with much grease. Take care about the play, to check this out, move the cranks sidewards. If you only detect minimal play you have to reinstall the bottom bracket. Moreover it can be necessary to re-adjust the bearing play after the first 200km. After 200km my XTR-bottom bracket makes creaking noises, I checked it out and detected bearing play in the bottom bracket. I re- adjusted the bottom bracket and it works without problems or creaking noises till today.
Similar Products Used:
I tried some Ti-bottom brackets like Tune and FAG, but they did not convince me. The Ti spindles were very weak.
Bike Setup:
Full XTR-equiped bike.
Bottom Line:
In my opinoin the XTR bottom bracket is a very durable bottom bracket, which is lightweight too. The installation is difficult and you have to do it very carefully, if you want a well working bottom bracket. Therefore I give it only four of five stars.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from Boone, NC Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
weight stiff
Weaknesses:
bolts cost spacers
Similar Products Used:
UN-52
Bike Setup:
CAAD4 with Coda Trantula crankset
Bottom Line:
update to my earlier review: actually a good BB once you work out all of the bugs...you have to use some red locktite on the bolts so they don't loosen themselves
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
squish
a Weekend Warrior
from redfield, sd Date Reviewed: March 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
draper lake oklahoma
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
incredibly light...i find it to be very well sealed...i don't know what these other people are talking about bad seals...i just finished riding my bike through the wet south dakota winter...water above the top of the rim...spraying every where...i didn't find a speck of dirt or a drop of water in the bottom bracket...i also find it to be virtually silent...and silky smooth...another quality part from shimano...oh yea...almost forgot...it's rebuildable...big plus considering the nearest shop is 40 miles away...
Weaknesses:
expensive...
Similar Products Used:
none come even close
Bike Setup:
gary fisher big sur with full xtr drivetrain
Bottom Line:
great product...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a weekend warrior
from Boone, NC Date Reviewed: March 8, 1999
Bottom Line:
I have the XTR BB on my CAAD4 framset with the Coda Tarantual crankset (see review). I am a big rider and I have had a few problems with this BB. It requires quite a bit of upkeep to keep running effectively. It is also quite noisy and tends to creak under heavy pedaling (I am also six three and 250 lbs). I also had a problem with the crank bolts unthreading themselves but I applied some blue loctite and have had no more problems. On the plus side, it is incredibly light. If you are considering a spline drive then you may wish to look into either a Dura Ace or an Ultegra BB. Overall I can only give 2 Chillis.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a racer
from Calgary Date Reviewed: March 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
These things are awful, though they get better every year. The 1997 seals did absolutely nothing, the 1998 seals do only slightly more. You have to repack these things after EVERY wet ride. They'll be full of water everytime you do. Even in the dry, they don't last long between servicings. Shimano actually recommends servicing the very similar Dura-ace version every 400km (less than biweekly for the average roadie) and that's on the road. Thankfully, the 1999 will be a sealed unit because the cranks are really nice.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Cressy
a weekend warrior
from Burton-on-trent, England Date Reviewed: February 2, 1999
Bottom Line:
I don't know what everyones problem is with this BB it is light, smooth and I've had no problems with mine. I've heard none of the squeaks that people are complaining about, They must have installed it wrong because mines been lake jumped many times and never been serviced yet.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erich
a racer
from boulder Date Reviewed: January 24, 1999
Bottom Line:
I am as hard on equipment as anyone and have been riding this bottom bracket for two years without problems. If you do have problems you probably did not install it correctly.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a cross-country rider
from So. Cal Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999
Bottom Line:
What gives with the one chili slammn' reviews on this?I am 220 lbs. and get in about 50 miles a week...more in the summer. I have had my XTR BB for 10 months and have not had one iota of a problem. No squeaks at all and still spins free like the day I bought it. I usually do my own work, but I bought my frame and BB the same day so the shop installed it for free. I can only assume that the people having problems are due to improper setup.Low cost, low weight, no problems. What more do you want in a BB? Five slammn' chilis to the one chili fools.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Bustamante
a cross-country rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
I went through two XTR BB in 1997 so I decided to make sure that I was staying on top of the third one. I remove the BB every two or three months. Depending on how much riding I do. Words of warning for anyone who purchases a pre-99 XTR BB....this little piece requires a lot of maintanence. If you're not sure about working on your BB dont purchase the pre 99 models. On the plus side, XTR BB is very light. You be the judge! Since it's not a reliable as the lower end Shimano BB's I'm giving it a 3 rating only because I have had problems with the current one. Of course would cost me a bundle if I had to take it the the local bike shop every two to three months. So........beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Uncle Tallboy
a racer
from Mountain View, CA Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
For '99 XTR is now a cartridge BB. Not adjustable or rebuildable, but maybe that's a good thing - simple, better seals. 185g on a digital scale and around $40 list price - only works with XTR cranks. Works with 68 or 73mm shell. It's spaced for 73mm, if you have a 68mm BB there are two supplied 2.5mm spacers - one for each side. Also - if you use a '99 XTR BB with pre '99 cranks you have to change out a little circlip on the crank so that it doesn't rub against the seal on the BB (new thinner circlip comes with BB).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry
a weekend warrior
from Long Island Date Reviewed: December 14, 1998
Bottom Line:
At 215 lbs. I was looking for a crankset and BB that could handle my weight. A guy at the LBS told me that I can't go wrong with XTR so, I bought the Cro Mo BB. What a mistake!!! It was the worst decision I have ever made. On the flats everything was OK but on the hills the BB SUCKED!!! Snap....Crackle.....Pop....Creak.....Creak....Creak. I couldn't believe this was XTR, I was so disappointed and upset. The Cranks were OK...There hubs are great, but DON'T buy the BB. Especially if you weigh over 200 lbs. I warning you!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin
a cross-country rider
from Maryland Date Reviewed: December 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
Went through two of these in less than 6 months. Both rusted out. I have to be honest I didnt really stay on top of maintaining them.....but two in 6 months. I have since gone to Ultegra. This is splined but has a more traditionaly sealed B.B. like the rest of Shimano. It has been over 6 months and no problem. They were supposed to come out with an xt splined B.B. and crank but obviously decieded not to. Oh well.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
XTR LUVER
a
from JAPAN Date Reviewed: October 26, 1998
Bottom Line:
i have never had an xtr on my bike, but my friend has.he luvs itcan stand to see the low rating for good ol xtr.the rest of XTR is good so this shouldmt
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
degear
a cross-country rider
from nyc Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
This BB is the worst bit of shit made. XTR is supposed to be the best but this thing just plian sucks. I have had it four months and had to regrease the blank blank thing twice. This last time it lasted through three days of light riding before it started to make more noise then a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. The cranks and shifters rule. the BB however is junk in its purest form. Come on after maket make a real BB I can use. shimano can't!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Turner
a weekend warrior
from MI Date Reviewed: September 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
XTR BB - Very noisy, creaks, clunks, creaks, and clunks as my massive 30 thighs power this tinker-toy of a BB along the road. Well, what do you think it does on trails! This thing is so noisy, co-riders wonder what the heck is wrong with my new bike. Everything is tight -- guess all those negative reviews were accurate after all...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anton
a cross-country rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: September 17, 1998
Bottom Line:
I got this BB because I got the XTR cranks. Its really smooth and not too big of a pain to install and maintain. BUT it does require maintenance. IF you want a BB that is easy and requires no work, look elsewhere. It would be nice if shimano would make a sealed bearing version that fit the new XTR cranks. At least it's not that expensive, and I guess its rebuildable so thats cool.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from Rome, NY Date Reviewed: September 3, 1998
Bottom Line:
Very light bottom bracket, conventional taper BBs can't even come close in the weight department. I was a little concerned with durability when I bought it. I weigh over 200 lbs and have been known to plant a chainring or two into fallen logs. That said I have had no problems what so ever. The seals work very well, I rode this beast through the winter's rain, snow and salt; and still haven't found any contamination of the bearings or grease. I do regrease every 3 months or so and this is worth while. The last rebuild I closely inspected the bearings and cups and found no wear!! I strongly recommend this BB and crank. A cartridge type bearing would make more sense for a MTB though, but still a 4 chili product as long as you care for it.
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Submitted by
degear
a cross-country rider
from usa Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998
Bottom Line:
I keep reading all the bad reviews for this bb and I can't understand it. I have beat the hell out of my xtrbb/cranks with out a problem. In fact if I have to complian about anything it would be that xtr front derialler which is always going out of ajustment. My bb has not given me any problems though I not sure how much longer this will be the case after reading all these negative reviews.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas
a cross-country rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: August 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
This XTR BB was way over engineered and it flat out sucks. This is like the first XTR cassettes that Shimano screwed the lg. cogs on with blue loctite and of course they came apart. The next generation was riveted together. Now, this BB has inner races that aren't even press-fit and they come loose and rattle all over the place. Shimano says that's okay, but ever since mine was new it was impossible to get the play out - unless I tightened up the cones so tight that the crank arms wouldn't spin freely more than a half turn. Funny how they say it's an installation problem but the 1999 XTR BB will be cartridge like Ultegra. Gee, do they realize that the current XTR BB sucks or what!?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a racer
from Michigan Date Reviewed: August 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
Great, no, but it's not as bad as everyone says. The newer 98's are staying a lot more clean I've found. Plus, they are user serviceable which is nice. They are a bit tricky to install and adjust, but IMO worth it to use the sweet as hell cranks. I've also have a friend using the Ultegra, and it seems to work a tad better, but the XTR is not too bad. The price has come down too, which helps.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Freddy Edgemon
a racer
from Chattanooga, TN Date Reviewed: August 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
This bottom bracket flat out sucks! I'm on my second one. It seems like I have to take it apart every ten rides cause it has so much resistance behind it. I love the crank and rings, but the bottom bracket! I've had the cheaper XT model and it's perfect! I'll have to try the Ultegra bottom bracket. And if that doesn't work, I'll go to the Race Face Crank and bottom bracket. I'll give it a -100 stars! Shimano's lucky, it only goes down to 1.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ross McBryde
a cross-country rider
from Alabama Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have to say that I am completely disapointed with the splined XTR bottom bracket. I have been riding for thirteen years and this is the worst hight end bottom bracket I have ever owned. I am on my third one in 18 months. The seals appear to be the main problem. Each one I replaced was loaded with dirt. I have recently heard that alot of riders are using the Ultegra. I will try that one in a few months.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HB
a cross-country rider
from Albuquerque, NM Date Reviewed: June 23, 1998
Bottom Line:
2 stars only. It's respectably light and it has reasonably minimal resistance. On 2 different brand new premium ti frames I've noticed that it refuses to hold a quality line and squecks and howls misserably despite multiple adjustments and lubes. After psclyling for 35 years I can say that I've spun a lot of bottom brackets. Your drivetrain and brakes are excellent. Your bottom bracket sucks, I am TOTALLY unimpressed. Shimano you should be able to do better.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martijn de Glopper
a weekend warrior
from Amsterdam, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: June 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
Well, it happened to me too. This so called high-end top of the bill whatche me call it bottom bracket has not died on me yet but I thought it never would, untill the mechanic of my local bikeshop told me that the movingrings , i don't know for sure how to mention them, had worn out. Especially on the left side. I was stunned because i thought i had bought the best there is and read maintenance free on it. So it turns out it's not. I have send it back to the headquarters of Shimano in the Netherlands and hope they come up with and fitting solution.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Edwin Hulsman
a cross-country rider
from Eindhoven,Holland Date Reviewed: May 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
I am using the XTR-bottem bracket for 7 months now and I had several problems with it. For five times now my mecanic from the store I always visit reajusted the bracket because it came loose. So after all you can say that I'm not very happy whit it. My advice: replace the XTR-bottem bracket for an Ultegra one from the new '98 nine speed groupset. This is a cartridge bottem bracket, so that will solve the problems. At least I hope so.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lancer
a weekend warrior
from Northridge, CA Date Reviewed: April 30, 1998
Bottom Line:
I just put in a UN 91 XTR bottom bracket. This is the non-Ti and will work with LX, XT and Sugino cranks. Because this is an older XTR model, Cambria is blowing out 68 x 113s for $30, only slightly higher than XTs. If you are looking for a light,high quality sealed BB, consider the XTR 91.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr. Hanky
a weekend warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: March 31, 1998
Bottom Line:
This bottom bracket sucks. Requires too much maintenance, its seals blow. Mine died after only six months. Too bad this is the only bb available for the xtr crankset, which i love. the only good thing this bb has going for it is its price, it is dirt cheap, so I guess that ain't so bad.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Moore
a cross-country rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: March 16, 1998
Bottom Line:
Can't really complain too much about about this bottom bracket (UN-92?). Ran smoothly for about 2 seasons with no service. I was a little dissapointed when it died, since I have had UN-51's that lasted longer. I replaced it with a raceface, which has run quite nicely for about 6 months now...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Noah
a racer
from Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: February 21, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've run one for about 7 months now, just took it out of the frame the other day, and it spun as smoothly as new. This is after about 4 races, and a ton of pretty muddy northeast riding. BB performance is pretty much black and white, either it works or it doesn't, and this one works.
Overall Rating:
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