The 7 Best Bottom Brackets for All Kinds of Riders

Oct 26, 2023

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

Creaky bottom bracket? Swap it out with one of these user and critic favorites.

Despite the fact that they’re unseen and rarely thought about, bottom brackets are one of the most important parts of your bicycle. Without one, you wouldn't be able to get your drivetrain in motion, and you'd quite literally have a stationary bike. While the jury's still out on whether or not a bottom bracket could statistically make you a faster cyclist, a sluggish, croaky one is one way to tell if yours is in need of replacing. And unlike servicing other components on your bike, it's usually cheaper to just replace a bottom bracket as opposed to giving it a nice cleaning and grease job. If your bottom bracket is creaking, or if you’re just searching for ways to lighten up your ride, check out one of these bottom bracket upgrades.

Plenty of factors can make finding a bottom bracket a confusing endeavor. Here's what you need to know when shopping for bottom brackets.

Know Your Crankset and Frame Type

Your bottom bracket (BB) is an unseen component that connects your crank to your bicycle frame, providing the ability to power the drivetrain. It's inserted into your bicycle frame's bottom bracket shell, and typically includes bearings that help your crank's spindle rotate. Because every frame and crankset is different, replacing a BB requires some research to determine if a particular bottom bracket is right for your bicycle.

It's important to know your bottom bracket shell and spindle widths when purchasing a new BB. If you’re unsure if a bottom bracket will fit, refer to your manufacturer's website as a resource—most list which BBs are compatible with your frame. Bottom brackets will also sometimes come packaged with spacers to help get an exact fit, while adapters can also help.

You should also be mindful that some manufacturers require brand-specific tools in order to install a bottom bracket yourself, so if you plan on doing your own maintenance, ensure you have all of the necessary components. You may have to order a special tool from a manufacturer's website for installation.

Threaded bottom brackets are the most common for modern bikes. These are bottom brackets where threads are cut into the frame's bottom bracket shell, and bearing cups are then threaded into the shell. BSA/English bottom brackets, which have counterclockwise threading, are most often seen today. The less-common Italian threading, which is threaded clockwise, can also be purchased, however. Threaded BBs have the widest range of compatibility with cranksets.

Press-fit bottom brackets are directly placed into a frame's bottom bracket shell and are often made with more affordable parts. These usually require special tools to be installed. Press-fit BBs have a reputation for making creaky noises over a shorter amount of time than threaded models, but that may not always be the case. It should also be noted that modern threaded bottom brackets, while advertised as such, are often bearings that have been press-fit into cups.

We researched and consulted several lists from professional critics, in addition to various Reddit and message board threads, for the most recommended and top-rated bottom brackets that money can buy. We then took a look through hundreds of user reviews from retailers like Amazon and Backcountry and compared ratings, read through complaints, and studied what makes a solid bottom bracket. The results of this list are a combination of the most raving user and professional reviews, and the top user ratings across retailers.

For more great ways to upgrade your bike, check out our picks for the best bike fenders, handlebars, and bike stems.

Key Specs

The BBR60 is a solid bottom bracket replacement known to be as reliable as any other Shimano item money can buy.

It's a lightweight component that features smooth, small bearings, is backed by a 3-year warranty, and claims to reduce rotational friction by 50 percent. The steel bearings are also equipped with Shimano's reliable sealing technologies, which prevent the elements from damaging the component.

Keep in mind that installing this bottom bracket will require a new Shimano Hollowtech II tool due to its smaller threaded cups. The BBR60, however, includes a plastic tool adapter that makes for compatible installation with older Hollowtech II tools. Reviewers on Amazon say this TL-FC25 adapter works just fine.

Key Specs

While it's not the most affordable, the ThreadFit 24 Bottom Bracket is definitely one of the flashiest and best on the market.

American manufacturer Chris King is known for producing long-lasting bicycle components, and its BB is simple to service and likely to outlast cheaper options that wear out over time. This is all due to its anodized components, which provide some corrosion resistance, as well as an eye-catching shiny finish.

Oh, and just in case you’re worried about that price: The Threadfit also comes with a lifetime warranty. Keep in mind, however, that this bottom bracket will require a fit kit to fit your specific swindle and crank.

Key Specs

This press-fit BB from Wheels Manufacturing is built for heavy-duty riding and is compatible with most 24mm cranksets. It features angular contact bearings, which have a higher speed rating than radial bearings. This press-fit BB also has two aluminum cups that stabilize and increase bearing life.

It also solves annoying creaking, according to reviewers. It's sealed with silicone, which protects the BB from any grime and dirt you’ll experience on the road, resulting in less maintenance.

Key Specs

British manufacturer Hope is known for producing reliable BBs that can withstand harsh weather, which makes this model a perfect option for those who need something durable to pair with their mountain bike. This threaded BB has stainless steel bearings that are double sealed via O-rings to ward away the elements, while a free-running labyrinth seal will protect bearings externally.

This piece also has direct contact with the crankset's axle, which means the need for spacers is out the window. Just note that Hope requires a specific tool for installation, depending on your spindle width.

Key Specs

Bottom brackets with ceramic bearings are tougher and require less energy to use than their steel counterparts. This BB from ACER Racing is one of the more affordable options out there for buying ceramic. It provides a more efficient transfer of power, reducing drag dramatically, and also comes in a striking anodized red. This is great for those who have Shimano and Sram cranksets and are looking to try ceramic at a lower cost than what Chris King offers.

Key Specs

If you’ve got an old Italian bicycle, you’re going to need to replace its BB with one that's Italian-threaded. This option from Shimano will do the job. This bottom bracket is durable and serviceable, with updated seals that will give you a quieter ride and reduce drag. Reviewers say that this bottom bracket is a very easy installation and provides a creak-free ride, while others love it for its affordable price.

Key Specs

This BB from Sram features the brand's proprietary Gutter Seal Technology, which is guaranteed to improve sealing against the elements while dramatically reducing seal drag and friction. It comes packaged with extra spacers just in case you need some, plus it's super lightweight compared to other bottom brackets on this list. An Amazon favorite, plenty of reviewers say it's very easy to install on their frame, the quality is excellent, and it's surprisingly durable.

Kevin Cortez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, Bicycling, and Runner's World. A culture and product journalist for over nine years, he's covered everything from men's fashion and sneakers to e-bikes and video games. He was most recently the style editor for a leading product-recommendation site, and previously covered the music and podcasting industries at Mass Appeal and The A.V. Club. In his spare time, he walks his perfect little dog, Cash, and reads graphic novels. He has also written for Leafly, Input, Vulture and Genius.

Battle of the E-Cargo Bikes

The Best Father's Day Cycling Gifts

Fezzari's Veyo Balances Performance and Value

The Best Ways to Store Your Bike

The Best Bicycle Locks for Every Scenario

The Best Bike Is the One You Give Away

18 Best Electric Bikes for Every Rider

The 10 Best Bikepacking Bags for Every Adventure

The Best Cycling Gear From REI's Memorial Day Sale

The Best Memorial Day Sales for Cyclists

The Best Bike Is One That Takes You on an Adventur

How to Clean Your Hydration Pack Bladder