Best Bottom Brackets for Bikes of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Bottom brackets are an essential component of a bike's drivetrain, connecting the pedals to the chain and allowing for smooth rotation of the crankset. There are various types of bottom brackets available on the market, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. They come in different sizes, shapes, and materials, and can be compatible with different types of bikes. Choosing the right bottom bracket can greatly affect the performance, durability, and overall feel of a bike. Here, we explore some of the best options available for those in need of a new or replacement bottom bracket.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SHIMANO BB RS501 Bottom Bracket Cups Cover #TOP 1
SHIMANO BB RS501 Bottom Bracket Cups
ftb score rating icon 9.9
SHIMANO BB-UN300 Bottom Bracket, 68mm Threaded Cover #TOP 2
SHIMANO BB-UN300 Bottom Bracket, 68mm Threaded
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SHIMANO BBR60 Bottom Bracket with Sealed Design Cover #TOP 3
SHIMANO BBR60 Bottom Bracket with Sealed Design
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Bottom Brackets for Bikes

#TOP 1

SHIMANO BB RS501 Bottom Bracket Cups

EBBRS501B
Multicolor
British thread
SHIMANO BB RS501 Bottom Bracket Cups Cover
SHIMANO Unisex Bbrs501b BB RS501 bottom bracket cups English thread cups, Black, British UK

The SHIMANO BB RS501 is a high-quality bottom bracket that enhances your bike's performance. Weighing only 93 grams, it is lightweight, making it easier for you to ride without unnecessary bulk. The easy installation feature allows you to set it up quickly, saving you time and effort. Its special seal construction ensures that dirt and moisture are kept out, prolonging the life of your bike components. With smooth performance, you can enjoy a more enjoyable and efficient ride on various terrains.

What We Like
High quality materials
Lightweight design
Easy to install
Durable seal construction
Smooth performance
#TOP 2

SHIMANO BB-UN300 Bottom Bracket, 68mm Threaded

EBBUN300B23X
Silver
One Size
SHIMANO BB-UN300 Bottom Bracket, 68mm Threaded Cover
SHIMANO BB-UN300 bottom bracket British thread, 68-122.5 mm (LL123), silver, One Size, EBBUN300B23X

The SHIMANO BB-UN300 is designed with a 68mm threaded shell, making it ideal for a wide range of bike frames. The BC 1.37 threading ensures compatibility with various cranksets, allowing for smooth pedalling performance. Its square taper design provides a secure fit, enhancing the overall stability of your bike. With a size of 68-122.5 mm, this bottom bracket offers the flexibility needed for different bike setups, making it a convenient choice for any cyclist.

What We Like
Easy installation
Compatible with many cranksets
Stable square taper design
Flexible size options
#TOP 3

SHIMANO BBR60 Bottom Bracket with Sealed Design

BBR60B
Black
One Size
SHIMANO BBR60 Bottom Bracket with Sealed Design Cover
SHIMANO Bottom Bracket BBR60-68mm English Thread.

The SHIMANO BBR60 Bottom Bracket features wider bearing placement and a larger axle diameter, providing improved stability and performance on your bike. The innovative seal design minimises the bearing interface, which helps to ensure a smoother ride. Additionally, the free high-efficiency rubber seals effectively keep out dirt, mud, and water, enhancing the longevity of the components. With a sealed cartridge assembly and oversized ball bearings, you can expect reduced weight, increased strength, and enhanced stiffness for a more enjoyable cycling experience.

What We Like
Wider bearing placement
Effective dirt and water sealing
Lightweight construction
Increased strength and stiffness
#TOP 4

SHIMANO BB MT501 Outboard Bearing Bottom Bracket Set

2092889311
Black
British thread
SHIMANO BB MT501 Outboard Bearing Bottom Bracket Set Cover
SHIMANO Unisex Bbmt501b BB MT501 outboard bearing bottom bracket set English thread 68 73 mm, Black, British UK

The SHIMANO BB MT501 is a reliable bottom bracket set designed for your bike. With its English thread compatibility, it fits frames with widths of 68 to 73 mm, ensuring a secure and stable installation. Weighing just 10 grams, it is lightweight, which contributes to an overall efficient ride. The compact package dimensions of 10 x 10 x 10 cm make it easy to store or transport, providing convenience for cyclists who are always on the go.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Compact packaging
Secure English thread compatibility
Stable installation
#TOP 5

SHIMANO XT Hollowtech II Bottom Bracket

IBBMT800B
Black
SHIMANO XT Hollowtech II Bottom Bracket Cover
SHIMANO XT Bottom Bracket for Bicycle Bearings, Black, L

The SHIMANO XT Bottom Bracket is designed for mountain biking, offering a reliable and efficient performance. Its Hollowtech II design means it is lightweight yet sturdy, allowing for smoother pedalling and better power transfer. With two items included in the package, you have everything you need for a straightforward installation. This bottom bracket enhances your cycling experience by providing durability and stability, ensuring you can tackle various terrains with confidence.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Smoother pedalling
Durable construction
Easy installation
#TOP 6

Connected Essentials Slip-Resistant Bike Mat

5060102373582
Black
One Size
Connected Essentials Slip-Resistant Bike Mat Cover
Bike Floor Protector Mat Slip-Resistant Exercise Bicycle Mat For Home & Garage, Hallway and Porch - 30x180cm Black by Connected Essentials

The Connected Essentials Bike Mat is designed to keep your floors clean and protected while storing your bike in various locations like your hallway or garage. Its high grip, non-slip backing ensures that the mat stays in place, preventing your bike from falling over and causing damage. Made from durable automotive carpet, it is easy to clean and resistant to stains, making maintenance a breeze. With optimal dimensions of 180cm by 30cm, this mat provides ample space for your bike without taking up too much floor area.

What We Like
Non-slip backing for stability
Durable and easy to clean
Compact dimensions save space
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 7

Truvativ SRAM GXP Team Bottom Bracket Cups

134610
Grey
Inglés
Truvativ SRAM GXP Team Bottom Bracket Cups Cover
Truvativ SRAM BB GXP Team Cups English Thread Including Bearings 73/68

The SRAM GXP Team Cups offer notable features for cycling enthusiasts. With gutter seal technology, you benefit from enhanced protection against dirt and debris, ensuring smoother performance. Weighing just 105g, these cups provide a lightweight option for your bike. The improved tool engagement makes installation and maintenance easier, allowing you to spend less time fixing and more time riding. Additionally, the sealed cartridge bearings enhance durability, offering you a reliable and smooth ride.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Enhanced protection
Easy installation
Durable bearings
#TOP 8

SHIMANO BB-MT501 English Bottom Bracket for MTB

EBBMT501B 12/15
Black
68/73mm
SHIMANO BB-MT501 English Bottom Bracket for MTB Cover
SHIMANO BB-MT501 English Bottom Bracket - English, 68/73mm, Fits Hollowtech II Spindle, Black

The SHIMANO BB-MT501 Bottom Bracket is designed specifically for mountain biking, ensuring compatibility with your MTB setup. Its English (BSA) threaded design makes installation straightforward and secure, so you can focus on your ride. The black aluminium threaded cups not only enhance durability but also provide a lightweight solution for your bike. This bottom bracket is tailored for use with Hollowtech II spindles, which means you get optimal performance and a smooth ride.

What We Like
Easy installation
Durable aluminium construction
Lightweight design
Compatible with MTB
Optimised for Hollowtech II
#TOP 9

FSA BB-4000 Omega Drive MegaExo Bottom Bracket

FSA
200-1893
Black
68 mm
FSA BB-4000 Omega Drive MegaExo Bottom Bracket Cover
FSA BB-4000 Omega Drive MegaExo Bottom Brackets - Black, 68 mm

The FSA BB-4000 Bottom Bracket features oversized cartridge bearings, which provide enhanced performance and durability. These bearings ensure a smoother ride, reducing friction and allowing for more efficient power transfer as you pedal. By using larger bearings, the design increases the overall strength and reliability of the bottom bracket, giving you confidence during your rides. Additionally, these bearings help in minimising maintenance, making it easier for you to enjoy your cycling experience without regular upkeep.

What We Like
Durable oversized bearings
Smoother ride experience
Efficient power transfer
Less maintenance required
#TOP 10

A ABSOPRO 40mm Bicycle Bearing Retainer Set

A ABSOPRO
fopro230817002380
A ABSOPRO 40mm Bicycle Bearing Retainer Set Cover
A ABSOPRO 40mm Crank Bearings Wheel Bicycle Bearing Retainer Set of 4

The A ABSOPRO Bearing Retainer is a durable replacement part designed specifically for your bicycle. Made from high-intensity steel, it features 20 balls and is suitable for head parts with a 33.5mm inner diameter. With an outer diameter of 40mm, this product ensures a precise fit, enhancing your bike's performance. You will appreciate its easy installation, as no special tools are required, making it a convenient choice for replacing broken components.

What We Like
Durable steel construction
Easy to install
Suitable for various bikes
High intensity for better performance
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does a bottom bracket on a bike do?

What is a bottom bracket? Your bottom bracket connects your cranks to your bike in such a way that they can rotate freely as you pedal and put power into the drivetrain. It is located in the bottom bracket shell which is where your frame's down tube, seat tube and chain stays all come together.

2. How do I know what bottom bracket fits my bike?

To find out the size of bottom bracket needed, measure the inside of the bottom bracket shell in your frame, it will be 73mm, 70mm or 68mm. Some older frames may have Italian threaded bottom brackets, instead of the more modern English.

3. Are bike bottom brackets universal?

This, in turn, improves the power transfer between rider and frame by reducing flex at the BB. However there are many different sizes and iterations according to manufacturer – BB30, PF30, BB90 ,PF86/92 to name but a few – and not all are interchangeable.

Editor's Notes

During our bottom bracket for bikes research, we found 306 bottom bracket for bikes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 12,804 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bottom brackets for bikes list. We found that most customers choose bottom brackets for bikes with an average price of £17.27.

The bottom brackets for bikes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bottom brackets for bikes, including SHIMANO, Connected Essentials, Sram Road, FSA, A ABSOPRO.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.