Easton PF86 30mm Bottom Bracket :Smooth-running bearings and keeps the water out – what more could you want?

Smooth-running bearings and keeps the water out – what more could you want?

Smooth-running bearings and a creak-free fit are all you can ask from a BB, and that is what I'm getting from the Easton PF86 30mm Bottom Bracket. It looks to be well sealed, so longevity should help justify the price.

Pros: Smooth bearings

Cons: Large diameter inner sleeve might not work with internal cable guides

The Easton PF86 bottom bracket has been designed to work with its new EC90 SL cranks and 30mm spindle, which you can read my review of separately here. Don't worry if your bike isn't PF86 as all the other options are catered for too.

Easton says that it has developed a seal that achieves a low level of drag while still keeping the elements out, and even though the test period has been pretty dry I have been out in the rain as much as possible to check for water ingress and creaking of the cups in the frame.

So far, nothing to report after about 400 miles, but I'll see if I can run the setup long term and update the review if I have any issues.

Fitting was a pretty simple affair thanks to some detailed technical drawings from Easton. The only real issue for me was the fact that the inner sleeve is quite a large diameter and clashed with the internal guides inside my frame. Thankfully, if uncovered the spindle wouldn't get anywhere near the cables, so that was how I fitted it. It won't affect all frames but it is worth bearing in mind.

The only thing to question really is the price. Compare the Easton BB's ￡59.99 with the likes of Shimano's press-fit units coming in at around 20 quid, and you have to wonder why; after all, they are pretty reliable from personal experience. The Praxis M30 BB will set you back around ￡35 for a BB86 setup, although something similar from Hope is above ￡100.

As it stands I can't see any real issues with the Easton PF86 and I'm not really expecting that to change. I've had press-fit bottom brackets creak after one ride in the rain on some test bikes, and the fact that the Easton is still running quietly in my B'Twin Ultra CF frame gives me every confidence it'll stay that way.