Technical & Reference Section > Tech and Restoration

Whats the difference between a Euro and American BB

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madmaxusm:

--- Quote from: bridgecity on February 21, 2008, 08:10 PM ---this has all the details you need to know about a euro BB.  :)

http://www.bmxmuseum.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=30010

--- End quote ---

Excellent mate..thanks  :daumenhoch:

lodge:
If you have a choice for BMX dont go for a euro go for spanish or mid, euro BB's run small low profile bearings which are prone to premature failure. also the frame BB threads are easily damaged. Euro BB's work better with a crankset that runs outboard (Bigger) bearings such as shimano saint or DXR but these are only suitable for racing not freestyle.
Virtually all old skool frames have a USA BB. (yeah i know your head hurts)

Longun:
The way I had it explained to me was as follows;

US BB ie what's on most non-mini OS frames use the larger bearings with a bearing cup i.e the bearings dont press directly into the frame.
Mid - some NS frames. Same bearings as in the US set up but without the bearing cup.
Euro - lots of OS minis. Smaller bearings with threaded bearing cups
Spanish - Same bearings as Euro but press directly into the frame.

Does that sound about right?

SaMAlex:

--- Quote from: Longun on February 22, 2008, 10:19 AM ---Spanish - Same bearings as Euro but press directly into the frame.

Does that sound about right?

--- End quote ---


Spanish ARE NOT the same bearings as euro. They are bigger than euro bearings but (slightly) smaller than mid (or USA) bearing. They do fit directly into the frame like Mids, but the frame shell of a Spanish BB is bigger than a Euro BB.

Mid and Spanish are very close to each other functionaly, there is just some argument over which bearing size is easier to get hold of, esp for the larger spindle sizes.

bridgecity:
Dan's comp magazine has a great little write-up in the corner of the crank page.
Here is the info minus the pics:

American- The original BB for BMX also referred to as Pro size.  The bearing rests in a cup that is pressed into the frame.  The bearings are large and durable but typically heavier than other types.

European-  European BB's use small cups that thread into the frame, making installation easy.  Since the bearings are small, most Euro BB kits use four bearings to spread the load.

Spanish-  Spanish BB's use a bearing that presses directly into the frame without the use of a cup for a clean, flush look.  Spanish bearings are larger than the European bearings, but still smaller than an American bearing.

Mid- Mid BB's use an American sized bearing that presses directly into the frame without the use of a cup, leaving a flush fit.  The bearings are strong, but slightly heavier than Spanish bearings.

Personally, I've had some creaking issues with a Euro BB that required lots of grease to remedy.

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