BOTTOM BACKETS

Press-fit bottom brackets get a lot of flak for not being as simple to install, service and remove as their threaded counterparts. But that’s only if you don’t have the right tools. The real trouble is there are so many so-called ‘standards’ to the dimensions and designs press-fit BBs come in that the right tool is often brand specific. With a suitable cup press, all you need to do is ensure you’re applying pressure to the body of the bearing (the metal outer ring). Apply pressure to the unsupported centre section and you risk damaging the all-important bearings.

Threaded bottom brackets are simpler at first glance but similarly lack cross-brand compatibility – Shimano bottom brackets require Shimano-compatible tools and the same goes for Campag, FSA, Rotor, Race Face and all the others. Which is all very well until you build up a stable of bikes with different groupsets and finally get around to servicing their drivetrains…

RECOMMENDED PARK TOOL HHP-3 HOME MECHANIC BEARING CUP PRESS, £69.99 BBT-30.4 BOTTOM BRACKET TOOL SET £39.99

The BBT-30.4 is a neat way to knock out BB bearings without damaging your frame, while the HHP-3 is a simplified version of Park Tools’ pro-level BBP1.

BUDGET OPTION HOPE PF41 BOTTOM BRACKET INSTALLATION TOOL £45.99

Hope’s Lancashire-made bottom bracket press is straightforward to use and works well. The only downside is it doesn’t have built-in handles so you’ll need to get the spanners out whenever you want to use it.