The old bb where mostly steel the new one are aluminum and that alloy is so soft they move around in the frame and then you get the dreaded creak. Steven Willis 1778 East Second Street Scotch Plains NJ 07076 908-322-3330 http://www.thebikestand.com
> All of my old Campy track hubs have the seals removed, one ball removed
> and no grease. Roger Durham of Bullseye said grease just attracts dirt.
>
> In Belgium, cyclocross racers will run absolutely clean chains on sandy
> courses. I have found that White Lightening picks up the least amount of
> dirt or sand but doesn't offer much lubrication or rust protection (none).
>
> Cartridge bearings are very popular on current racing equipment. All of
> the ISIS bottom brackets have cartridge bearings and many hubs too. I
> used to think the old cone system was more durable but I'm not sure. If
> you run any brand of hub through hub deep water, you'll wind up
> rebuilding the hub.
>
> I've had hubs and bottom brackets freeze up on me and I always think I
> will be much faster when I fix either the hub or bottom bracket. I am
> always disappointed. I think that the whole hype about ceramic bearings,
> etc. for bicycles is marketing hype. Sure they make a difference but we
> won't be able to feel it. On the other hand, ceramic bearings in a
> turbocharger will make a significant difference.
>
> Does anyone know why modern bottom brackets are susceptible to creaking
> when the old bottom brackets never creaked?
>
> Jim Cushing-murray
> Del Mar CA
> soon to be Frisco CO