Summary: One statement about this product. Drain your frame. If water gets in your frame this bottom bracket's life is very limited. My first one seized completely and my second is on its way out. Now I'd be ok with this if I road in the rain daily but this is on my custom that only gets wet when I get caught out.
Strengths: The Campy name. Other than this product I have been very happy with campy products.
Weaknesses: Lack of seal quality.
Similar Products Used: Shimano, FSA
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Bike Setup: Colnago Asso with assorted high-end kit.
Summary: I bought the Chorus BB to match the Chorus chainset and also because it is lightweight. However after about 5000 miles it is has become very worn. Cheap Shimano BB's have lasted a lot, lot longer. On inspection I discovered that water had got into the frame and this may have contributed to the rapid wear. Therefore, the BB is not very well sealed. The Campag instructions state that you should drill a hole in the BB shell to allow water to drain out! I have bought another Chorus BB as I can't buy a suitable Shimano alternative to fit the chainset. I wait to see if it is as bad as the first.
Strengths: Lightweight, goes nicely with Chorus chainset.
Weaknesses: Not durable, not well sealed.
Similar Products Used: Shimano UN72, Shimano UN52
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Summary: I've used sealed bearing BB's for years, still have a couple of Mavic ones that absolutely refuse to die even after lots of winter riding. So far after 2 1/2 years the Chorus unit seems to be just as durable. The first impression I had after buying cranks/ bb and installing it (replacing shimano ultegra cartridge BB) was that the threads were so well-cut on this thing, that it was like spinning your finger in the air, compared to the UN 72 (older Shimano Ultegra) BB that was in there before, which was a lot more of an effort to install/extract. This was with an italian threaded BB, I don't know if this comparison would be the same with english-threaded frames.
It isn't the lightest BB out there, but the double-bearings on the drive side are definitely a bonus. I don't really see that the newer notched design of BB axle is in any way superior either. Bottom line is this is a fit-and forget part that should be good for many year's service!
Strengths: Smooth Bearings, Durable product
Weaknesses: None
Similar Products Used: Shimano, Mavic, Suntour, Magic Motorcycle, etc
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Bike Setup: Serotta Classique with Campy Chorus, Spinergy wheels.
Summary: After 13k miles I'm on my third BB. The first literally grenaded at 6k miles, sounded like a can full of nuts and bolts going round and round. It gave plenty of warning, though, I just rode it until it died. I replaced the second BB recently just because I had it all apart, and it was loose but still had some miles in it. The part seems made well enough, but make sure that you keep the water away from it. I end up riding in rain frequently, and at first was forgetful about draining the BB afterwards (just remove the screw on the bottom). This makes a BIG difference in how long the part will last. For value, it's about average. For an overall rating, I'd assume that with proper care it will last about as long as any other.
Strengths: Straightforward installation.
Weaknesses: Longevity is a question.
Similar Products Used: None. Chourus-equipped from day 1.
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Bike Setup: Giant TCR with Record/Chorus mix (9-Speed). ITM Big one Stem, Pro 260 bars, Record pedals,San Marco Era saddle (awesome saddle)
Summary: Works wonderfully. Gotta love the plug and forget of todays BB. I used to be the King od Cup and Axle BB, but now there is really no longer a need for that. This BB is not that expensive. Relatively light, and it works extremely well. 4 stars for value (because it wasn't free) overall rating of the product is a big 5
Strengths: Easy to install. Once you do, it is ride and forget about it. Price is not bad, weight isn't too shabby. Nice and smooth even after 14,000 miles
Weaknesses: None really
Similar Products Used: Shimano un-52, un-72,un-92
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