Shimano 105 BB-5500

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Mostly stock 2000 Trek 520.

Summary:
I have a Shimano BB-5500 bottom bracket on a 2000 Trek 520 touring bike. This set has functioned flawlessly for nearly 10 years and well over 20k miles of riding. I suspect that many of the problems of other posters are caused by flawed installation, rather than a defect with the bearings. After, your car wheels run on sealed bearings, with much higher stresses these days - when was the last time you had them repacked? I cannot believe that a 180 lb rider can destroy these bearings. Best.

Strengths:
Reliable, after over 20k miles am replacing it just because.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Campy Veloce outboard bearings, numerous regular cup and ball setups.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Adventure's Edge

Favorite Ride:
Hills

Bike Setup:
Felt F75 with 105 throughout, except ultegra rear derailleur & Look Keo pedals.

Summary:
My Felt F75 came with a 105/ultegra mix (the bb is 105), that has been a LOT of trouble for me, and I've only had the bike a month. After 200 miles, the freehub body blew up, and now at 300 miles, the bb is clicking badly. I had my shop tighten down the bb, which took care of the problem for about 3-4 miles, but the clicking came back with a fury after about 2 miles out of the saddle, and I'm only 170 lbs. I was going to have the bracket taken apart, re-packed, and assembled again, but after reading everyone else's reviews, I'll take up the shop's offer to warranty the product (though all that means is another 105 bb for me). Everything else with the drivetrain is great, however; it shifts like a dream and runs very quietly when it's working right.

Strengths:
For the bb? None.

Weaknesses:
Low quality bottom bracket, apparently very prone to grittyness and creaking. I'd avoid the 105 Hollowtech bb like the plague.

Similar Products Used:
None; this is my first "modern" roadie.

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Price Paid:  $0.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Wherever

Bike Setup:
Klein Q Carbon Pro. Stock. Mostly 105 with Ultegra Rear D.

Summary:
I commute on my roadie, as well as weekend rides. I put somewhere around 3500-4000 miles on the stock bike with a mix of 105 and Ultegra componenets. I've been getting clicking and a gritty feeling in the BB for a year now. I've taken it off and tried to clean it up a few times. Usually, it would help for a ride or two, but this last time, it was worse after the cleaning(?). So, time to swap it out for an Ultegra BB. Being 195lbs and averaging 18-21mph per ride, I guess it's held up okay.

Strengths:
?? I would say cheap, but an Ultegra BB is the same price. Got a few good years out of it.

Weaknesses:
Like others have said, it doesn't keep the grit out. My bike has seen it's share of wet rides.

Similar Products Used:
None. It's my first road bike.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at BOC

Favorite Ride:
Road,mtb

Bike Setup:
Ridley with Ultegra/105 mix

Summary:
After two years the BB are starting to develop a wery slight play(allmost nothing), but I guess I will replace it this winter anyway. Have only had it out once for regreasing, and a anual check.

Strengths:
I do racing, and put a lot of stress on the BB powering up short climbs, so i guess the BB did it job well for at least two years.

Weaknesses:
Doesn't last to long

Similar Products Used:
Race Face,XT,FSA

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Andy's Cycle Keene,

Favorite Ride:
huh?

Summary:
Fine but fairly gritty after 1700 miles despite very little rainy riding. I think this BB is definitely more susceptible to permanent grittiness than the previous square taper BBs. I have put a similar number of miles

Strengths:
Functions

Weaknesses:
The seals allow grit in. Take a look at the
way the BB shell overlaps the seals.

Similar Products Used:
BB-6500, UN-72, Campy AC-H, Athena