The smart-value choice
Steel bearings
Durable, well-engineered bearings at a sensible price. Bikone DCTech offers an upgrade in cup design and protection without requiring ceramic bearings.
Shop steel bottom brackets →
Velo-Perso catalogue
Components, brands and technical guides
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Rotor and CyclingCeramic bottom brackets
The right bottom bracket · A smart upgrade
Steel or ceramic: find the right bottom bracket for your bike.
Reliable performance and sensible value with steel bearings; friction optimisation with ceramic bearings. First, make sure your frame standard and crank spindle match.
2026 product photo
- Selected Rotor · Bikone · CyclingCeramic
- Compatibility advice since 2009
- Road · Gravel · MTB, depending on model
- Free pickup-point delivery from €40 in France
Two bearing types. One smarter way to upgrade.
The most expensive option is not always the best. Consider the quality of the cups, sealing, compatibility and where you ride.
Built for efficiency
Ceramic bearings
Premium components designed for smooth running. A worthwhile option if low friction and bearing quality are priorities for your build.
Shop ceramic bottom brackets →Go straight to your frame standard.
BSA and T47 use threaded cups; BB86, BBRight, BB386 and PF30 are press-fit standards. Then confirm your crank spindle diameter (24 mm, SRAM DUB 28.99 mm, 30 mm or GXP) on the product page.
BB90, BB65, T45 and other less-common frame standards? Use our finder or browse the additional categories below.
From a smart replacement to a standout build.
Four examples from our range. Please check current prices, options, exact compatibility and availability on each product page.
Steel · smart choice
Bikone DCTech BB86 Shimano
A carefully engineered steel-bearing upgrade for replacing an original BB86 unit on a bike with a 24 mm spindle.
View product and price →CyclingCeramic · 2026
BB86 ceramic 41/24
For BB86 frames with Shimano or Rotor 24 mm cranksets. A high-performance choice in the current range.
Explore the BB86 →CyclingCeramic · 2026
T47 internal Shimano 24 mm
For T47 frames with a compatible 86.5 mm shell and Shimano-style 24 mm spindles. A premium option in the current threaded range.
Explore the T47 →
Bikone · 2026 limited edition
TDF Gold 2026 BSA
Hybrid ceramic bearings, commemorative gold finish and premium construction. For BSA road frames with 24 mm crank spindles.
Explore the limited edition →Steel vs ceramic: what really matters.
Seals, cups, lubrication and installation quality matter just as much as bearing-ball material. Here is how to choose the right level without overpaying or compromising.
| What to consider | Quality steel bearings | Quality ceramic bearings |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | More affordable and often the best value for replacements. | Higher cost, justified by the overall design and potential efficiency gains. |
| Friction | Very good results with appropriate seals and grease. | Potentially lower, depending on test conditions and the complete assembly. |
| Wet weather & care | Good sealing and lubrication are especially important for demanding use. | Effective sealing is still essential; ceramic bearings need maintenance too. |
| Service life | Can be excellent when the bearings are properly protected. | Cannot be predicted from ball material alone; overall construction matters. |
| Our recommendation | For value, reliability and sensible mechanical performance. | For premium builds and carefully considered efficiency upgrades. |
Important: fitting a new steel or ceramic bottom bracket will not automatically fix frame tolerance issues, installation errors or creaking noises.
Quick answers to common questions.
For detailed dimensions, spacers and model-specific requirements, use the finder and the product page.
Does a ceramic bottom bracket really save watts?
Lower friction can save power, but the improvement varies between models and is not guaranteed in every use case. Results depend on the bearings compared, grease, seals, preload and the test method.
Does a high-end bike need ceramic bearings?
No. A well-made steel bottom bracket is an excellent match for a high-performance bike. Ceramic bearings are an optional efficiency and finish upgrade, not a requirement.
What is the difference between frame standard and crank spindle?
The frame standard describes the shell (BSA, BB86, T47, etc.). The spindle is part of the crankset: Shimano 24 mm, SRAM DUB 28.99 mm, Rotor 30 mm or GXP 24/22 mm. You must check both, including shell width.
Will a new bottom bracket stop creaking?
Not necessarily. Creaking can come from poor installation, out-of-tolerance frame surfaces, cranksets or other components. Proper diagnosis and suitable assembly compounds can matter more than the choice of steel or ceramic bearings.
BB86, BSA or T47: which standard should I order?
These are different frame standards, not levels of quality. Use our finder to identify your frame. Do not order based only on your crankset brand.
How can I maintain smooth-running bearings?
Avoid pressure-washing bearing seals directly and follow the manufacturer’s service recommendations. Use the specified grease and, during installation, the appropriate assembly compound for press-fit or threaded interfaces.
Do 2026 CyclingCeramic bottom brackets include an installation tool?
Not always. Several CyclingCeramic threaded bottom brackets have been supplied without a fitting tool since January 2026. Check what is included with your model and, if needed, see the compatible CyclingCeramic tool.
Browse the categories and our full Velo-Perso bottom bracket range below. Before ordering, confirm your exact frame standard and crank spindle diameter.
Subcategories
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Steel bottom brackets
Rotor • Bikone • steel bearingsSteel bottom brackets: durability, precision and compatibility
Choosing the right bottom bracket starts with two specifications: your frame bottom bracket standard and your crank spindle diameter. Our steel range now covers the main road, gravel and MTB standards, with proven Rotor solutions and an extensive Bikone DCTech range.
BSA BB86 / BB92 T47 BBRight BB386 EVO PF30 / BB30 24 mm DUB 29 mm 30 mmTwo specifications determine the correct bottom bracket
1. Frame: BSA, BB86, T47, BBRight, BB386, PF30, BB30…
2. Crankset: Shimano / Rotor 24 mm, SRAM DUB 29 mm or compatible 30 mm spindle.
The frame standard and crank spindle diameter are different measurements: the correct combination determines which bottom bracket you need.
ThreadedBSA steel
Classic threaded standard with options for 24 mm, SRAM DUB and 30 mm cranksets.
View BSA bottom brackets → PressFit Ø41BB86 / BB92 steel
A particularly broad range including 41/24, 41/29 DUB and 41/30 solutions.
View BB86 bottom brackets → Threaded Ø47T47 steel
For modern T47 frames with Shimano 24 mm, SRAM DUB and 30 mm crank compatibility.
View T47 bottom brackets → CervéloBBRight steel
Bikone offers BBRight 79 mm solutions for 24 mm, DUB 29 mm and 30 mm spindles.
View BBRight bottom brackets → PressFit Ø46BB386 EVO steel
PressFit solutions for BB386 EVO / PF46 frames, including Bikone DCTech models.
View BB386 bottom brackets → Other standardsBB30, PF30, ITA…
Steel solutions are also available for less common standards and specific builds.
View the complete range → Expanded rangeBikone DCTech: premium steel bottom brackets
Bikone now significantly expands our steel bottom bracket range alongside Rotor. The DCTech designs focus on cup construction, bearing alignment, sealing and durability, making them an excellent option when you want a more sophisticated steel bottom bracket without necessarily moving to ceramic bearings.
24 mm Shimano 105, Ultegra, Dura-Ace and compatible Rotor 24 mm cranksets. 29 mm DUB Dedicated solutions for SRAM DUB cranksets depending on frame standard. 30 mm Rotor ALDHU, VEGAST, INpower, 2INpower and other compatible configurations.Rotor steel
Proven and generally very affordable solutions for Rotor cranksets and compatible frame / crank combinations.
Bikone steel
A more premium alternative focused on construction, sealing and bearing guidance, with extensive 24, 29 and 30 mm compatibility.
Not sure which bottom bracket fits your bike?
Select your bike and crankset. Our finder matches the frame standard with the correct spindle diameter.
Find my bottom bracket → -
Ceramic Bottom Brackets
CERAMIC BEARINGS · 2026 COLLECTION
Ceramic performance, chosen for your bike.
Lower friction where conditions allow, carefully engineered bearings and models matched to your frame. Explore CyclingCeramic, Bikone and Rotor bottom brackets without compromising compatibility.
Shop by frame standard →Find my bottom bracket →
- Bikone · CyclingCeramic · Rotor
- Check frame + spindle diameter
- Velo-Perso technical advice since 2009
Why ceramic?Shop by standardOur selectionThe brandsFAQs COMPATIBILITY COMES FIRST
Great performance starts with the correct fit.
Even the finest bearings cannot compensate for an incompatible bottom bracket. Before choosing a brand or price, check these three essentials.
01 · THE FRAME
Which shell standard?
BSA, BB86, T47, BBRight, BB386 EVO, PF30… Confirm the fitting method, shell diameter and shell width.
02 · THE CRANKSET
Which spindle diameter?
Shimano and certain Rotor cranks: 24 mm. SRAM DUB and relevant QO models: 28.99 mm. Many Rotor cranks: 30 mm. Watch out for Wide and GXP variants.
03 · YOUR RIDING
What matters most?
Racing, time trials, fast road riding or a premium build: ceramic bearings make most sense when marginal details matter.
Know your bike, but not its bottom bracket standard?
Our finder checks the actual crankset fitted to your bike against the frame model. It is the safest way to avoid ordering the wrong standard.
Open the bottom bracket finder → TECHNOLOGY & REAL-WORLD USE
Why choose a ceramic bottom bracket?
A bottom bracket is a complete system: bearing races, balls, cages, seals, lubrication and accurate installation all play a part.
A technical refinement, not a universal watts claim
Hybrid ceramic bearings commonly pair ceramic balls (often silicon nitride) with metal races. When correctly engineered and installed, they can reduce some friction losses compared with certain original-equipment bearings.
The real difference depends on the exact models compared, seal drag, grease, load, contamination and test method. That is why we do not promise “2 watts saved” on every bike.
Velo-Perso advice
On a performance-focused bike, a quality ceramic bottom bracket is a considered upgrade. In persistent wet or sandy conditions, or when budget is the priority, a well-sealed quality steel-bearing unit may be the smarter option.
In either case, installation, correct bearing preload and maintenance matter. Compare our steel range →
SHOP BY COMPATIBILITY
Your frame determines the bottom bracket family.
Browse our ceramic bottom bracket categories. The same frame standard may be offered for different spindle diameters, depending on the specific model.
BSA
Threaded · road and gravel
BB86
PressFit Ø41 × 86.5 mm
T47
Threaded · internal, external, T47A
BBRight
Asymmetric shell
BB386 EVO
PressFit Ø46 × 86.5 mm
PF30
PressFit Ø46 mm
BB30
Direct-fit bearings Ø42 mm
ITA
Italian threaded
Other standards: BB90, BB65, T45 or less common setups? Check the precise frame version first. Find my bottom bracket →
VELO-PERSO PICKS · CURRENT IMAGERY
Three ways to choose ceramic in 2026.
Three representative products, with no fixed prices: check stock, exact configuration and supplied accessories on each product page.
BB86 Shimano / Rotor 24 mm
A PressFit 41/24 bottom bracket for BB86 frames with compatible 24 mm crank spindles. The current image shows the black unit with a protective centre sleeve.
Explore the BB86 →
T47 internal Shimano 24 mm
A premium threaded solution for compatible 86.5 mm T47 shells. Do not confuse it with external T47 or asymmetric T47A versions.
View the internal T47 →
TDF Gold BSA 24 mm
A distinctive build: premium construction, hybrid ceramic bearings and a gold finish, for BSA road frames and Shimano 24 mm crank spindles.
Discover Bikone Gold → OUR BRANDS
Three approaches to performance.
CyclingCeramic is central to our selection, alongside Bikone and selected Rotor ceramic solutions.
CyclingCeramic
Precision bearings, with French manufacturing and assembly depending on the range. Its current 2026 catalogue includes refreshed black BB86 and T47 product presentations.
Bikone
DCTech designs and limited-edition premium models. Carefully engineered components available with both steel and ceramic bearings.
Rotor
Ceramic bottom brackets for selected Shimano and Rotor cranksets and a variety of frame standards, alongside its steel-bearing range.
Explore Rotor → CLEAR ANSWERS
Ceramic bottom bracket FAQs
How many watts can ceramic bearings save?
There is no universal figure. Differences depend on the bearings compared, seals, lubrication and test conditions. A premium ceramic bottom bracket is designed to minimise losses, not to guarantee a measurable power gain on every bike.
Ceramic or steel for year-round riding?
Ceramic is a valid option for a performance-focused build. In heavy rain, grit or with limited maintenance, seal and grease quality often matter more than ball material. A good steel-bearing unit remains an excellent choice.
Can Shimano 24 mm, SRAM DUB and Rotor 30 mm use the same bottom bracket?
Not without checking the specific model. The internal bearing diameter must match the crank spindle, as well as the frame shell. SRAM DUB uses a 28.99 mm spindle; some setups also require specific spacers.
Are BSA and T47 interchangeable?
No. They are distinct threaded shell systems. T47 also comes in internal, external and asymmetric (T47A) configurations, so shell width must be checked.
Will a ceramic bottom bracket stop creaking?
Not necessarily. Noise may come from fitting tolerances, the frame, crankset, pedals or other interfaces. Diagnosis and careful assembly are essential.
Do 2026 CyclingCeramic bottom brackets include an installation tool?
Not always. The tool is sold separately for several current threaded models. Check the contents of the box on the specific product listing and use the appropriate tool.
How should I maintain ceramic bearings?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for grease, seals and preload. Avoid directing high-pressure water at the bearings. Long free-spinning time alone is not a reliable measurement of efficiency under load.
Need to confirm your setup?
Use our dedicated guides to check your fit. If you are unsure between two models, tell us the bike, model year and currently installed crankset rather than choosing on bearing material alone.
Bottom bracket finder → BB86 Shimano guide → Installation & maintenance → Steel bottom brackets → All bottom brackets →
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Bottom Bracket...
Installation • servicing • durability
Install and maintain your bottom bracket correctly
Discover technical products from Bikone and CyclingCeramic for bottom bracket installation, cleaning and bearing maintenance. PressFit or threaded, steel or ceramic: each interface requires the correct product.
PressFit
PressFit assembly paste
For BB86, BB92, PF30, BB30, BBRight, BB386EVO and other pressed systems. Assembly paste helps reduce micro-movement, improves installation and can help prevent creaking.
Discover Bikone PressFit Paste → BSA • T47 • ITA
Threaded assembly paste
A dedicated formula for threaded bottom brackets and highly loaded threaded joints. It helps prevent seizure, contact corrosion and unwanted noise while making future disassembly easier.
Discover Bikone Threaded Paste → Bearings
Bearing and bottom bracket grease
Bearings, seals and moving parts require a dedicated grease. Bikone offers a long-lasting service grease, while CyclingCeramic also provides low-friction solutions.
View Bikone Long-Lasting Grease → Cleaning
Clean before relubrication
Before replacing a bearing or rebuilding a bottom bracket, remove old grease, oil and deposits. Bikone BB & Bearing Cleaner is designed for internal mechanical surfaces.
View BB & Bearing Cleaner → Which product should you use?
PressFit bottom bracket: use PressFit assembly paste at the frame / bottom bracket interface.
Threaded bottom bracket: use dedicated threaded paste for BSA, T47, T45 or ITA systems.
Bearings and seals: use bearing grease designed for moving parts.
Before servicing: clean the mechanical surfaces first, then use the appropriate grease or assembly paste during reassembly.
Bikone & CyclingCeramic: two complementary ranges available from Velo-Perso. Bikone now offers a complete selection for bottom bracket installation and servicing, while CyclingCeramic remains an excellent choice for low-friction greases, maintenance products and dedicated bottom bracket tools.
Looking for the correct bottom bracket instead?
Match your frame standard with your crank spindle diameter using our compatibility finder.
