News
Eastern working on plastic BB
Mark Sutton Apr 9 2008, 9:46am
Manufactured from bearing grade self-lubricating polymer
Eastern Bikes has developed a plastic bottom bracket, which according to reports is performing well in prototype stages. The plastic bottom brackets will be significantly less expensive than a standard metal version, as well as far lighter.
On a Spanish bb you would save roughly 6.5 ounces. One small production run is currently being tested and although tests are returning positive results, it is said that modifications can still be made to improve the design.
The cup will press into the frame with a lot less effort than that required with a metal cup, yet apparently fits just as tight.
The bearings used are designed to do away with the stacks of washers many bikes require, although polymer washers will be available on launch.
Comments
“why”
Posted by: no front teeth - Apr 9, 2:25pm
did that take so long. other industries have used plastics forever. so much cheaper than metal, too
“Nowt new is there”
Posted by: Brant - Apr 10, 1:56pm
I remember Pete Tompkins telling me he had ridden a whole winter on a BB like this, made from the material that they used to make the rollers of his DCD's out of.
This must have been over 13yrs ago :-)