Overview and Specifications of WheelTop's Affordable Electronic Groupset "EDS"
This article summarizes the features and specifications of the budget-friendly electronic groupset "EDS" newly released by the Chinese manufacturer WheelTop.
- English
- 日本語
Shimano Hollowtech 2 BB: Comparison and Points to Consider
Modified at: Jul 20, 2023
Posted at: Nov 28, 2021
In-depth comparison of Shimano Hollowtech 2 and BB (bottom bracket) units! A comparison of the specs of the different BBs in terms of weight and compatibility. The following is a summary of the points to consider when selecting a BB.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on cyclabo. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
Hollowtech 2 BB lineup
For road bikes
Hollowtech 2 BBs for road bikes are available in three types of screw-in type and two types of press-fit type in the current model lineup.
SHIMANO BB-R9100
The BB of DURA-ACE, the top grade for road bikes, is BB-R9100, and it uses small bearings. Although it is a top grade part, some user reviews complain about the reluctance of rotation and durability.
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Standard | Hollowtech 2 |
| Brand | DURA-ACE |
| Weight | 65g |
| BB Shell Width | 68mm、70mm |
| Joining method | Threaded |
SHIMANO SM-BB72-41
The SM-BB72-41 is a press-fit BB for ULTEGRA/105 grade road bikes, but it cannot be used with threaded BB shells.
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Standard | Hollowtech 2 |
| Brand | ULTEGRA/105 |
| Weight | 69g |
| BB Shell Width | 86.5mm |
| Joining method | Press-fit |
SHIMANO SM-BBR60
The ULTEGRA 105 grade threaded BB for road bikes is the SM-BBR60, which is a popular and standard BB because of its high quality and only 8g difference in weight compared to the higher grade BB-R9100. adaptor (TL-FC25) is required because of the different diameter.
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Standard | Hollowtech 2 |
| Brand | ULTEGRA/105 |
| Weight | 77g |
| BB Shell Width | 68mm、70mm |
| Joining method | Threaded |
SHIMANO BB-RS500
BB-RS500 is a TIAGRA grade screw-in BB for road bikes, which is often installed on 105 and TIAGRA grade complete bikes, and is an entry-level Hollowtech 2 BB. Slightly heavier than higher grade BBs.
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Standard | Hollowtech 2 |
| Brand | TIAGRA |
| Weight | 92g |
| BB Shell Width | 68mm、70mm |
| Joining method | Threaded |
SHIMANO BB-RS500-PB
BB-RS500B-PB, a GRX grade press-fit BB for gravel roads, slightly heavier than the higher grade SM-BB72-41, but more durable thanks to a new sealing structure.
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Standard | Hollowtech 2 |
| Brand | GRX |
| Weight | 70.4g |
| BB Shell Width | 86.5mm |
| Joining method | Press-fit |
For MTB
The Hollowtech 2 BB for MTB is available in three screw-in types in the current model lineup. There are no press-fit BBs.
SHIMANO SM-BB93
The SM-BB93 is the top grade XTR screw-in BB for MTB, weighing only 73 grams and compatible with not only 73mm but also 68mm, so it can be installed on road bike frames.
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Standard | Hollowtech 2 |
| Brand | XTR |
| Weight | 73g |
| BB Shell Width | 68mm、73mm |
| Joining method | Threaded |
SHIMANO SM-BB80
The gold-colored SAINT SM-BB80 threaded BB for MTB is slightly heavier at 95g, and is compatible not only with 73mm but also with 68mm and 83mm.
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Standard | Hollowtech 2 |
| Brand | SAINT |
| Weight | 95g |
| BB Shell Width | 68mm、73mm、83mm |
| Joining method | Threaded |
SHIMANO BB-MT801
BB-MT800, DEORE XT's screw-in BB for MTB. 82g heavier than the top-of-the-line SM-BB93, but other than that, there is not much difference in specifications.
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Standard | Hollowtech 2 |
| Brand | DEORE XT |
| Weight | 84g |
| BB Shell Width | 68mm、73mm |
| Joining method | Threaded |
SHIMANO BB-MT800
Threaded BB of DEORE XT for MTB, slightly heavier than the top-of-the-line SM-BB93 at 82g, but otherwise no significant difference in specs.
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Standard | Hollowtech 2 |
| Brand | DEORE XT |
| Weight | 82g |
| BB Shell Width | 68mm、73mm |
| Joining method | Threaded |
SHIMANO SM-BB52
DEORE M610 series threaded BB。
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Standard | Hollowtech 2 |
| Brand | - |
| Weight | - |
| BB Shell Width | 68mm、73mm |
| Joining method | Threaded |
Sponsored Link
Comparison of Shimano Hollowtech 2 and BB
Here is a comparison of the Shimano Hollowtech 2 BBs introduced so far in terms of grade, weight, system, and compatible shell width.
Threaded BB
| Products | Brand | Weights | Joining method | Supported Shell Widths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB-R9100 | DURA-ACE | 65g | Threaded | 68mm、70mm |
| SM-BBR60 | ULTEGRA/105 | 77g | Threaded | 68mm、70mm |
| BB-RS500 | TIAGRA | 92g | Threaded | 68mm、70mm |
| SM-BB93 | XTR | 73g | Threaded | 68mm、73mm |
| SM-BB80 | SAINT | 95g | Threaded | 68mm、73mm、83mm |
| BB-MT800 | DEORE XT | 95g | Threaded | 68mm、73mm |
| SM-BB52 | - | - | Threaded | 68mm、73mm |
In terms of weight, it does not make much difference which grade you choose, as it is light enough to be under the 70g range.
On the other hand, shell widths are available in a variety of widths, so there is a good chance that one of the models will fit your frame.
Press-fit BB
| Products | Brand | Weights | Joining method | Supported Shell Widths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM-BB72-41 | ULTEGRA/105 | 69g | Press-fit | 86.5mm |
| BB-RS500-PB | GRX | 70.4g | Press-fit | 86.5mm |
There are only two options for press-fit BBs in the current models, and both have almost identical specs. The GRX, which is a gravel component, is built for dirt, so you can choose the BB-RS500-PB for gravel or the SM-BB72-41 for road.
Points to consider when selecting the Shimano Hollowtech 2 BB
First, let’s narrow it down by “mounting standard.
Shimano Hollowtech 2 BBs are divided into two types: screw-in and press-fit. There are many screw-in BBs available, but there are only two press-fit BBs available from the current model lineup.
Next, you can narrow down your selection by the width of the BB shell. Shimano Hollowtech 2 BBs are available in five different widths: 68mm, 70mm, 73mm, 83mm, and 86.5mm, so choose the one that matches the width of your frame.
At this point, your choices will be quite limited.
Weight, Color, and Grade are the Final Deciding Factors
Once you’ve narrowed down your search by “mounting standard,” the last thing to consider is weight, color, and grade.
Most of the Shimano Hollowtech 2 BBs are lightweight models to begin with, so there is not much of a weight difference.
Also, Shimano Hollowtech 2 BBs are not available in many colors, so you can choose the color you want to match your frame.
Lastly, the grade of Shimano Hollowtech 2 BBs is generally said that there is not much difference in performance between the different grades.
Essential Special Tools for Installing and Servicing Shimano Hollowtech 2
Hollowtech 2" is the standard adopted by the latest Shimano front cranks. We have compiled a list of special tools required for installation and maintenance of "Hollowtech 2", which is unavoidable when upgrading to higher grade front cranks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shimano Hollowtech II Bottom Brackets
Q.
What should I do if there is no Shimano Hollowtech II bottom bracket compatible with my frame's BB shell?
A.
Because different bike and frame manufacturers use different bottom bracket standards, there are cases where Shimano’s genuine Hollowtech II bottom brackets do not have a compatible product in their lineup. Examples include the “BB30” standard used by Cannondale and FELT, or the “BB386” standard used by KUOTA and TIME.
In such cases, you cannot use a genuine Shimano Hollowtech II bottom bracket, but there are third-party bottom brackets compatible with Hollowtech II cranks available from manufacturers other than Shimano, so you will need to use one of those.
Q.
Q. MTB向けホローテック2・圧入式BBは、ロードバイクフレームで使うことができる？ A. そのロードバイクフレームがMTBの圧入式BBシェル規格であれば使うことができます。 ただ、ロードバイク向けのBBが取り付けてあるフレームの場合、BBシェル規格はロードバイク規格になっているはずなので、BBシェル幅が異なる（ロードは86.5mm、MTBは89.5/92mm）ため、MTB向けの圧入BBは取り付けができないはずです。
A.
If the road bike frame uses the MTB press-fit BB shell standard, then it can be used.
However, if the frame is equipped with a bottom bracket intended for road bikes, the BB shell standard should be that of a road bike, and since the BB shell width differs (road: 86.5mm, MTB: 89.5/92mm), an MTB press-fit BB generally cannot be installed.
Q.
Are there any benefits to upgrading a Hollowtech II bottom bracket to a higher grade?
A.
Higher grade Hollowtech II bottom brackets are lighter, allowing you to reduce weight by several tens of grams.
As for rotational performance, higher grade models are said to be better, but some users report that the difference is not noticeable in actual use, so the effectiveness varies from person to person.
Items mentioned in this article
-
BB-R9100
Manufacturer Shimano Standard Hollowtech 2 Brand DURA-ACE Weight 65g BB Shell Width 68mm、70mm Joining method Threaded -
SM-BB72-41
Manufacturer Shimano Standard Hollowtech 2 Brand ULTEGRA/105 Weight 69g BB Shell Width 86.5mm Joining method Press-fit -
SM-BBR60
Manufacturer Shimano Standard Hollowtech 2 Brand ULTEGRA/105 Weight 77g BB Shell Width 68mm、70mm Joining method Threaded -
BB-RS500
Manufacturer Shimano Standard Hollowtech 2 Brand TIAGRA Weight 92g BB Shell Width 68mm、70mm Joining method Threaded -
BB-RS500-PB
Manufacturer Shimano Standard Hollowtech 2 Brand GRX Weight 70.4g BB Shell Width 86.5mm Joining method Press-fit -
SM-BB93
Manufacturer Shimano Standard Hollowtech 2 Brand XTR Weight 73g BB Shell Width 68mm、73mm Joining method Threaded -
SM-BB80
Manufacturer Shimano Standard Hollowtech 2 Brand SAINT Weight 95g BB Shell Width 68mm、73mm、83mm Joining method Threaded -
BB-MT801
Manufacturer Shimano Standard Hollowtech 2 Brand DEORE XT Weight 84g BB Shell Width 68mm、73mm Joining method Threaded -
BB-MT800
Manufacturer Shimano Standard Hollowtech 2 Brand DEORE XT Weight 82g BB Shell Width 68mm、73mm Joining method Threaded -
SM-BB52
Manufacturer Shimano Standard Hollowtech 2 Brand - Weight - BB Shell Width 68mm、73mm Joining method Threaded