If there were a gold standard for bottom brackets, it would look like the SM-BBR60. It is easy to install, and its screwed construction ensures that the ball bearings are perfectly aligned. Additionally, this design reliably eliminates fitting issues caused by excessive manufacturing tolerances, which can occur with press-fit bottom brackets. As a result, the BBR60 does not creak, is compatible with a long list of cranks featuring a 24-millimeter axle, and is not even expensive.

It's no wonder that Shimano's Hollowtech II standard has been in use for what feels like forever. If you are looking for a practically maintenance-free, coordinated bottom bracket-crank system, you cannot overlook Hollowtech II and this bottom bracket.

Hollowtech II refers to a coordinated system of crank and bottom bracket. The cranks with this standard consist of two parts. The right arm is firmly connected to a steel axle with a diameter of 24 millimeters. The crank arms are made of hollow-forged aluminum, which does not result in any weight disadvantage even in the era of highly developed carbon technology. The bottom bracket is matched to the cranks and axles and includes ball bearings with precision seals. This way, no energy is wasted, and you can enjoy your bottom bracket for a long time.