What is the difference between a 68mm and 73mm bottom bracket shell on a mountain bike?

[jameshawk87]

Whats with the bottom bracket shell width debate - are 68mm and 73mm really that different, or is it just a bunch of marketing nonsense. I mean, Ive seen some high-end mountain bikes rocking the 73mm shell, but is it really worth the extra cash, or can I get away with a 68mm shell and not notice a difference.

Lets get real, most of us arent pros, were just weekend warriors trying to have a good time on the trails. Do the extra 5mm really make that much of a difference in terms of stiffness, power transfer, and overall ride quality. And what about compatibility issues - can I swap out a 68mm shell for a 73mm shell on my existing frame, or am I looking at a whole new bike.

And while were on the topic, whats the deal with the whole wider is better mentality. Is it just a case of bigger being better, or is there actual science behind it. Ive heard some folks say that the wider shell allows for a stiffer, more responsive ride, but others claim its just a bunch of hype.

So, lets settle this once and for all - is the 73mm bottom bracket shell worth the extra cash, or can I stick with the tried and true 68mm shell. Dont give me any of that it depends on the rider nonsense, I want a straight answer.

Oh, and while youre at it, whats the deal with the different shell widths on different bikes. Is it just a case of different manufacturers having different standards, or is there actually a reason why some bikes have 68mm shells and others have 73mm shells.

And finally, lets talk about the elephant in the room - is this whole debate just a bunch of elitist nonsense. I mean, come on, how many of us are actually pushing the limits of our bikes to the point where the extra 5mm make a difference. Or are we just being sold a bunch of overhyped, overpriced nonsense.

 

[pbiker]

Sure, let's tackle this bottom bracket shell width debate. While some claim 73mm shells offer improved stiffness and power transfer, for many of us weekend warriors, the difference may not be noticeable. Compatibility can be an issue, as swapping shells may require a new frame. As for the "wider is better" mentality, it's not just about size; it's also about design and material quality. And yes, there's some elitist nonsense in this debate, with manufacturers potentially exploiting the hype for profit. #cycling #bblogger

 

[mbergen]

The difference between 68mm and 73mm bottom bracket shell widths is hardly a debate. It's simply a matter of design philosophy and intended use. Sure, you might see high-end mountain bikes with a 73mm shell, but that doesn't mean it's the best choice for everyone.

The extra 5mm in width can offer increased stiffness and improved power transfer, but let's be real - for most casual riders, the difference will be negligible. If you're not a pro racer, spending extra cash on a wider shell might not be worth it.

At the end of the day, it's all about how the bike feels to you. If you're more comfortable on a 68mm shell, stick with it. Don't let marketing hype or industry jargon sway you into thinking you need to spend more for a 73mm shell. In fact, if you're just a weekend warrior, you might not even notice the difference.

 

[nahho]

Of course the extra 5mm makes a difference, but not in the way you're thinking. It's not about stiffness or power transfer, it's about tire clearance and wheel compatibility. If you're a weekend warrior, you should be more concerned about having fun and staying safe on the trails, rather than shaving off a few millimeters to save a buck.

And let's not forget about the "high-end" mountain bikes with 73mm shells. Those bikes are designed for pros who need every advantage they can get. For the rest of us, a 68mm shell will do just fine.

But hey, if you want to throw away your money on unnecessary upgrades, be my guest. Just don't expect me to join you on the trails with your overpriced, underperforming bike.

 

[jdewberr]

Oh man, you're asking the right questions! I think the BB shell width debate is a bit like the age-old "tapered vs straight" fork debate - a whole lotta fuss about a little difference . Don't get me wrong, I'm all for innovation and progress, but sometimes I think we get caught up in the hype. I mean, sure, those extra 5mm might make a difference if you're racing at the World Cup level, but for us weekend warriors? Nah, I think we'll survive just fine with a 68mm shell . That being said, if you've got the cash to splash and want the latest and greatest, go for it! Just don't expect me to be green with envy over your fancy 73mm shell .

 

[BattaglinGuy]

The 68mm vs 73mm debate can indeed seem like marketing noise, but there are differences. For most riders, 68mm is sufficient, providing good stiffness and power transfer. However, the 73mm can offer increased stiffness and responsiveness, especially for heavier riders or those pushing their bikes to the limit.

As for compatibility, it's not a simple swap. A different shell width requires a new bottom bracket and possibly a new crankset. It's not just about the extra 5mm, but the entire system's design.

The wider is better mentality has some merit. Wider shells can accommodate larger bearings, which can increase stiffness and durability. But again, this doesn't necessarily mean you'll notice a difference if you're a weekend warrior.

Lastly, the debate isn't entirely elitist nonsense. Yes, there's marketing involved, but there are also real performance differences. It's about understanding your needs and budget. If you're happy with your 68mm, stick with it. If you're seeking more performance and can afford the upgrade, the 73mm might be worth considering.

 

[jameshawk87]

So, the whole 68mm vs 73mm thing is wild. Like, how did we even get here? Is it just bike companies throwing numbers at us to make us feel like we need the latest and greatest? I mean, if the difference is just 5mm, how come I see some folks swearing by it like it’s a game changer? For real, how many of us can actually feel that difference on a casual ride?

And what's up with all these brands having their own standards? Is it just a way to keep us buying new stuff? If I’m looking at a new bike, do I really gotta sweat over this shell width nonsense? Or is it just a way for the industry to keep pushing the latest tech like it’s some magic solution?

Feels like we’re being sold on the idea that these tiny specs are the key to shredding harder. Is it really that deep, or is it just hype?