The Ultimate Guide to WorldTour Road Bike Bottom Bracket Standards (2020‑2026)
Understanding bottom bracket standards is critical for maintaining peak performance on premium road bikes. The bottom bracket connects the crankset to the frame, directly influencing power transfer, drivetrain efficiency, bearing longevity, and ride quality. This comprehensive guide covers every WorldTour team bike and the bottom bracket standards used by professional cyclists.
Why Bottom Bracket Standards Matter
Premium road bike frames are engineered with specific bottom bracket standards to:
- Maximize frame stiffness – optimized bearing placement enhances power transfer
- Reduce weight – lighter bottom bracket systems improve climbing efficiency
- Improve aerodynamics – integrated designs reduce drag
- Enhance bearing performance – precise tolerances minimize friction losses
- Ensure serviceability – threaded standards offer easier maintenance
Bottom Bracket Standards Explained
Press-Fit Standards
BB86/BB92 – 41 mm outer diameter cups, 86 mm shell width (road) or 92 mm (MTB). Used by Giant, Canyon, BMC, Trek (older models).
PF30 – 46 mm cups, 68 mm or 73 mm shell width. Common on Cannondale (legacy), Cervélo, BMC (some models).
PF86 – 46 mm cups, 86.5 mm shell width. Used by Canyon, BMC, Cube, Argon 18.
BB386/BB386 EVO – 46 mm cups, 86.5 mm shell width. FSA-equipped frames including Orbea, Ridley (newer models), TIME.
OSBB (Specialized) – 46 mm cups, 68 mm shell width. Exclusive to older Specialized frames (pre-2024 Tarmac SL7, Roubaix, Venge).
BB90/BB95 (Trek) – Direct press-fit bearings, 90.5 mm or 95 mm shell width. Used in Trek Émonda, Madone, Domane (2020-2023 models).
BBright – 46 mm cups, 79 mm shell width. Cervélo signature standard for S5, R5, Caledonia-5.
BB30 – 42 mm bearing cups pressed directly into frame, 68 mm shell. Legacy Cannondale, Felt, some Fuji models.
QCK-TECH (Campagnolo) – Proprietary press-fit system used on select Italian frames (Wilier).
Threaded Standards
BSA/English Thread – 1.37" × 24 TPI, 68 mm shell width. The most reliable and serviceable standard; increasingly adopted by premium brands.
T47 – M47 × 1.0 mm thread pitch, available in 68 mm, 73 mm, 86 mm shell widths. Growing standard on high-end frames for reliability and serviceability.
Italian Thread (ITA) – 36 mm × 24 TPI, 70 mm shell width. Traditional standard for Pinarello, Colnago, Bianchi, De Rosa.
T45 – 82.5 mm shell width, rare specialty standard.
Crankset Compatibility: The 3-in-1 Solution
Modern bottom brackets feature 3-in-1 core systems compatible with:
- Shimano Hollowtech II – 24 mm spindle diameter
- SRAM DUB – ≈29 mm spindle diameter
- Rotor 3D+ – 30 mm spindle diameter
Brands like Tripeak, CeramicSpeed, Praxis, and Wheels Manufacturing offer modular cores that allow mixing crankset brands with different frame standards.
Ceramic vs Steel Bearings: Performance & Value
Ceramic Bearings (Grade 5 Si₃N₄)
- Power savings: 2–5 watts lower friction loss
- Durability: Superior corrosion resistance, longer lifespan
- Performance: Smoother rotation, faster acceleration
- Price range: £120–£250+
- Best for: Racing, time trials, competitive cycling
Steel Bearings (High-Grade P05)
- Reliability: Proven durability in all weather conditions
- Value: £45–£120 price range
- Performance: Smooth, dependable operation
- Best for: Training, endurance riding, year-round use
Complete Bottom Bracket Reference Table
| Brand | Model | Years | BB Standard | Shell Width | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trek | Émonda SLR 9/RSL | 2024–26 | T47 | 86 mm | M47×1.0 mm threaded |
| Émonda SLR | 2020–23 | BB90 | 90.5 mm | Direct press-fit | |
| Madone SLR Gen 8 | 2024–26 | T47 | 86 mm | IsoFlow integration | |
| Madone SLR Gen 6/7 | 2020–23 | BB90 | 90.5 mm | Direct press-fit | |
| Domane SLR Gen 4 | 2023–26 | T47 | 86 mm | IsoSpeed decoupler | |
| Domane SLR Gen 3 | 2020–22 | BB90 | 90.5 mm | Direct press-fit | |
| Specialized | Tarmac SL8 | 2024–26 | BSA | 68 mm | 1.37"×24 TPI threaded |
| Tarmac SL7 | 2021–23 | OSBB | 68 mm | Press-fit 46 mm cups | |
| Aethos | 2021–26 | BSA | 68 mm | 1.37"×24 TPI threaded | |
| Roubaix | 2020–26 | OSBB | 68 mm | Press-fit, FutureShock | |
| Venge S-Works | 2020–21 | OSBB | 68 mm | Press-fit aero design | |
| Pinarello | Dogma F | 2022–26 | Italian (ITA) | 70 mm | 36 mm×24 TPI |
| Dogma F (F12) | 2019–21 | Italian (ITA) | 70 mm | 36 mm×24 TPI | |
| Dogma X | 2023–26 | Italian (ITA) | 70 mm | 36 mm×24 TPI | |
| Prince FX | 2021–26 | Italian (ITA) | 70 mm | 36 mm×24 TPI | |
| Paris | 2022–26 | Italian (ITA) | 70 mm | 36 mm×24 TPI | |
| Cervélo | S5 Disc | 2020–26 | BBright | 79 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit |
| R5 Disc | 2020–26 | BBright | 79 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit | |
| Caledonia-5 | 2021–26 | BBright | 79 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit | |
| Soloist | 2023–26 | BBright | 79 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit | |
| Colnago | V4Rs | 2023–26 | T47 | 86 mm | M47×1.0 mm threaded |
| C68 | 2020–26 | T47 | 86 mm | M47×1.0 mm threaded | |
| V3Rs | 2021–22 | Italian (ITA) | 70 mm | 36 mm×24 TPI | |
| Canyon | Aeroad CFR | 2021–26 | PF86 | 86.5 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit |
| Ultimate CFR | 2020–26 | PF86 | 86.5 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit | |
| Endurace CF SLX | 2020–26 | PF86 | 86.5 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit | |
| Giant | TCR Advanced SL | 2020–26 | BB86 | 86 mm | 41 mm cups press-fit |
| Propel Advanced SL | 2020–26 | BB86 | 86 mm | 41 mm cups press-fit | |
| Defy Advanced Pro | 2020–26 | BB86 | 86 mm | 41 mm cups press-fit | |
| Cannondale | SuperSix EVO 4 | 2021–26 | BSA | 68 mm | 1.37"×24 TPI threaded |
| SuperSix EVO (3rd Gen) | 2018–20 | BB30 | 68 mm | Press-in bearings | |
| Synapse | 2020–26 | BSA | 68 mm | 1.37"×24 TPI threaded | |
| CAAD13 | 2020–26 | BSA | 68 mm | 1.37"×24 TPI threaded | |
| BMC | Teammachine SLR | 2020–26 | PF86 | 86.5 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit |
| Timemachine Road | 2020–26 | PF86 | 86.5 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit | |
| Roadmachine | 2020–26 | PF86 | 86.5 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit | |
| Bianchi | Oltre XR4 | 2020–26 | Italian (ITA) | 70 mm | 36 mm×24 TPI |
| Specialissima | 2020–26 | Italian (ITA) | 70 mm | 36 mm×24 TPI | |
| Scott | Addict RC | 2020–26 | BB86 | 86 mm | 41 mm cups press-fit |
| Foil RC | 2020–26 | BB86 | 86 mm | 41 mm cups press-fit | |
| Wilier | Filante SLR | 2021–26 | QCK-TECH / ITA | 70 mm | Campagnolo press-fit |
| Zero SLR | 2020–26 | Italian (ITA) | 70 mm | 36 mm×24 TPI | |
| Ridley | Noah Fast | 2020–26 | PF30 | 68 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit |
| Helium SLX | 2020–26 | BB386 EVO | 86.5 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit | |
| Factor | Ostro VAM | 2021–26 | T47 / T47A | 86 mm | M47×1.0 mm threaded |
| One | 2020–26 | T47 | 86 mm | M47×1.0 mm threaded | |
| Cube | Litening C:68X | 2020–26 | BB86 / PF86 | 86–86.5 mm | Press-fit 41–46 mm |
| De Rosa | Merak | 2020–26 | BB86 | 86.5 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit |
| SK Pininfarina | 2020–26 | Italian (ITA) | 70 mm | 36 mm×24 TPI | |
| Orbea | Orca OMX | 2020–26 | BB386 EVO | 86.5 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit |
| Orca M | 2020–26 | PF86 / Threaded | 68/86 mm | Model-dependent | |
| Lapierre | Xelius SL | 2020–26 | PF86 | 86.5 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit |
| Look | 795 Blade RS | 2021–26 | T47 / BB386 | 85.5 / 86.5 mm | Threaded or press-fit |
| Merida | Scultura Team | 2020–26 | Press-Fit | 86 mm | Model-dependent |
| Eddy Merckx | 525 | 2021–26 | BB86 | 86 mm | 41 mm cups press-fit |
| Argon 18 | Gallium Pro | 2020–26 | BB86 | 86 mm | 41 mm cups press-fit |
| Electron Pro | 2020–26 | BB86 | 86 mm | 41 mm cups press-fit | |
| Felt | AR Advanced | 2020–26 | BB30 | 68 mm | Press-in bearings |
| Fuji | Transonic | 2020–22 | PF30 | 68 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit |
| TIME | Alpe d’Huez | 2021–26 | BB386 EVO | 86.5 mm | 46 mm cups press-fit |
| Storck | Aernario | 2020–26 | BB86 | 86 mm | 41 mm cups press-fit |
How to Identify Your Bottom Bracket Standard
- Check manufacturer documentation – official website or owner’s manual lists BB standard
-
Measure shell width – use digital calipers:
- 68 mm = BSA / OSBB / T47-68 / PF30 (68 mm variant)
- 70 mm = Italian Thread (ITA)
- 73 mm = PF30a / T47-73
- 79 mm = BBright
- 86 mm = BB86 / T47-86
- 86.5 mm = BB386 / PF86
- 90.5 mm = BB90
- Inspect for threads – visible threads = threaded standard; smooth bore = press-fit
- Contact Eminence Cycle Co. – expert technical support: info@eminencecycleco.com
Upgrade to Ceramic: WorldTour Performance
Professional cycling teams choose ceramic bottom brackets for measurable performance gains:
-
Tripeak Bottom Brackets – full range covering all standards (BB86, PF30, BB30, BSA, T47, ITA, BBright, BB386) with Grade 5 ceramic bearings, 3-in-1 core compatibility, and 4-year warranty. Trusted by LIDL TREK, ASTANA XDS, KERN PHARMA.
-
CeramicSpeed Bottom Brackets – WorldTour-proven technology offering 2–5 watt savings per bottom bracket; complete line for Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo drivetrains across all frame standards.
Installation & Maintenance Best Practices
Professional Installation – Press-fit bottom brackets require specialized tools and precise alignment; threaded standards demand accurate torque specifications. Professional installation ensures optimal bearing life and eliminates creaking.
Inspection Schedule:
- Dry conditions: annual inspection
- Wet/winter riding: bi-annual inspection
- Replacement interval: 10,000–25,000 km depending on riding conditions and bearing type
Maintenance Tips:
- Apply light grease to bearing interfaces (press-fit cups, threaded shells)
- Inspect for play or roughness during routine cleaning
- Replace bearings at first sign of roughness or noise
- Keep bottom bracket area clean and dry
Shop Premium Bottom Brackets at Eminence Cycle Co.
As the official UK Tripeak distributor and authorized CeramicSpeed retailer, Eminence Cycle Co. offers:
- Complete range – Tripeak bottom brackets for every standard (BB86, PF30, BB30, BSA, T47, ITA, BBright, BB386) in ceramic or steel
- CeramicSpeed full line – WorldTour-proven performance for Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo
- Expert technical support – bottom bracket identification, installation advice, compatibility confirmation
- Fast UK dispatch – in-stock items ship within 5 working days
- Worldwide shipping – competitive international rates
- Manufacturer warranty – genuine products backed by full warranty
Contact: info@eminencecycleco.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert press-fit to threaded?
Yes, some frames can be machined to accept threaded bottom brackets (BSA or T47). Consult a professional frame builder to verify compatibility.
Are ceramic bearings worth the investment?
For competitive cyclists, time trialists, and performance-focused riders, ceramic bearings deliver measurable watt savings (2–5 W per bottom bracket) and extended bearing life, making them worthwhile. For recreational and training riders, high-quality steel bearings offer excellent performance and value.
Can I use a Shimano crankset on a SRAM DUB frame?
Yes, with a 3-in-1 bottom bracket system (Tripeak, CeramicSpeed, Praxis). The modular core allows mixing crankset brands with different spindle diameters on the same frame standard.
How do I eliminate bottom bracket creaking?
Ensure proper installation with correct torque specifications, apply light grease to all bearing interfaces, verify frame face alignment, and consider upgrading to a threaded standard (T47, BSA) or premium bearings (Tripeak, CeramicSpeed).
Which bottom bracket standard is most reliable?
Threaded standards (BSA, T47, Italian Thread) are generally more reliable and easier to service than press-fit systems. T47 is gaining popularity on premium frames for its combination of stiffness, serviceability, and compatibility.
Official UK Tripeak retailer, authorized CeramicSpeed dealer, manufacturer warranty, race-proven engineering, WorldTour teams, professional performance, expert advice, fast UK dispatch, worldwide shipping, competitive pricing
Last updated February 2026. Information compiled from manufacturer specifications, WorldTour team technical data, and professional cycling standards.
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