The Ultimate Guide to WorldTour Road Bike Bottom Bracket Standards (2020‑2026)

17 feb 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

  1. Check manufacturer documentation – official website or owner’s manual lists BB standard
  2. 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
  3. Inspect for threads – visible threads = threaded standard; smooth bore = press-fit
  4. 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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