Are you searching for the best BMX bottom brackets to keep your cranks spinning smoothly?
The quality of BBs was extremely poor when I started riding BMX. It needed fixing after almost every session.
Luckily, things changed!
You can pretty much forget about the BB once you install it these days.
And because all bottom brackets are durable and quality, I suggest you pick the brand you like the most.
However, if you also need a sprocket bolt, go with BSD Substance mid BB.
This post covers:
- Mid bottom brackets
- Euro bottom brackets
- How to install mid bottom bracket on your BMX bike
- FAQs about BMX bottom brackets
Note: You may also want to check my collection of the ultimate BMX cranks.
Best Mid BMX Bottom Brackets
1. Odyssey Mid BB
Odyssey’s bottom is another amongst the popular that you can get your hands on. Why?
Not only is it strong and long-lasting, but it also comes in multiple really cool color options. (Unfortunately, the different colors sell out quickly so make sure you act fast.)
Odyssey BB specs:
- Size: 19, 22mm
- Price: $24.99 (may vary)
2. Profile Mid BB
Profile doesn’t fool around when it comes to producing the best quality BMX products.
And they applied the same methodology to their mid BB. You can get it in two sizes and various colors (colored cone spacers) so there’s something for everyone.
If you’re searching for an American-made BB, go Profile.
Profile BB specs:
- Size: 19, 22mm
- Price: $44.99 (may vary)
3. Cult Mid BB
If you’re a fan of Cult then it’s more than obvious that you’ll want to get their mid BB.
And after talking to a bunch of riders who run this BB, they only reported good things. And some are riding it for many years without a single issue.
Cult BB specs:
- Size: 19, 22mm
- Price: $27.99 (may vary)
4. Shadow Stacked Mid BB
Shadow cares about the details by creating an epic mid bottom bracket in two sizes, 19mm and 22mm.
The kit includes everything you need for your cranks to run smoothly for years to come. Go black or go raw – that’s it!
Not it’s NOT! You can get Shadow’s BB in a few other rad colors, too!
United BB specs:
- Size: 19, 22mm
- Price: $30.99 (may vary)
5. Rant Bang Ur Mid BB
Even though Rant’s Bang Ur Mid BB is one of the cheapest available on the market, this doesn’t mean it’s half-baked.
This thing is strong! And I saw a lot of riders rock it without a single issue.
And it comes in endless color options (which, sadly, are usually unavailable).
I like that the bearings are all-black, which isn’t something you see too often.
Rant BB specs:
- Size: 19, 22mm
- Price: $23.99 (may vary)
6. Merritt Mid BB
Merritt’s mid bottom bracket will keep you going for a very long time. It’s also very crankflip-friendly (but so are all the others in this collection).
Inner and outer spacers, CNCd dust caps and buttery bearings, that’s all your cranks and your frame need to keep you rolling smoothly.
Merritt BB specs:
- Size: 19, 22mm
- Price: $26.99 (may vary)
7. Fiend Mid BB
If it’s Garrett Reynolds that rides it than you know it must be good. And you couldn’t be more right.
Fiend’s mid BB includes R12 bearings with laser etched logo on the dust caps and inner and outer spacers.
Fiend BB specs:
- Size: 19, 22mm
- Price: $30.99 (may vary)
8. BSD Substance Mid BB
BSD’s Substance mid bottom bracket comes in three sizes for all the popular crank axles.
What I like about this one is that it comes with a sprocket bolt, which isn’t something that happens too often.
Plus all the other details, like spacers, dust protectors and a tube spacer.
Substance BB specs:
- Size: 19, 22, 24mm
- Price: $27.99 (may vary)
9. WeThePeople Compact Mid BB
Your WeThePeople setup also needs a WTP midd BB just to keep everything looking better.
You’ll also enjoy WTP’s bearings’ durability and high quality, plus all the extra spacers for easy installation.
WTP BB specs:
- Size: 19, 22, 24mm
- Price: $28.99 (may vary)
10. Jet BMX Mid BB
Jet BMX guys also thought of riders beyond black and silver, offering their BB in multiple extra color options.
This is a very simple and extremely affordable mid bottom bracket, available in two spindle sizes, 19mm and 22mm, to cover most of the riders.
Total BMX BB specs:
- Size: 19, 22mm
- Price: $17.99 (may vary)
Best Euro BMX Bottom Brackets
If you’re exclusively searching for a Euro bottom bracket, then any of these three will do the trick.
11. Rant Bang Ur Euro BB
The Rant is my favorite but the other one is just as durable and quality. The only downside of Rant’s BB is that it’s available in 19mm.
Pick Odyssey for larger spindle sizes.
Profile Euro BB specs:
- Size: 19mm
- Price: $40.99 (may vary)
12. Odyssey Euro BB
The Odyssey Euro bottom bracket installation is smooth, with all the hardware necessary in the kit.
Black is the only available color, with 19mm and 22mm diameter options.
Odyssey Euro BB specs:
- Size: 19, 22mm
- Price: $39.99 (may vary)
How To Install Mid Bottom Bracket On Your BMX Bike
Since most of us use a mid BB, my step-by-step how-to guide will focus on installing a mid bottom bracket on your BMX bike.
Installing a mid BB on a BMX bike requires a specific set of steps, as well as some specialized tools.
Still, if you don’t have the tools, you can use a hammer.
Below is a general guide on how to do this, but if you are not comfortable with bike maintenance, it might be best to take your bike to a professional mechanic.
Speaking of maintenance, check out my complete BMX bike maintenance guide.
Step 1. Prepare The Frame
Ensure that your BMX frame is compatible with a mid bottom bracket. The bottom bracket shell on the frame should be the correct width and diameter.
Clean the inside of the bottom bracket shell on the frame to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2. Grease The Bottom Bracket Shell
Apply a thin layer of grease to the inside of the bottom bracket shell. This helps in both the installation of the bearings and in preventing corrosion.
Don’t worry if you add a bit of extra grease – the contact between the frame and the bearings isn’t moveable, so extra grease won’t do any harm,
Step 3. Install The Bearings
Place one of the bearings onto the bottom bracket and align it with the BB shell.
Gently tap the bearing into place using a rubber mallet to drive the bearing in. Ensure that the bearing is being installed straight and not at an angle.
From there on, you’ll likely need to use a metal hammer (which you can also use initially). It’s best to use some type of protection over the bearing and the bottom bracket so you don’t damage them.
I missed once and hurt my frame’s BB pretty badly. I don’t want that to happen to you.
Repeat the process on the other side.
Of course, if you have the special bottom bracket installation tool, use that, ensuring a 100% safe installation.
Step 4. Install Any Required Spacer
If your bottom bracket kit comes with a spacer, install it as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The spacer goes inside the bottom bracket shell – between the two bearings.
However, most modern BMX frames don’t require the spacer anymore.
Step 5. Install The Crankset
Apply grease to the spindle of your crankset.
Slide the spindle through one of the bearings, spacer, and then through the other bearing. You might need to use a hammer to get it through.
You then place dust caps, thin spacers, and lastly, crank arms.
Step 6. Secure Everything
Make sure everything is aligned correctly and tight. Use the crank spindle bolts to tighten your cranks together, install your pedals, and off you go!
Remember, regular maintenance, including cleaning and greasing, can prolong the life of your bottom bracket and improve the performance of your BMX bike.
FAQs About BMX Bottom Brackets
What bottom bracket do I need BMX?
It all depends on what frame you have. While all the modern frames have mid BB, you still need to check in case it’s Euro or Spanish BB.
Are all BMX bottom brackets the same?
No, not all BMX bottom brackets are the same. They come in three versions: Mid BB (most popular), Euro BB and Spanish BB. You can also see an American BB (but isn’t popular anymore).
What size are BMX bottom brackets?
Besides the different styles I mentioned above, BB comes in three main sizes: 19mm, 22mm and 24mm.
How do I know what size bottom bracket to get?
The size of the bottom bracket you need depends on your frame’s BB shell size and your crank spindle diameter. Measure the diameter of the frame’s bottom bracket shell. Then, check your crank specifications for the spindle diameter.
How often should I replace or service my BMX bottom bracket?
The frequency of replacing or servicing your BMX bottom bracket depends on your riding intensity, conditions, and maintenance routine. Generally, it’s good to service the bottom bracket once a year. Look for signs like creaking, grinding, or resistance in the crank rotation, which indicate it’s time for maintenance or replacement.