Hub / BB Bearings

What Are Bottom Bracket Bearings?

Bottom bracket bearings sit within the bottom bracket shell of your bike frame, supporting the crank spindle and allowing it to rotate smoothly. These small components make a big difference to how your bike feels and performs. Friction, wear, and water ingress can reduce efficiency over time, which is why replacement is essential as soon as you detect grinding, resistance, or play.

We offer bearings suitable for literally dozens of BB standards, including threaded, press-fit, square taper, and external bracket systems. You can find standard stainless steel sets or lifetime guaranteed ceramic and hybrid options for high-end builds.

Which BB Bearings Are in Stock?

We stock bottom bracket bearings in a wide range of diameters, widths, and seal types. Many are available with spacers, grooves, and fitting options to match the exact design of your bike’s bottom bracket shell.

Some popular choices include:

• Square taper BB bearings – ideal for older bikes or budget builds using a traditional cartridge BB
• Stainless steel and NTN bottom bracket bearings – known for strength, precision, and smooth rotation
• NSK bracket bearings – trusted for quality and used in OEM bike builds across Europe
• Enduro bottom bracket bearings – built for endurance and aggressive terrain
• Replacement kits – complete sets including bearings, seals, and installation tools if required

Whether you're dealing with a Hope BB, a Shimano-style press-fit, or a BMX crank system, you’ll find a suitable pair in stock, ready to add to basket and ship.

How Do You Choose the Right Bracket Bearings?

When replacing your BB bearings, it's important to inspect your current setup and measure key details. You’ll need the outer diameter, width, and part number if visible. Many bikes today use sealed bearings, so replacing the internal bearings without changing the whole BB can save money and reduce waste. If you're unsure, our team can help match your old bearing to a replacement based on bracket type, spindle interface, and crank arm design. We also recommend checking the groove, seal type, and any wear around the outer casing or tool interfaces.

Why Upgrade Your Bottom Bracket Bearings?

Over time, BB bearings wear due to dirt, water, and general use. Upgrading gives you a smoother ride, better performance levels, and improved longevity, especially with higher-spec materials like ceramic or stainless steel. Whether you're chasing speed or just want reliable commutes, the right bearing set matters. A fresh BB bearing can help eliminate play, reduce noise, and keep your pedals turning efficiently with minimal drag.

Order BB Bearings from Aire Bearings

We supply bottom bracket bearings compatible with popular cranksets and BB standards found in thousands of bikes across the UK. Whether you need a second set for your race bike, a replacement for your commuter, or a full bracket rebuild, we’re ready to help.

Contact Aire Bearings to check compatibility, confirm sizing, or ask about bulk orders. We supply a rangfe of bearing options, we also provide NSK bearings, non contact NTN bearings, and stainless steel and ceramic ball bearings. Contact us now to find out more. Need help installing your new BB bearings? Check our blog for guides on measuring, greasing, and installing bike bearings step by step.