Nowadays, there is a large selection of frames available on the market, and with it comes a wide range of bottom bracket standards. It’s important to know what frame format you are using to ensure compatibility with your power2max and to choose the right model. Below, we show you how to determine the bottom bracket standard of your frame and give recommendations on which model to choose for which frame type.
How to determine the bottom bracket standard of your frame
Using the following three simple steps you can determine the bottom bracket standard of your bike, which will help you choose the right power2max:
1. Does your frame have external bearing cups?
Many frames have external bearing cups that are screwed into the frame, like in the picture below:
If this is the case on your bike, then you have a BSA or ITA threaded frame. If there are no external bearing cups, then the bearings are either pressed into the frame, or you are using a threaded frame with a square taper or Octalink axle.
2. How wide is your frame at the bottom bracket?
If your frame doesn’t have external bearing cups, then you should measure the width of the frame at the bottom bracket, like in the picture above. The most common bottom bracket widths are 68mm (BB30 and PF30), 79mm (Cervlo BBRight), 86mm (BB86 or BB386EVO) and 90mm (BB90 by Trek).
3. How large is the diameter of the bottom bracket bore?
The next step is to determine the diameter of the bottom bracket bore, as pictured below:
The diameter of the bottom bracket bore is the last piece of information that you need to determine which type of frame you have. The inner diameter of the bottom bracket bore is 37mm on BB90 frames, 41mm on BB86 frames, 42mm on BB30 frames, and 46mm on PF30 and BB386EVO frames.
Compatibility with power2max and recommended models
You only need to check compatibility on BB86 and BB386EVO frames, all other frame formats are always compatible with power2max. To check compatibility, please measure the outer diameter of the bottom bracket bore. It should not exceed 53mm to ensure compatibility with power2max.
Bottom bracket standard | Compatibility with power2max | Recommended model |
BB30 | Yes | Rotor 3D+, Rotor 3DF, BOR RR688, Tune Smart Foot, Lightning |
BB386 EVO | Check! | Rotor 3D+, Rotor 3DF, BOR RR688, Tune Smart Foot |
BB86 | Check! | FSA Gossamer, FSA K-Force Light, Rotor 3D |
BB90 | Yes | FSA Gossamer, FSA K-Force Light, Rotor 3D |
BBRight | Yes | Rotor 3D+, Rotor 3DF, BOR RR688, Tune Smart Foot |
BSA | Yes | FSA Gossamer, FSA K-Force Light, Rotor 3D |
ITA | Yes | FSA Gossamer, FSA K-Force Light, Rotor 3D |
PF30 | Yes | Rotor 3D+, Rotor 3DF, BOR RR688, Tune Smart Foot, Lightning |
As a last step, please check that you have the right bottom bracket for the crank of your choice. We wish you a lot of fun with your new power2max!
Technical data of the most common bottom bracket standards
1. Road
Bottom bracket standard | Bearings inboard / outboard | Frame width at the bottom bracket | Bearing installation | Inner diameter of the bottom bracket bore | Compatibility with power2max |
BB30 | Inboard | 68 mm | Pressed in: bearing directly into the frame | 42 mm | Yes |
BB386 EVO | Inboard | 86 mm | Pressed in: delrin plastic cup into the frame | 46 mm | Check! |
BB86 | Inboard | 86 mm | Pressed in: delrin plastic cup into the frame | 41 mm | Check! |
BB90 | Inboard | 90 mm | Pressed in: bearing directly into the frame | 37 mm | Yes |
BBRight | Inboard | 79 mm | Pressed in: bearing directly into the frame | 42 mm | Yes |
BSA | Outboard | 68 mm | Screwed in: external bottom bracket cup | 33,8 mm | Yes |
ITA | Outboard | 70 mm | Screwed in: external bottom bracket cup | 35 mm | Yes |
PF30 | Inboard | 68 mm | Pressed in: delrin plastic cup into the frame | 46 mm | Yes |
2. Mountain bike
Bottom bracket standard | Bearings inboard / outboard | Frame width at the bottom bracket | Bearing installation | Recommended cranks | Compatibility with power2max |
BB30 | Inboard | 68 mm | Pressed in: bearing directly into the frame | Rotor 3D+ Rotor 3DF BOR XC666 |
Yes |
BB386 EVO | Inboard | 86 mm | Pressed in: delrin plastic cup into the frame | Rotor 3D+ Rotor 3DF BOR XC666 |
Check! |
BB92 | Inboard | 92 mm | Pressed in: delrin plastic cup into the frame | Rotor 3D | Check! |
BB95 | Inboard | 95 mm | Pressed in: bearing directly into the frame | Rotor 3D | Yes |
BSA | Outboard | 73 mm | Screwed in: external bottom bracket cup | Rotor 3D | Yes |
ITA | Outboard | 70 mm | Screwed in: external bottom bracket cup | Rotor 3D | Yes |
PF30 | Inboard | 68 mm | Pressed in: delrin plastic cup into the frame | Rotor 3D+ Rotor 3DF BOR XC666 |
Yes |