- In my last video I was discussing the new technology versus old and when these two are combined. Thun, as a long time chainwheel and spindle manufacturer has combined their knowledge in steel forging and treatment, with the know how taken from German auto industry.
- They have developed bottom bracket with composite cups and sleeves which embody the perfect mix of these two. Their bottom brackets are made with composite cups exclusively.
- So what does this mean for assembly companies, service networks and the end users experience when exploiting the bicycle? Talking from my own experience as a bike developer, service tech and heavy bike user I see it this way.
- For assembly factories composite cups made by Thun mean following.
- One process in production less because there is no need to use grease when assembling them. Compared to steel cups, this means faster assembly which in return lowers the cost of the production and the BB itself. Residual benefit of this is that workers hands are clean and so is the bike when it is being handled lowering the cost again because there is no need for cleaning. Second benefit is that the assembly torque is much lower, 30- 35Nm is recommended, resulting in happier and less fatigued workers. Third benefit is that stability of process in producing these cups is almost perfect, meaning that you get exactly same cups each and every time making the production trouble free again bringing down the costs.
- For the service network composite cups mean no rust and difficult servicing. Anybody who has serviced a bike in the past knows what I am talking about. Sometimes it can take couple of hours to service a rusted stuck steel cup in a frame. There is then possibility of damaging the thread in the BB shell of the frame making even more trouble. With composite cups you can do service easily in 10 minutes every time, no exception. Even if the cup has damaged inner teeth from the tool, Thun has a solution. Cups are specially designed so you can use Pedro key to loosen or tighten the cups from the outside. In case of tightening you don’t even need to take of the chainwheel. So overall easily serviceable and predictable bottom bracket.
- For the end user composite cups mean that every service station will accept you with a smile. Cracking sounds are eliminated because cups adjust to the frame and do not make the sounds as steel cups do. Bottom line the replacement of the BB with these cups will cost less hence making maintenance of your bike cheaper, which is especially important to the people who commute to work every day.
- We can go on about the benefits all day but these are the most important to know.
- In conclusion Thun, as a pioneer in composite cups, has made a really nice package here with an affordable price. I am truly looking forward to what they will do next.
- Thank you for your attention. Subscribe and keep riding safe with 128.bike !
