Need a new bottom bracket

[megaphone]

My Shimano BB is making noises and was 'stiff' when I started a ride at the weekend, loosened up after a few miles but I think I need a replacement.

It's a standard Hollowtech II with and XT crankset on a MTB. Any suggestions for replacement? Are the base Deore BB more or less the same as the XT or XTR? Are the latter worth the extra cost? What about alternative makes? Any deals out there or is CRC my best bet?

[P-Jay]

I'd go with a straight OE replacement. The Deore one might not fit, my BB knowledge is a bit out of date, but I seem to recall there are some fitment issues (by design, a bit like trying to fit Deore rings to higher spec chainsets).

I haven't tried non-OE BB's, but MBUK had a pretty damming review of some of them, I seem to recall the Superstar ones go a pretty decent kicking, especially the ceramic ones.

[upsidedownmark]

Ribble are often a good punt, but a hollowtech BB is only about 15 quid isn't it?

[Vladimir]

I've always destroyed Shimano BBs very quickly.

They are a lot to buy but a Chris King BB will last you many times longer.

[BadgerBenji]

As above Chris King, or if you want to keep it slightly more homegrown the hope item is also worth a look, both can have their bearings replaced, meaning once you've bought it you've got it for life, just with the odd bearing replacement.