Sealed cartridge bearings turn smoothly and should prove dependable in hard service although they lack the outright refinement of the ceramic type and aren’t replaceable. However, our test model bedded in after a hundred or so miles and with careful installation, immersion in gloop and other casual neglect hasn’t revealed any obvious weaknesses.
Installation procedure is identical to Shimano and other pattern designs but greater care is required when fitting the aluminium cups and a thorough application of stout grease is recommended-especially on tourers, crossers and trainers that are ridden long and hard. The composite mid section certainly trims some fat and although the distributor assures us there’s no upper weight limit, riders over 85 kilos might be better served elsewhere.
Despite my initial reservations there’s been no unnerving squeaks or creaks even climbing out of the saddle with my feet dancing on the pedals*, although it has to remembered, at a modest 70 kilos I don’t tax components in quite the same way as bigger, more powerfully built brethren. While happy to churn four seasons’ road miles, I’m not so confident of its staying power for regular, competitive cross racing.
Lightweight bottom bracket best suited to road duties and lighter riders.
road.cc test report
Make and model: One23 Alloy/composite external BB
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
The One23 is an external bearing bottom bracket with a transparent, composite centre which looks very fetching while shaving a ferw grams into the bargain. Primarily intended as a road component, it tackles other disciplines too. However, in my opinion, it's best for riders not exceeding 85 kilos
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Standard sealed (non replaceable)cartridge bearings, 68mm shell, composite centre to keep weight low.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
There's no doubt the One23 feels every bit as smooth as others at this end of the market, although it took our test model a hundred miles before the bearings bedded in. Performance is generally very good with no apparent contamination from gloop and grime but remember to apply thick grease to the alloy threads and I have small reservations concerning longer term durability for competitive cross and similar duties.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Low weight and curious, eye-catching design.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Bearings could've been just a touch smoother.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, just so long as they weren't too big
Age: 35 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
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