Interbike 2012: Chris King Presses Further into the Bottom Bracket Market
For years Chris King of Portland, Oregon has been producing some of the finest cycling components on the market. Sometimes they are at the forefront of a new idea and sometimes they choose to wait on the consumer to see which new innovation they will embrace. Up until recently, the only bottom bracket shell “standand” that they have supported has been the ISO/English or BSA threaded 1.37 in x 24 TPI in the widths of 68mm and 73mm – the U.S. standard for decades. It looks like that is about to change.
While at the Interbike Outdoor Demo Day this year, we snapped some photos of the soon to be released Press Fit 24 (PF24) and Press Fit 30 (PF30) bottom brackets from Chris King. The pricing and release date has not been announced, but it is anticipated to be the first quarter of 2013. Check their website often for updates.
This may not seem Earthshattering to most, but do a quick internet search on the PF30 options currently on the market. Complaints of creaks and bearing seizures due to poor fit into frames or poor quality Asia made bearings have keep some (including me) from using the oversized bottom brackets in their builds. If these new bottom brackets from Chris King are anything like their other components, they will offer a high quality, well made, and rebuildable option for those looking to benefit from a frame with a stiffer Press Fit bottom bracket.
For the ‘eagle eye’ readers out there, take note of the other photos… they show a new color (or reviving of an old color), purple! It is unclear whether it will be 3DV purple. Let the early 90′s live again!
