Ready for a new bottom bracket? Cane Creek is wasting no time in expanding on the Hellbender series with new options in the Neo line, plus an all new range with completely different bearings. For those just getting up to speed on the HellBender Neo bottom brackets, they’re unique in that they use an SKF MTRX bearing with a solid oil matrix instead of the typical grease.
That solid mass supposedly eliminates any space in the bearing that water, dirt, and contaminants could use to enter. It also allows the bearing to be pressure washed without issue. Cane Creek claims that their Neo bearing with SKF’s MATRX technology will self lubricate as it spins, as oil is released from the micro-pores in the polymer.
While the Neo bearing technology hasn’t changed, Cane Creek is making an addition to their Neo lineup with a T47 BB. T47 is a relatively new standard that uses a larger M47x1 thread to work with 30mm crank spindles. With big names like Trek starting to use the standard, more bottom bracket manufactures are getting on board. Cane Creek’s T47 Hellbender Neo is for 30mm spindles only (not compatible with SRAM DUB), and the bottom bracket will sell for $150.
But what if you prioritize pedaling efficiency over extreme durability? Cane Creek doesn’t provide any figures, but they do mention that the Neo bearing creates a bit more drag than your average bearing. So they are introducing another Hellbender bottom bracket series – the 70.
With shells machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, the bearings themselves are made from 440c stainless steel with traditional grease. This claims to provide high durability and corrosion resistance while offering less drag than the Neo bearing.
Looking for that DUB compatible bottom bracket? Good news here. The Hellbender 70 will be offered in BSA30, PF30, BB30, and T47 – all in both 30mm or 29mm (DUB) spindle sizing. It will also come in PF41 but for 30mm spindles only. Pricing for the Hellbender 70 will start at $99. All of the bottom brackets are available now.
