Cane Creek knows their way around a bearing. The company has been elevating the headset from the very first days of the threadless headset. Yet, Cane Creek hadn’t stepped into the world of bottom brackets – in spite of now offering their own cranksets. But much like those early days with the first AheadSet that was based on John Rader’s original concept, Cane Creek wanted their first bottom bracket to be revolutionary. Thanks to bearing technology from Swedish manufacturer SKF, the new Hellbender bottom bracket just may qualify.
As crank spindles have gotten wider, bottom bracket bearings have also had to evolve to fit the new sizes. Anyone can make a bottom bracket that spins freely when it’s first installed, but making something to hold up to the rigors of mountain biking, cyclocross, gravel, wet road rides, etc., is far more difficult.
That’s where the new Hellbender Neo bearing comes in. Using SKF’s patented MTRX technology, the bearing balls are encased in an oil filled solid polymer matrix. This matrix surrounds the balls, and oil is supposedly released from micro-pores in the polymer to constantly lube the bearings while they’re in motion.
The result is a bearing that is supposedly pressure washer-proof. Without space for water to enter the bearing, it should be free from water related damage.
Initially, the bottom brackets will only be offered for 30mm crank spindles since that matches the eeWings cranks. You’ll still have to buy the bottom bracket separately from the crankset, but at least now you’ll be able to order them from the same company. Bottom brackets will be available for BSA threaded, PF41, PF30, and BB30 with the PF bottom brackets featuring a thread-together shell. Like the premium eeWings, the Hellbender bottom bracket is also a premium product with pricing set at $120-150 depending on the model. Look for these to start shipping by October, though you can pre-order them now.
Specifications:
- Cups/Shell Material – 6061 Aluminum T6
- Finish – Two Stage Anodize for multi-color Gold and Black Combination
- Bearings – Premium Hellbender Neo bearings with solid oil technology
- Variations – BSA Threaded, PF41, PF30, BB30
- Spindle Diameter – 30mm
Still with us? If so, you’ll be rewarded with the first look at these sweet El Real Edition eeBrakes. Who doesn’t love anodized purple? Offered in standard and direct mount, each limited edition brake set will retail for $680 and must be pre-ordered by September 18, 2019. Orders will begin shipping in October.
