Bottom brackets are a crucial bicycle component that connects the crankset (pedals and chainrings) to the bike frame allowing the crank arms to rotate smoothly. The bottom bracket houses bearings that enable the crankset to spin efficiently by transferring pedal power to the drivetrain.
The SRAM Tretlager Dub Pressfit 30 features an oversized aluminum spindle for a balance of stiffness, weight savings, and strength. It has a 46mm shell diameter and is compatible with 68-73mm wide shells. The SRAM BB30 Bottom Bracket has anodized aluminum cups and is durable and lightweight.
In this review, I’m going to look at two different bottom brackets, the PF30 and BB30, and assess them on the basis of their build quality, durability, and ease of use.
Comparison of PF30 vs BB30 Bottom Brackets
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 SRAM Tretlager Dub Pressfit 30 | 89 |  Features an oversized aluminum spindle for balance of stiffness | Check Out On Amazon |
 SRAM Bb30 Bottom Bracket | 86 |  Bearings are well protected by silicone seals | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the PF30 vs BB30 Bottom Brackets
We’re going to go through the features of each bottom bracket, and at the end, we’ll give you the differences between the PF30 vs BB30 bottom bracket.
1. SRAM Tretlager Dub Pressfit 30
Overall Score: 89
The SRAM DUB PressFit 30 is a versatile bottom bracket designed for bikes with a PressFit 30 (PF30) bottom bracket shell.
It features the DUB technology, which integrates an oversized spindle for compatibility with all SRAM cranksets while enhancing stiffness and durability.
It is designed to unify spindle and bearing interfaces, offering compatibility with SRAM cranksets regardless of the frame’s bottom bracket standard.
Features an oversized aluminum spindle for a balance of stiffness, weight savings, and strength. PF30-specific design with 46mm shell diameter and compatibility for 68-73mm wide shells.
The lightweight cups that ensure secure fitment and reduced overall weight. It is also durable in various weather conditions, making it ideal for mountain bikes and gravel use
Advantages
- Wide compatibility with different frame types and cranksets.
- Lightweight and durable for high-performance riding.
- Effective sealing for extended longevity in harsh conditions.
- Available in premium bearing materials (ceramic or stainless).
Disadvantages
- Requires specific tools for installation and removal.
2. SRAM Bb30 Bottom Bracket
Overall Score: 86
The BB30 Bottom Bracket is also an SRAM bracket. It’s made of good-quality as expected; it’s strong and durable, it’s capable of hard rides, and you’ll be satisfied with its performance.
The wheels are designed with aluminum cups. This gives it a light weight and durability which make for a strong disposition. This bracket is designed to last you for a while without getting damaged.
The bracket is heavier than the PF30 bottom bracket, and it’s also smaller. It has dimensions of 4 x 4 x 3 inches.
Unlike the PF30 bottom bracket, the BB30 can function without the use of an PF30 to BB30 adapter, and it’s compatible with 24mm cranks. It’s easy to install and doesn’t require any special tool or attention.
The bearings of this bracket are well-protected and safe from corrosion; they are protected with silicone seals. If you get this bracket, you can be certain that it will last for a long time.
Advantages
- The bearings are well protected by silicone seals.
- They are designed with aluminum cups.
- Compatible with 24mm cranks, and you don’t need an adapter.
- Anodized aluminum cups are durable and lightweight.
Disadvantages
- It’s not easy to use a four-spacer with the BB30.
What to Focus on When Choosing a PF30 vs BB30 Bottom Bracket?
We’ve given you the features of each of the bottom brackets; now, we want to look at their differences. Between the PF30 vs BB30 bottom bracket, which is better? Let’s find out.
Size
You’ll have noticed the difference in the size and weight of the brackets. In terms of weight, the PF30 bottom bracket is lighter than the BB30 bottom bracket.
When it comes to size, the BB30 is surprisingly smaller despite its weight. It has dimensions of 4 x 4 x 3 inches, while the PF30 measures 4.9 x 3.4 x 2.5 inches.
You can check out my guide on measuring the bottom brackets of your frames correctly to avoid misfits.
Bearing Seals
Another major difference is in their bearing seals and their use.
The bearing seal of the BB30 is made of silicone while that of the PF30 is made of ceramic. They are effective seals and can effectively protect your bearings from moisture and dirt.
Lastly, you will have noticed that we mentioned adapters when discussing their properties. However, the BB30 is designed readily compatible with a 24mm crank.
Color
The PF30 and BB30 bottom brackets are typically available in a standard black finish. Both are good since they gel well with any bicycle design and complement other colors well.
The Lightweight PF30 Cups Ensure Secure Fitment and Easy Installation…
After comparing the PF30 vs BB30 bottom bracket, we can say that they are good choices of bottom brackets, and they will work for a long time.
They both offer you great performance, and they each have their advantage over the other.
However, after testing each one and carrying out our research, we have concluded that the SRAM Tretlager Dub Pressfit 30 is the best choice.
It’s designed with CNC machined aluminum that makes it very light and durable. It’s one of the strongest bottom brackets you’ll find. It also has bearing seals with ceramic technology.