The external bottom bracket is available with two different bearing options. All common systems are covered with this upgrade unit, making it ideal for Shimano, Race Face and Truvativ (extra conversion kit required). The machined aluminium cups hold either full stainless steel cartridge bearings, or ceramic bearings in stainless races. These custom, Swiss made bearings are double sealed which gives much greater life span than stock units. They are also replaceable. The bearings are made by INA and have been designed to run directly on the crankset axle, without the use of shims or spacers - again increasing life and reliability. The Hope Stainless Brottom Bracket unit is suitable for 68 & 73mm shell width’s. Standard 6 colours are available on cups - red, blue, silver, black, gold and gunsmoke, with the centre tubes being black on the stainless and gunsmoke on the ceramic.