Using a retaining compound to install a press-fit bottom bracket

Just orderd a 2nd Token Ninja TF24 (screw in) press fitt BB. (86.5/41mm shell)

The first one I purchased was used to replaced the BB (Shimano 105/5800) in my Giant Defy Adv 2-E.

This BB creaked from the 'word go'. But, this was due to the original BB having a  manufacturing defect. I replaced it after about 500km, couldn't stand the noise it made on every right side pedal stroke.

Now, with the Token BB installed, no more creaks, grunching etc. No fitting compound required, just some Teflon grease to install and plain sailing from then.

The 2nd one is going to replace the BB on my Canyon Aeroad. It's becoming noisy, rather than just cleaning/packing with grease, I'll replace the BB, I've a chain to replace too, so makes more sense to pull it all apart once. 

The Token BB comes in many guises, but if you've a 24mm Shimano set up it's literally 30 minutes work, out with the old and in with the new, the BB cups come with a fitting tool too, all you need is a ratchet/torque wrench...cranks back in and away you go.

Might stock up on a few TF24s for later use seeing as they're around €50. I'd rather pay that than pay for those awful ShimaNO press fit efforts.

I installed a Wheels Manufacturing BB86 press fit in my Canyon Ultimate CF SL with some Muc off grease. Went in easily and no creaks. I think a good quality BB will go in fine with some waterproof grease, as the tolerances on the Canyon frames seem pretty tight and coupled with a well made BB, you should have any creaking issues. I wouldn’t be putting any retaining compounds in a carbon shell BB, but each to their own. 

My Cannondale was built up with press fit sleeve for a DA BB, and that was put in with a small amount of retaining compound to prevent creaks. It worked well, and when I did eventually upgrade to the carbon BB80 crankset it pressed out easily enough. 

Depends what BB you are fitting. I’ve fitted BB30 bearings into a metal shell using Loctite 641 which did a great job. It is medium strength and specifically for installations which may need removing again at some point. 

Knocking the bearings out with the correct removal tool was not a problem.

I have since fitted a cBear BB into the same frame, but this time using Morgan Blue Aquaproof Paste as recommended by the manufacturer. This is not a retainer as such, but does the job (eases installation with tight tolerance fit parts and prevents creaking). Again, no issue when removing.

So it depends on your installation, but go with manufacturers recommendations if they offer them or else check out Loctite products and don’t use the incorrect one (for permanent installation)!

PP