Why Are There So Many Standards in the Cycling Industry?
If you’ve ever tried to swap out a bottom bracket, fit a new thru axle, or replace the headset, you’ve probably felt the frustration of cycling’s maze of standards. From BSA threaded to BB30, PF30, T47, 135 OLD, 142 OLD, Boost, Super Boost – the sheer number of standards can leave even seasoned riders scratching their heads. But why does the cycling industry have so many standards, and what does it mean for everyday cyclists?
Let’s break it down…
What Is a ‘Standard’ Anyway?
In cycling, a “standard” is essentially a set of rules or specifications that components must follow to fit together and work properly. Think of it as the blueprint that ensures pedals thread into crank arms, grips slide onto handlebars, or drop-bar shifters clamp on securely. For example, the 9/16″ pedal axle thread guarantees your pedals will fit almost any crankset, and the 22.2mm handlebar grip diameter ensures your grips or bar ends stay on. Without these standards, even basic maintenance or upgrades would become a nightmare.
Ever tried fitting a new seat post and finding the seat clamp won’t tighten up enough to hold it in place? That’s a small-scale example of why standards matter.
The Bottom Bracket Jungle
If there’s one area where standards get truly wild, it’s the bottom bracket. The bottom bracket connects your crankset to the bike frame, and over the years, dozens of standards have appeared. The BSA bottom bracket is the classic option found on many bikes.
PF86 and PF92 use a 41 mm press-fit shell found on many modern road and MTB bikes. BB30 and PF30 followed, using a larger 30 mm spindle and a 46 mm shell for better stiffness and lower weight. DUB followed with a 28.99mm diameter spindle. T47 combines the reliability of threaded systems using a 46mm threaded shell with the ability to run large diameter 30mm spindle cranks or any of the other types like traditional 24mm spindles. Each type has its own dimensions, tolerances, and installation requirements, making it tricky to swap parts without knowing exactly what you have.
Why do New Standards Keep Appearing?
New standards aren’t created just to frustrate riders – most of the time they usually exist for good reasons. Manufacturers innovate to improve performance, reduce weight, or increase stiffness. Proprietary designs let brands explore unique approaches without being restricted by existing patents or licenses. Sometimes a new standard is simply the result of responding to feedback from riders or professional teams.
A recent example of a new standard that has proven to be popular and widely implemented is the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH). When you have a bike designed with a UDH hanger you can walk into almost any bike shop and get a new derailleur hanger rather than hoping someone somewhere has your specific bikes design in stock.
For some brands it’s about about “locking in” customers; but it’s often just about the fact that innovation and compatibility don’t always move at the same pace.
SRAM UDH Derailleur Hanger
The Challenges of Multiple Standards
All this variation has its downsides. New standards may not be compatible with older or existing parts, making upgrades or repairs more complicated and more expensive! Proprietary standards can be discontinued, leaving riders with hard-to-replace components. Even maintaining your bike can become a challenge if you need specialized tools or knowledge to deal with a particular system.
Are Universal Standards Really Catching On?
There’s a growing push towards universal standards to make bikes easier to maintain and more sustainable. Organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) work to develop global standards, and manufacturers are collaborating to create greater consistency across components. Advocacy groups are also encouraging standardization to simplify the cycling experience.
That said, despite this push for universal standards, it often feels like new standards are emerging almost every day. In other words, bike standards are not really “standard,” and staying informed has never been more important. It’s a little like trying to keep up with fashion trends.
How do you Navigate the Standard Maze?
For cyclists, understanding standards is crucial, whether it is your current bike or you’re looking at a new purchase. Familiarize yourself with the bike’s specifications, from bottom bracket type to headset and axle standards. When choosing replacement parts, double-check compatibility to avoid headaches. And if you’re unsure, seek advice from a trusted expert. Whether it’s a crankset, pedals, handlebars, or bottom bracket, having someone in your corner makes navigating the maze of standards far less stressful.
