RaceFace Team XC X-Type External Bottom Bracket - 68/73mm BSA

24mm Spindle | Shimano Hollowtech II Compatible | FSA MegaExo Compatible | Phil Wood Grease | Forged 7050 Aluminium Cups | MTB

The RaceFace Team XC X-Type bottom bracket delivers premium performance and reliability for mountain bike riders who demand smooth, consistent power transfer. Featuring forged 7050 aluminium cups, 16-ball retainer bearings with cryogenically treated races, and factory-filled with Phil Wood waterproof grease, this bottom bracket is engineered to handle everything from cross-country racing to trail riding. The fully serviceable design means you can maintain and rebuild these bearings for years of reliable use rather than throwing them away when they wear out. Compatible with RaceFace X-Type and EXI cranks, Shimano Hollowtech II cranks, and FSA MegaExo systems, this bottom bracket offers wide compatibility across multiple brands and models. Dual-surface face wiper seals keep dirt and water out while the black oxide-coated races resist corrosion and extend bearing life. Fits standard BSA threaded bottom bracket shells in both 68mm and 73mm widths. At just 110 grams, it's lightweight without sacrificing durability. Whether you're building a new bike, upgrading from a basic cartridge bottom bracket, or replacing worn-out bearings, the RaceFace Team XC delivers the smooth rotation and long service life that serious riders expect.

Perfect For These Applications

• Cross-Country Racing: Lightweight and smooth for competitive XC riding
• Trail Riding: Durable seals handle muddy, wet Australian bush conditions
• All-Mountain Bikes: Strong enough for aggressive trail riding
• Crank Upgrades: Essential when upgrading to Shimano XT/XTR or RaceFace cranks
• Bottom Bracket Replacement: Direct replacement for worn Shimano or RaceFace BBs
• Bike Shop Builds: Professional-grade component for custom builds

Key Features

• Shell Type: BSA threaded (English thread) - 68mm or 73mm width
• Spindle Interface: 24mm diameter (X-Type, Hollowtech II, MegaExo)
• Bearing Type: 16-ball retainer with 6805 bearings
• Cup Material: Forged 7050 aluminium (CNC machined)
• Grease: Factory-filled with Phil Wood waterproof grease
• Seals: Dual-surface (radial and axial) face wiper seals, snap ring retained
• Race Treatment: Cryogenically treated, black oxide coated for corrosion resistance
• Ball Bearings: Premium grade 5 chromium steel
• Tolerance: ABEC 5 running tolerance on races
• Serviceability: Fully serviceable - bearings can be replaced/serviced
• Weight: 110 grams (complete set, both cups)
• Installation Tool: Standard 16-notch bottom bracket tool
• Colour: Black

Specifications

• Brand: RaceFace
• Model: Team XC X-Type
• Series: Team XC (mid-range MTB)
• Bottom Bracket Type: External bearing, threaded
• Frame Interface: BSA/English threaded (1.37" x 24 TPI)
• Shell Width: 68mm or 73mm (works with both)
• Shell Inner Diameter: 1.37 inches (34.8mm)
• Spindle Diameter: 24mm
• Bearing Model: 6805 (25mm ID x 37mm OD x 7mm wide)
• Bearing Type: 16-ball retainer-type sealed cartridge
• Cup Material: Forged 7050 aluminium alloy
• Cup Machining: CNC machined for precision fit
• Bearing Race: Cryogenically treated, black oxide coated
• Ball Bearings: Grade 5 chromium steel
• Grease: Phil Wood waterproof grease (factory applied, maximum fill)
• Seals: Triple lip bearing seals, dual-surface face wipers
• Seal Retention: Snap ring retained
• Tolerance: ABEC 5 rated
• Weight: 110g
• Colour: Black
• Serviceability: Fully serviceable (bearings and seals replaceable)
• UPC: 821973139760
• Model Code: BBXTTMXC
• Design: Designed in Canada
• Manufacture: Made in Taiwan

Compatible Cranksets

This bottom bracket works with any 24mm spindle crankset, including:

• RaceFace: X-Type cranks, EXI cranks (Turbine, Atlas, Ride, Aeffect, etc)
• Shimano: Hollowtech II cranks (XTR, XT, SLX, Deore, Saint, Zee)
• FSA: MegaExo cranks, MegaExo Light cranks (MTB models)
• Surly: OD (Outer Diameter) cranks

NOT compatible with: SRAM GXP cranks (24mm/22mm stepped spindle), BB30/PF30 cranks (30mm spindle), older square taper cranks, or Campagnolo Ultra-Torque cranks.

BSA Threaded Bottom Bracket Standard

What is BSA threading?

• BSA = British Standard Bicycle Thread: Also called "English thread"
• Thread Pitch: 1.37" x 24 TPI (threads per inch)
• Most Common: Used on 90% of mountain bikes and many road bikes
• Thread Direction: Drive side tightens COUNTER-clockwise (reverse thread)
• Shell Width: This BB works with both 68mm (road/older MTB) and 73mm (modern MTB)
• Easy to Identify: If your frame has threaded holes in the BB shell, it's likely BSA

BSA threading is the most reliable bottom bracket standard - no creaking, no press-fit headaches, just threads that work.

Why 68mm vs 73mm?

This bottom bracket fits both widths using included spacers:

• 68mm Shells: Common on road bikes, cyclocross bikes, older mountain bikes, some gravel bikes. Use 2.5mm spacer on each side.
• 73mm Shells: Standard on modern mountain bikes (hardtails and full-suspension). Use without spacers.
• How to Check: Measure the width of your BB shell from inside the frame (left to right)
• Why It Matters: Chainline and clearance - 73mm pushes cranks outward for tyre/chainstay clearance on MTBs

The spacers allow one bottom bracket to work on multiple frames, making this a versatile choice if you work on different bikes.

Phil Wood Grease - Premium Lubrication

Why Phil Wood grease is the gold standard:

• Waterproof Formula: Repels water better than standard greases - critical for Australian wet rides
• Temperature Stable: Works in hot summer and cold winter conditions without breaking down
• Long-Lasting: Stays in bearings longer than cheaper greases, extending service intervals
• Low Friction: Reduces drag for smoother pedaling and faster bearing speeds
• Premium Brand: Phil Wood has been making bike bearings and grease since 1971
• Factory Applied: Maximum fill from factory - not skimped like some cheaper BBs

This isn't cheap grease - RaceFace uses Phil Wood because it genuinely extends bearing life and improves performance.

Cryogenic Treatment & Black Oxide Coating

What does cryogenic treatment do?

• Process: Bearing races are frozen to -300°F (-184°C) in liquid nitrogen
• Benefit: Converts retained austenite to martensite for harder, more durable steel
• Result: Races resist wear better and last longer under load
• Reduced Fatigue: Fewer microfractures = longer bearing life

Black oxide coating benefits:

• Corrosion Resistance: Protects races from rust and oxidation
• Surface Hardness: Slight increase in surface hardness for wear resistance
• Dry Lubricity: Smoother surface reduces friction
• Appearance: Professional black finish that resists scratching

Dual-Surface Seals Explained

Triple lip seals with radial and axial protection:

• Triple Lip Design: Three seal surfaces create a labyrinth that blocks water and dirt
• Radial Sealing: Seals against the spindle circumference
• Axial Sealing: Seals against the end face of the spindle
• Snap Ring Retention: Seals are held securely in place and can be replaced during service
• Face Wiper: Removes water and mud as the crank rotates

These seals are critical for Australian conditions - creek crossings, muddy trails, and wet weather riding won't kill these bearings.

Fully Serviceable Design

Why serviceability matters:

• Replaceable Bearings: When bearings wear out, pop out the old 6805s and press in new ones
• Seal Replacement: Seals can be replaced without buying a whole new bottom bracket
• Re-Greaseable: Clean and repack with fresh grease to extend life
• Cost Savings: A $10 bearing replacement vs $50+ for a new sealed cartridge BB
• Less Waste: Keep cups for years, just service the internals
• Performance Maintenance: Regular service keeps them spinning like new

Most cheap bottom brackets are sealed cartridges - when they're worn, you throw them away. This RaceFace design lets you maintain and rebuild for years.

Installation Requirements

What you'll need to install:

• Bottom Bracket Tool: Standard 16-notch external bearing BB tool (Park Tool BBT-9 or similar)
• Torque Wrench: Recommended for proper tightening (40-50 Nm typical)
• Grease: Apply to frame threads before installation
• Clean Frame: Chase/tap threads if needed, clean BB shell thoroughly
• Compatible Crankset: 24mm spindle crank (RaceFace, Shimano, FSA)

Installation tips:

• Always grease frame threads to prevent seizing and creaking
• Drive side (right) cup tightens COUNTER-clockwise (reverse/left-hand thread)
• Non-drive side (left) cup tightens clockwise (normal thread)
• Use spacers for 68mm shells, remove for 73mm shells
• Torque to manufacturer spec - don't overtighten or you'll crack aluminium cups
• Check alignment - both cups should thread smoothly without cross-threading

Forged 7050 Aluminium Cups

Why 7050 aluminium is superior:

• 7050 Alloy: High-strength aerospace-grade aluminium (stronger than 6061)
• Forging Process: Creates aligned grain structure for maximum strength
• CNC Machining: Precise tolerances for perfect fit in frame shells
• Lightweight: Aluminium keeps weight low compared to steel cups
• Corrosion Resistant: Won't rust like steel, even in wet conditions

6805 Bearing Specifications

Understanding 6805 bearings:

• 6805 Designation: Standard bearing size code
• Inner Diameter: 25mm (fits 24mm spindle with ~0.5mm clearance)
• Outer Diameter: 37mm (presses into aluminium cup)
• Width: 7mm
• Ball Count: 16 balls per bearing (high load capacity)
• Retainer Type: Steel or nylon retainer keeps balls evenly spaced
• Seal Type: Triple lip seals on both sides
• Replacement Cost: ~$10-15 per bearing when worn (readily available)

6805 is a standard bearing size, so replacement bearings are cheap and available from multiple suppliers - you're not locked into expensive proprietary parts.

RaceFace vs Shimano Bottom Brackets

How does the RaceFace Team XC compare to Shimano?

• RaceFace Team XC: Fully serviceable, 16-ball bearings, Phil Wood grease, forged 7050 cups, 110g
• Shimano BB-MT800 (XT/Saint): Sealed cartridge (non-serviceable), ~89g, similar price
• Shimano SM-BB52: Basic cartridge, cheaper but shorter lifespan

RaceFace Advantages: Serviceability (rebuild vs replace), Phil Wood grease, cryogenic races
Shimano Advantages: Slightly lighter, integrated design, no maintenance

For riders who do their own maintenance and want long-term value, RaceFace wins. For riders who prefer "install and forget," Shimano cartridge BBs are simpler.

Common Uses

Real-world applications:

• XC Racing Bikes: Lightweight, smooth, reliable for competitive riding
• Trail Bikes: Durable seals handle muddy, wet conditions
• All-Mountain Bikes: Strong enough for aggressive trail riding and jumps
• Bikepacking Rigs: Serviceable design = repairable on long tours
• Bike Shop Replacements: Professional-grade component for customer builds
• Winter Bikes: Phil Wood grease excels in cold, wet conditions

About RaceFace

RaceFace has been designing and manufacturing mountain bike components since 1993, with a focus on durable, high-performance parts for serious riders. Based in North Vancouver, Canada, RaceFace tests their components on the legendary North Shore trails - some of the most demanding terrain in mountain biking. Their bottom brackets are used by professional downhill and enduro racers worldwide, proving their durability under the hardest conditions. The Team XC series balances premium features (Phil Wood grease, cryogenic treatment, serviceable design) with accessible pricing for serious riders who want quality without paying boutique prices.

What's Included

• 1x RaceFace Team XC X-Type bottom bracket (complete set)
• 2x Threaded cups (drive side and non-drive side) with installed bearings
• 2x Spacers/shims (for use with 68mm shells)
• Installation instructions

NOT Included: Crankset (sold separately), bottom bracket installation tool

Compatibility Summary

✓ WORKS WITH:

• BSA/English threaded frames (68mm or 73mm shell width)
• 24mm spindle cranksets: RaceFace X-Type, RaceFace EXI, Shimano Hollowtech II, FSA MegaExo, FSA MegaExo Light, Surly OD
• Mountain bikes, gravel bikes, cyclocross bikes with threaded BB shells
• Standard 16-notch bottom bracket installation tool

✗ DOES NOT WORK WITH:

• Press-fit frames (BB30, PF30, BB86, BB90, BB92, PF41) - use press-fit specific RaceFace models instead
• Italian threaded frames (different thread pitch)
• SRAM GXP cranks (24mm/22mm stepped spindle needs GXP bottom bracket)
• 30mm spindle cranks (SRAM DUB, RaceFace Cinch, BB30) - need 30mm bottom bracket
• Square taper cranks (old standard, needs square taper BB)
• Campagnolo Ultra-Torque (different interface)

Condition

Brand New: New, never installed. Complete with both cups, bearings pre-installed and filled with Phil Wood grease, spacers included. Ready to install.