Van Nicholas VNT ceramic bottom bracket

External ceramic bearings and space age materials translate into almost the ideal bottom bracket for high-end bikes in demanding applications and the VNT from Van Nicholas is without doubt the smoothest I’ve come across in a very, very long time.

Our 122mm test model weighed a remarkable 100g and contrary to my initial feeling there’s been no power robbing flex when climbing out of the saddle or dancing on the pedals and almost no discernable resistance when turning the cranks by hand. However, remember to give the bottom bracket shell and threaded sections a liberal swathe of Ti prep to prevent infuriating creaks. Skimping on this saw our maiden voyage rudely interrupted five miles and two climbs later- I managed to cheat in the short-term by pouring some molten Waxoyl down the seat-tube but such laziness isn’t recommended on cross, audax or mountain bikes spending a lot of time exposed to the elements-sure the ceramic bearings will laugh as will the titanium but you wouldn’t want it reacting, seizing permanently in the shell.

Fitted to my crosser and consciously abused for a fortnight hasn’t revealed any obvious weaknesses, river riding making no impression upon the bearings and while I don’t wholly subscribe to claims they can forgo lubrication completely, there’ll be huge mileages between services.

Reassuringly refined and undeniably well made, for sub £1200 builds one of the less exotic aftermarket external models with ceramic bearings might come with a slight weight penalty but will deliver similar levels of performance for a lot less dough.

Shaun Audane

Verdict

Superbly made, super smooth bottom bracket well suited to high end cross and Audax bikes.