Shimano UN55 103x68 availability?

[I like Skol]

I need a new bottom bracket for my road bike. After only 1.5k miles the factory fitted item has developed rough bearings that can be felt when turning the axle with the cranks on or off and is clicking when pedalling.

The OEM unit is THIS RPM item and while I could possibly find a way just to replace the actual bearings (it is a simple design that appears to use off the shelf bearings) what I actually want is to fit a Shimano UN55.

The problem is that the size is unavailable. From what I have seen, 68x103 has been available in the past but not anymore.

Does anyone know of a supplier that can get a UN55 in the 68x103 size or, alternatively, what other bottom brackets are available at a comparable price and quality to the shimano (i.e, costs £20ish and lasts forever )

Before anyone says it, I know the 107mm version will only move the chainline by 2mm but I want 103. The transmission runs perfectly as it is and I don't want to alter that.

 

[I like Skol]

Anybody got any ideas on this? I can see a few options open to me, RPM, Token, Tange but don't seem to be able to find the Shimano in this size. the Token and Tange units seem to be constructed in the same way as the RPM so I suspect are just rebadged versions from the same factory with the same quality (not!) bearings?

If I can't find anything else I guess I will just replace like with like and stick an RPM back in.

 

[dan_bo]

I got one from on-one (mouthful)- an FSA item.

 

[dan_bo]

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/BBSTJP400/stronglight-jp-400-jis-bottom-bracket

 

[GrumpyGregry]

or take a look on velosolo

 

[potsy]

I'd replace like with like if they are easy to find, I mean 1.5k is what 4 years mileage?

 

[I like Skol]

Just ordered the Stronglight version from PlanetX as they were the cheapest at £12.50 delivered. The Velosolo had a great range but at the end of the day they all appear to use the same bearing set-up.

Just been reading about the red seal bearings and have got a clue to the premature failure mode of my BB. It seems the red seal bearings are sealed on one side only with a metal dust shield on the other. My BB looked as though it had been sat in water for a while so water has got into the frame then seeped into the inner sanctums of the assembly where it can attack the unsealed bearings. The whole unit was installed dry. All it would need is some grease to seal between the parts and this shouldn't happen again (hopefully).

Thanks for the help everyone. Still wish I was fitting a UN55 but this is the best compromise.

 

[I like Skol]

The new Bottom Bracket arrived yesterday but I have my doubt about it.

It is totally unmarked, there isn't a single identifying mark on it. I suspect it is just a cheap far eastern import rather than stronglight.

Anyway, it was cheap so I will give it a go.