I am your average 155# rider that likes to ride 3-4 times a week for a couple hours at a time. I ride a couple thousand miles each year. My mileage is mostly single track and I want to get out to explore more gravel and minimum maintenance roads.
I recently purchased a 2016 Salsa Fargo frame. I have a 10x42 cassette mounted to NoTubes Grails and DT Swiss 350 hubs. I am planning to go with Rival 1 shifter and derailleur.
I need to figure out the bottom bracket and crankset. I am very green to BBs. It is a 73mm BSA on the Fargo. I get confused on the differences of BBs such as the shell and spindle length.
How much should money should I stick into a BB? I was eyeing the SRAM Blackbox GXP as I think it works with my Fargo's shell and the Rival 1 crankset. Is paying $175 for a BB overkill? Are ceramic bearings that much better for a gravel bike?
I'm open to recommendations for a modest BB. I am also open to spending some money if I know a BB will never give me problems.
Do NOT get the ceramic BB. Not worth the money and they can need more servicing to keep running smoothly.\n\nStart with the basic SRAM BB. See how it holds up for you. If it wears out early get something better such as the Enduro Bearing models.
