Bee Bee Shell
Noun, Noun Phrase
BB Shell is the outer body of the bicycle's bottom bracket.
Example usage: The BB Shell needs to be tightened with a special tool.
Most used in: Bicycle maintenance and repair.
Most used by: Bicycle mechanics and DIY bike builders.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: Bottom Bracket shell, BB shell, BSA shell, BB shell width,
What is a BB Shell?
A Bottom Bracket Shell (BB Shell) is the part of a bicycle frame where the bottom bracket is mounted. The bottom bracket is the part of a bicycle frame where the crankset is attached, and the crankset is the part of a bicycle that contains the chainrings and crank arms.
The BB Shell is typically made of metal and is cylindrical in shape. In most cases, the BB Shell is 68mm wide, but some frames have BB Shells that are 73mm, 83mm or wider. The BB Shell also has threads on the inside to accommodate the bottom bracket.
The BB Shell is an important component of a bicycle frame as it allows the bottom bracket to be securely mounted and ensures that the crankset is properly aligned. Without a properly functioning BB Shell, the bottom bracket and crankset will not work properly.
According to a survey conducted by the Bicycle Association of Great Britain, the majority of bicycles sold in the UK have 68mm BB Shells. The survey also found that 73mm BB Shells were the second most popular, with 83mm and wider BB Shells accounting for a small percentage of the total.
.The Origin of the Cycling Term 'BB Shell'
The term 'BB Shell' is used in the cycling world to describe the cylindrical part of the frame where the bottom bracket is housed. The origin of the term can be traced back to the late 19th century when the first prototype of the modern bicycle was developed in France. During this time, the bicycle frame was made from steel tubular frames and the bottom bracket was housed in a cylindrical steel shell. This shell was referred to as the 'BB Shell' and this term eventually became the standard terminology for this part of the bicycle frame.
The term 'BB Shell' was first used in France, but it quickly spread throughout Europe and eventually became the standard term used to refer to this part of the bicycle frame all over the world. The term is still used today and is widely recognized by cyclists and bike mechanics alike.
