Square Taper BB recommendations mid 90’s

[Monkeeee01]

What are people’s go-to BB models from the mid 90’s (XTR M952 era) for a square taper model?

The XTR’s from that era were all designed to work with the XTR chainsets (similar to Octalink but different)

I’ve got a set of Kooka square taper cranks and looking for a top quality BB - is UN71 the XT equivalent?

I don’t want to go super pricely like Royce’s but want something quality

Thanks

 

[bikeworkshop]

Un71
It's a consumable part though so vintage stuff is getting a bit old.

 

[Monkeeee01]

Un71
It's a consumable part though so vintage stuff is getting a bit old.

Thank you!

 

[Monkeeee01]

Are there good modern equivalents?

As it’s tucked away and unseen I don’t mind buying a new/modern model that is going to be durable and work well!

 

[Markybeau]

FYI XTR m952 came out in 99, and was Octalink.
M950 was V1 Octalink

Cheap UN51 / 52 / 53 / 55
Good UN71 / 72 / 73 XT equivalent (my personal go to bb)
If you could afford it UN91 XTR

 

[bikeworkshop]

Most modern quality sq taper use cartridge bearings, so are replaceable.
We fit current shimano on repairs - absolutely fine.

 

[JCS]

Stronlight cartridge bearing BB from Spa Cycles are good.
I think the quality is higher than the Shimano square taper BB.

 

[Tootyred]

Agree with above..I've been using those stronglight ones and the plastic cup version for years with no issues. The bearings seem very good quality.

 

[Monkeeee01]

Thanks, I’ll have a look at those too