wrote:
On Sun, 8 Jun 2008 13:48:14 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote:

Have there been thin seals, rubber donuts, or gaskets that would rest
between the bearing cages and cups to reduce the amount of water that
can contaminate bottom bracket bearings? I wondered whether in wet
climates, say England, such existed, before sealed bottom brackets
appeared.

Harry Travis
USA

Dear Harry,

Jobst discusses the seal question:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/sealed-bearings.html

Cheers,

Carl Fogel

but you need to be careful with that. as usual, jobst writes big
picture" while failing to observe small but important details. for
instance, some bearing "seals" are not full contact, and thus, do indeed
allow water to infiltrate.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38636024@N00/1110408641/

however, other seals are not only full contact, but double or even
triple row full contact, and unless there is a significant pressure
atmospheric pressure equalization problem, these seals are /very/
effective at excluding moisture.