Hi,
I wanted to ask for advice from those of you more savvy and/or equipped than I am. I've got a roughly mid-80s Super Galaxy whose bottom bracket needs some attention. It makes a dull knock once per turn (more noticeably in certain gears), and generally doesn't feel very smooth, though there isn't loads of play yet. Having just watched a tutorial on swapping out an old c&c bottom bracket for a cartridge type, I saw I don't have the tools for the job, although it would also take a couple of tools added to my box to check the state of the current BB (namely, pin spanner and lockring tool).
So, basically, I wondered what your inclination would be for an old bike like this: switch to cartridge, or stick with cup and cone? I know there are Phil Wood BBs that can cost £75-£100, which is steep, and I'd prefer something durable and smooth that's less costly, if possible. I like the idea of being able adjust the original style of BB, but could also be persuaded than things have moved on in this area. I'd also consider just having the LBS handle this, though it would be cool to understand the process and relevant factors. Thanks for any feedback here.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
Bottom bracket (cup & cone) service/replacement on old Dawes
(8 posts)- Started 9 years ago by mfcity
- Latest reply from wee folding bike
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Posted 9 years ago #
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Partly depends how worn existing surfaces are.
In the 'old days' BBs would have 11, loose, 1/4" ball bearings on both sides.
To save on assembly (labour) costs it became normal to have caged ones - I think 9 on each side.
Cages can collapse meaning that the balls aren't evenly distributed so axle becomes loose and rough riding - worse if the cage and remains of the grease form a paste!
If you want to DIY, take it all apart and clean it.
If the surfaces don't look unevenly worn, 22 balls and fresh grease might be enough.
If not, a sealed unit is simpler (not as easy to get BB axles as it used to be) - once you get the right hand cup out - this will have a LH thread.
Posted 9 years ago # -
The sealed cartridge offers 2 main benefits:
1. Reliability - does not let in crud so the bearings last longer
2. doesn't need to be adjusted for loose playI have cups/cones/balls if you need spare but suggest you get a sealed BB unless the thread won't take it.
(My 70's Carlton 531 has a sealed shimano BB put in backwards because the frame thread is too worn to engage the right way round.)Posted 9 years ago # -
What @chdot said.
Plus - to service it (which is satisfying) you'll need three weird spanners - big thin hex, C-spanner and a weird thin slot one.
The Bike Station has second hand BB axles and will sell you a handful of ball bearings.
Posted 9 years ago # -
Thanks a lot for these replies, and le_soigneur for offering BB parts. I don't have the tools for this currently, so I'm leaning towards taking it in to a mechanic--although perhaps the Bike Station also has the relevant tools for customers, I can't remember. Otherwise, Bicycle Works seems like a good shop, would you agree?
Posted 9 years ago # -
I phoned up the mighty Bike Station and found out there are bottom bracket tools to be used in their fix-your-own sessions. This should be a really worthwhile experience (satisfying, as IWRATS put it), so I think I'm going to try this first, and depending on what emerges, overhaul or replace.
Posted 9 years ago # -
Yeh take it to Cycle Service or such and get them to quote for a repair if your budget is tight.
Posted 9 years ago # -
What do you mean weird scanners?
Campag set in the garage.
Posted 9 years ago #
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