MTB Groupset - Bottom Bracket Query
Discussion
My 29er Groupset is on its last legs, its done a lot of hard work and I am thinking of replacing the lot, its currently a SRAM X7 / X9 mix, I prefer the Shimano stuff on my other bike so was considering a SLX set up like this;
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/gsd/road-track-bike/...
My frame (Giant XTC 1 Aluminium) has a Press Fit bottom bracket, I've only ever had experience of swapping these out in threaded BB's, will this still fit my frame? I will more than likely replace the BB while I'm at it...
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/gsd/road-track-bike/...
My frame (Giant XTC 1 Aluminium) has a Press Fit bottom bracket, I've only ever had experience of swapping these out in threaded BB's, will this still fit my frame? I will more than likely replace the BB while I'm at it...
I'm a bit confused by these press fit bottom brackets....
I've just been looking at this Bike Radar guide on how to replace them. It looks straightforward enough, but they're suggesting using a flat piece of wood as a drift to bang the bearings in if you've not got the proper tool.
The last press fit bearings I fitted to a bike were for the headset on my HT, although I assume the principle is largely the same for a BB?
I didn't have specialist tools for the job - and fortunately hadn't read any of the various internet comments I've seen subsequently along the lines of "I'll do anything on a bike, but I always get my LBS to fit my headset!" - so I just positioned the bearings either side of the head tube, then used my workbench vice to gently wind them in, with a couple of rags between the headset and the vice grips, until they were snugly seated where they were meant to be.
I've not had any problem with the headset, and I don't see why I wouldn't replace the BB in the same fashion, but I assume I must be missing something here, or the likes of Bike Radar would surely be recommending this method over banging it in with a lump of 2 by 4, as it's altogether more gradual and controlled????
Am I missing something obvious here, or do people just not have workbench vices any more?
I've just been looking at this Bike Radar guide on how to replace them. It looks straightforward enough, but they're suggesting using a flat piece of wood as a drift to bang the bearings in if you've not got the proper tool.
The last press fit bearings I fitted to a bike were for the headset on my HT, although I assume the principle is largely the same for a BB?
I didn't have specialist tools for the job - and fortunately hadn't read any of the various internet comments I've seen subsequently along the lines of "I'll do anything on a bike, but I always get my LBS to fit my headset!" - so I just positioned the bearings either side of the head tube, then used my workbench vice to gently wind them in, with a couple of rags between the headset and the vice grips, until they were snugly seated where they were meant to be.
I've not had any problem with the headset, and I don't see why I wouldn't replace the BB in the same fashion, but I assume I must be missing something here, or the likes of Bike Radar would surely be recommending this method over banging it in with a lump of 2 by 4, as it's altogether more gradual and controlled????
Am I missing something obvious here, or do people just not have workbench vices any more?
Kermit power said:
I'm a bit confused by these press fit bottom brackets....
I've just been looking at this Bike Radar guide on how to replace them. It looks straightforward enough, but they're suggesting using a flat piece of wood as a drift to bang the bearings in if you've not got the proper tool.
The last press fit bearings I fitted to a bike were for the headset on my HT, although I assume the principle is largely the same for a BB?
I didn't have specialist tools for the job - and fortunately hadn't read any of the various internet comments I've seen subsequently along the lines of "I'll do anything on a bike, but I always get my LBS to fit my headset!" - so I just positioned the bearings either side of the head tube, then used my workbench vice to gently wind them in, with a couple of rags between the headset and the vice grips, until they were snugly seated where they were meant to be.
I've not had any problem with the headset, and I don't see why I wouldn't replace the BB in the same fashion, but I assume I must be missing something here, or the likes of Bike Radar would surely be recommending this method over banging it in with a lump of 2 by 4, as it's altogether more gradual and controlled????
Am I missing something obvious here, or do people just not have workbench vices any more?
I used the old 2x4 and mallet method to install a headset once - I got it in and in the process had manged to dent the top tube of the frame (slipped off the blocks) - it wasn't bad, just added a bit of character to a new frame! I've just been looking at this Bike Radar guide on how to replace them. It looks straightforward enough, but they're suggesting using a flat piece of wood as a drift to bang the bearings in if you've not got the proper tool.
The last press fit bearings I fitted to a bike were for the headset on my HT, although I assume the principle is largely the same for a BB?
I didn't have specialist tools for the job - and fortunately hadn't read any of the various internet comments I've seen subsequently along the lines of "I'll do anything on a bike, but I always get my LBS to fit my headset!" - so I just positioned the bearings either side of the head tube, then used my workbench vice to gently wind them in, with a couple of rags between the headset and the vice grips, until they were snugly seated where they were meant to be.
I've not had any problem with the headset, and I don't see why I wouldn't replace the BB in the same fashion, but I assume I must be missing something here, or the likes of Bike Radar would surely be recommending this method over banging it in with a lump of 2 by 4, as it's altogether more gradual and controlled????
Am I missing something obvious here, or do people just not have workbench vices any more?
The vice sounds like a good controlled method - I don't have a vice though....
Last night my BB got a lot worse, time for a change!
This evening, I have used the hammer and screwdriver technique to extract the BB (surprisingly easy) so much filth in there mind!
My LBS has a SRAM replacement in stock, but I am assuming this will limit me to the SRAM cranks. I currently have the offer of some XT cranks so wondering whether I should opt for the alternative BB and fit these now or just stick with the SRAM.
How long would the install take my LBS? I've got myself some threaded rod but not much more to make a press, I was hoping they may be able to install quickly for me in the morning.
This evening, I have used the hammer and screwdriver technique to extract the BB (surprisingly easy) so much filth in there mind!
My LBS has a SRAM replacement in stock, but I am assuming this will limit me to the SRAM cranks. I currently have the offer of some XT cranks so wondering whether I should opt for the alternative BB and fit these now or just stick with the SRAM.
How long would the install take my LBS? I've got myself some threaded rod but not much more to make a press, I was hoping they may be able to install quickly for me in the morning.
Nighthawk said:
It should only take a few minutes to press in the new BB if you've already cleaned the frame. My LBS do stuff like that as a while you wait if you've made an appointment to have the work done.
I've not made an appointment, but called them earlier and they generally don't do maintenance on Saturdays due to footfall - they did say they maybe able to do it if there not busy at the time so having stripped and cleaned it will hopefully help with getting it done.If not, I'll get some bits from screwfix to hopefully finish my press.
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