Help with building up my new bike

[SteveSteveson]

So, I have got my Planet X London road frame and started stripping down my Trek Crossrip. Most parts are off, but a few bits I'm having issues with:

1) Headset bearings: I'm not sure what I need, but I know I need new ones. Would I be better just taking it to my LBS and getting them to fit them and gut the tube to the correct size? I have a place locally that only does repairs and parts who could do it

2) Bottom bracket is proving a lot more complex than expected. I have taken them apart before, many years ago, but finding the correct one is very confusing. It is BSA 68mm and the cranks are square tapered. I'm happy to have a go at fitting myself, but only if it's tool free or cheap tools. The cranks are off, but the BB is still in the old bike. I'm not sure if it will fit, so thought the best idea was to go for a new one.

3) Not an issue, but I thought I would replace the chain and cassette at the same time. This I do want to do myself, as I am going through one a year, so worth buying the tools. Do I need any tools other than a chain whip and a cassette lockring tool (plus standard tools).

The first two would cost me £20 each plus parts, so if they are going to cost me more than that in tools I may as well get the LBS to do it.

The last is £7.50, so £20 of tools will be a good investment over the years.

Edited by SteveSteveson on Tuesday 20th June 22:51

[SteveSteveson]

timnoyce said:

You need to measure the distance from end to end of your existing one and then buy the one that matches.

One end of the spindle to the other, or the width of the bottom bracket? I'm assuming the former, but I have such a headache from all the different standards I'm convinced I will miss something stupid.

Also, what non standard (i.e. Won't be in a normal, non cyclists toolbox) tools do I need?

[SteveSteveson]

Ta. I thought 68mm was the circumference.

So the appropriate one of those for the BB choice and a big spanner?

Already got the cranks off (after much swearing. More grease needed when I put them back on)

Edited by SteveSteveson on Wednesday 21st June 10:25

[SteveSteveson]

That makes sense. I think your right about the drop in. So no tools needed, just put it all on the steering tube in the right order? In that case just the cutting to get done. If I can match it all up I can then take that to the LBS (not doing the cutting). Just need to work out which to buy.

Sounds like the BB is much simpler than I thought. It's all the different standards and ways of doing it that throws me.

Edited by SteveSteveson on Wednesday 21st June 12:15

[SteveSteveson]

What costly mistakes? What's the worst that can happen? I buy the wrong £15 part. I'd rather do it myself as I am confident of my ability to do the work, just all the different standards that exist, with no explanation of what they are in one place. Doing is the way to learn. The one bit I'm not doing is the one bit that can go wrong and cause damage, the bit that involves cutting.

[SteveSteveson]

Greendubber said:

Cross threading BB shells, damaging headtubes/bearings pressing headsets in etc.

I wasn't being critical, just saying it might be worth getting it done by the shop, even more so if it's going in to have the steerer cut as it won't be much more in labour to get them to fit we headset anyway, and the BB is a 2 minute job whilst it's on the stand.

Fair enough. I would prefer to do it myself and I am confident I can do the bb now I understand what I need. I have done it before, but that has always been with tools and parts provided and on an old bike. I'm happy with the mechanics, just not tee standards.

The headset though I will probably get them to do. It doesn't require tools, but I can't work out what size I need and they are doing the cutting anyway.