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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

1559.0. "Bottom bracket repair/tool cost" by THEBEN::ERICKSON () Fri May 25 1990 08:57

    I need to put new bearings in the bottom bracket of my bike.  I went
    to a bicycle shop and was told the spindle and head spanners alone
    would cost $89.00, and I'd need a wrench at $21.68, a crank remover at
    $15.64, and 2 more tools for another $30.00.  That's a grand total
    of about $156.  This can't be right can it?
    
    Thanks.
    
    Doreen
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1559.1More like $39.95SHALOT::ELLISJohn Lee Ellis - assembly requiredFri May 25 1990 09:4841
    
    Doreen, this may be uncomfortably close to the truth.  (Whether
    it's "right" or not is another matter, of course.  :-) )
    
    My feeling is you really ought to get the tools - that's a one-time
    purchase that will be useful for years (if you continue to bike).
    After all, part of biking is the thrill of being involved with grease
    at an close-up, hands-on level.  (I am probably not the best example,
    admittedly; I have the tools, but not the discipline for regular
    maintenance.)  Let's take a closer look, though.
    
    $89.00 - Spindle - Who says you need a new spindle?  You only need
                       one if yours is pitted or something.  I discovered
                       a tiny pit in my C-Record spindle, and indeed it cost
    	               $60 at a bike shop, special order.  But C-Record is
    		       top-of-the-line Campagnolo.  Suppose you needed an
    		       entire Shimano Ultegra bottom-bracket assembly.
    		       Performance catalog price: $10.50.
    
                       However, maybe what's meant are the spanners, etc.,
    		       for removing/installing the bottom bracket. 
    		       Performance will sell you the 3-piece set of
    		       Park BB/Headset/Pedal wrenches for $22.95.
    
    $21.68 - Wrench  - Park Crank Bolt Wrench: $9.75.
    
    $15.64 - Crank   - Park Crank Arm Extractor in Performance catalog: $7.25
    	     Remover   Note that some cranks now are removable with an Allen 
    		       Wrench (cheap).  Campy's are like that.
    
    $30.00 - other   - None needed besides the above.
             tools
    
    By the way, Park Tools are regarded as *unsurpassed* - so their not
    cheapies.  The total of the above would be $39.95 (plus shipping).
    You'd also need the bearings and (lithium) grease, of course - not
    big-ticket items.  And you'd also be able to service your headset!
    
    Does this help?
    
    -john
1559.2JUPTR::CRITZWho'll win the TdF in 1990?Fri May 25 1990 09:499
    	Doreen,
    
    	Are you sure you mean bearings?
    
    	What kinda bike?
    
    	What bike shop told you this?
    
    	Scott
1559.3Might not even need bearingsQUICKR::FISHERDictionary is not.Fri May 25 1990 10:167
    They're probably just dirty in which case you only need the tools and
    some grease.
    
    I've been known to lend tools and some people I know are experts on
    bottom bracket cleaning and teaching.
    
    ed
1559.4Isn't your bike fairly new?WORDY::GRACEWait, I'm LIVING in Grace-land!Fri May 25 1990 10:4710
    If I recall correctly from last year, your bike is a relatively new Lotus, 
    possibly? Unless it was involved in some accident (or forceful impact),
    rusting from major abuse, you probably just need some overhaul. 
    
    As stated by the previous notes, don't assume this bike shop diagnosis
    was correct. Get a second opinion. Then if any replacement is necessary, 
    try learning the procedure yourself. My wife and I have a good bike 
    maintenance book that we would be glad to loan you.
    
    Russ
1559.5Got them for $45THEBEN::ERICKSONFri May 25 1990 17:3113
    Thanks for the help.  My bike is a 1986 Univega Nuevo sport.
    
    I called a friend and asked him to try another shop for me.  He got
    everything for $45.  
    
    I was either being sold top of the line tools, being given a bunch
    of BALONEY or both.  I suspected I should have put my boots on at the
    time to wade through it all.  Needless to say, I will not go back there
    again.
    
    Thanks for the help.  I'll be doing this manual at side.  
    
    /Doreen