roguewave

I bought it last summer and after riding it quite hard for only a few months last summer and this summer I noticed and felt something was wrong when peddling. So yesterday I really looked hard to figure out what it was. After some time I found movement in the pedal assembly where it goes thru the frame, I call the crank. Looks like the bearings are shot? Damn
I ride between 5-10 miles 5 or so days a week in summer only, then the bike sits. I'm 220 Ibs and not easy on the bike but also I don't abouse it. I'm going to try and take it to the bike shop today and see what they say.


I will say that I live on a boat in the summer and the bike stays outside on the dock, maybe the salt air has taken its toll?

DorkDisk

Hopefully its just a worn bottom bracket. One year sounds about right for a Truvativ or generic model, maybe even pretty good as they are quite terrible IMO. Shimano models start smoother and last a long while. Look for ones with alloy cups and hollow chromoly spindles, apparently the big S is making these again. Tange models are good, as they are the manufacturers for Shimano's square taper BBs.

A bigger issue is a worn square taper hole due to improper torque; crank arm replacement is the only solution for this

I'd say its just regular wear. FWIW I lived on a sailboat for a while and had bikes on it with no issues.

roguewave

So if I want something bullet proof, what would you recommend? Not really knowledgeable in this area.
Thanks

DorkDisk

This guy for cheap: Shimano UN55 Bottom Bracket > Components > Drivetrain > Threaded | Jenson USA

If you have a really nice square taper crankset, this guy is worth it: Phil Wood Bottom Bracket

If you can find a vintage BB-UN72, grab it; and tell me where you got it

Cup and cone if you like repacking bearings

prj71

If it's been less than a year since your purchase it should be fixed for free under warranty.

LHawes

That much wear over that short a time does not sound right - does it? Can you please keep us updated?

coominya

I've had them fail and go grindy before too. I think they are built as disposables like brake pads chains etc. Please let us know the details of your repairs though for future reference.

DorkDisk

Yes, cartridge BBs are a wear item and are meant to be replaced as a unit. This has traditionally been an area where cost cutting is most evident due to the hidden nature of the bottom bracket. In fact, the cartridge BB was invented to speed up assembly time and increase profits - one air wrench and no adjustments. Cup and cone was lighter and you could replace each part as it wore out but it required time and specialized labor during assembly.

roguewave

I weighed out my options and decided to bring it to a bike shop locally and pay out of pocket for repair. They ordered a robust replacement BB that I have since forgotten the name of, sorry. I'll pick the bike up Wed. and report back.

travbikeman

I had to replace my square tapered BB last year after my Crosstrail only had close to 800 miles on it at the time. Now granted, I went through alot of muddy trails and through some streams that water did get into my BB.

I had replaced mine with the Shimano UN55 and have done close to another 800 miles. Haven't had a problem since. Much smoother pedaling than the original.

roguewave

OK, picked the bike up yesterday from an independent shop. 95 bucks for replacing BB with a Shimano ES300 73X126mm Octalink V2 Spline English bottom bracket. both wheel hubs were loose, headset was loose and dry, front derailleur was wasn't shifting right...all fixed now. I have not ridden much yet but will ck in later.

coominya

That sounds like a good price for all that work.

LHawes

Thanks for the update!