New Ball Bearings

[jonathan creason]

How many of you replace the ball bearings in old bikes you build? The ones in the bike I'm currently working on aren't shot, but they aren't as smooth as I'd like either. I just noticed a post in another thread mentioning it, and just thought I'd throw it out there for everyone.

 

[Ichoptop]

Always. Once they begin to show wear it is a fast downhill slide into crunchy pedaling.

 

[jonathan creason]

Thanks for the reply. The next question would be, what size balls would I need for an older Schwinn?

 

[Ichoptop]

Depends on which bearings and what model/year.

 

[Dale Alan]

Bearings are cheap,and very important. I change them whenever I tear into something.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Thanks for the reply. The next question would be, what size balls would I need for an older Schwinn?

This is what you need (Park Tool spoke bearing and cotter gauge - sbc-1). I've been wanting to get one of these myself, they're only about $8.

 

[The Black Monark]

Every old bike I redo, the bearings get replaced with new top-grade chromium balls. Hubs, pedals, bottom bracket, headset. When possible I replace worn cones and cups with NOS. IMO it makes a remarkable difference in the ride quality. You're in there already, what reason is there not replace them?

 

[Dale Alan]

Why not just get all sizes? You know,just in case

Source: http://www.amazon.com/Piece-Bicycle-Loose-Bearing-Assortment/dp/B006PR9YT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411004149&sr=8-1&keywords=ball bearings

That looks like a god way to get an assortment on hand for very little money. Thanks for the link.

 

[jonathan creason]

Thanks for all the info, guys. Got myself an assortment on the way.

 

[Bicycle808]

If you're not a Campy guy, you'll never get to use the 7/23" bearings.

 

[jonathan creason]

If you're not a Campy guy, you'll never get to use the 7/23" bearings.

Sure I will... as slingshot ammo.

 

[Bicycle808]

Sure I will... as slingshot ammo.

The move when i was in high school was to drop a hand full on the dance floor at shows.... guaranteed way to get your a-to-the-double-Z kicked....