Alex BicycleTutor writes:
> In my first bike shop job, I learned a nifty trick to easily assess
> the condition of the bike's bearings without having to overhaul
> them. I thought I'd share it with the group:
http://bicycletutor.com/check-bearing-wear/
I think this approached bicycle maintenance from the wrong end. The
bicycle is for riding and its bearings are there to serve the rider
rather than be a project of perfection. Therefore, leave them alone
unless they develop clearance or have perceptible drag, both things
that can be felt by hand. Acoustic purity is not a functional
concern.
Dimpled head bearings are best detected by bouncing the bicycle on its
front wheel while moving the bars on and off center. It produces a
noticeable chatter.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/indexed-steering.html
> It's been a busy week - I managed to get two other tutorials done as
> well:
http://bicycletutor.com/lube-brake-shift-cables/
If you wipe a coat of light grease over the cable when first
installing it in its housing, it needs no care after that. Adding
spray-on lubricants does not protect well against water intrusion in
the long run because they are volatile and don't lubricate the entire
length of the cable.
http://bicycletutor.com/cartridge-bottom-bracket/
I guess they weren't sealed after all or they would last as long as
the bearings in automobiles.
> I hope you find them useful. Comments, requests and suggestions are
> always appreciated!
Jobst Brandt
