Bicycle Mechanics - Buy tool to overhaul old (1982, but NOS) BB, or replace with cartridge?

My current project is spiffing up a NOS 1982 Univega Sportour that i snagged on eBay when (apparently) nobody else was looking ;)

Anyway, from what i can tell all the bearings are in 'new' condition, but the grease has entirely dried up. I've regreased and adjusted the hubs, will probably do the headset tonight, but i don't have the tool to adjust or open up the BB.. It has a steel 'toothed' lockring on the non-drive side.

Would it be better to try to buy the tool to adjust this BB, or just junk it and install a new Shimano UN-54 cartridge unit? I'm thinking the cost would be about $10 for the tool, or $20 for a new BB.

I'm generally all for fixing stuff, but i do kind of like the 'set it and forget it' nature of cartridge BBs..


Also, unrelated but thought i'd add this question on: any reason not to use 25 year old tires and tubes? They are in NOS condition, but they look old (but not actually cracked or damaged)... is it safe?

Id go cartidge.

You need a lockring wrench, failing that a punch and a hammer. If it's fine, no sense throwing it away unless you like the less maintenance of the cart.

You may find, as I did on one, interference inside the BB shell. The old spindles have a much smaller diameter than the new cartridge. It was fixable with a small grinding wheel, but an added step.

You're gonna have to buy the tool to get the old one out anyway, aren't you?



Pitch the tires and tubes.

On the same question, the folks at yellowjersey advised that a traditional cup and cone bottom bracket rebuild should last five to seven years. so +1

The traditional bottom bracket will look a heck of a lot better. so +1

If you rebuild the bottom bracket, use a plastic accordion sleeve to protect it (see article at sheldonbrown.com).

On the same question, the folks at yellowjersey advised that a traditional cup and cone bottom bracket rebuild should last five to seven years. so +1

The traditional bottom bracket will look a heck of a lot better. so +1

If you rebuild the bottom bracket, use a plastic accordion sleeve to protect it (see article at sheldonbrown.com).

I've had cup/cone rebuilds last longer than that, but it depends on usage and other factors like contaminants, i.e. rain.

Once adjusted right, cup and cone systems won't need added help for a long time. I have seen threads about people feeling the need to replace cartridge systems every few years.

If you want to keep the bike a long time, buy the tool and rebuild, and buy a cartridge replacement when you see in on clearance or other deep discount.

Road Fan

I'd buy the tool and overhaul it. Properly lubed and adjusted it'll likely be 10x smoother than any $20 cartridge bb.

Hmm.. so the tools i'll need are a lockring spanner like this (http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=433824590576&d=single&c=Tools&sc=Bottom-Bracket&item_id=LF-0300) and a pin spanner like this (http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=433824590576&d=single&c=Tools&sc=Bottom-Bracket&item_id=PA-SPA1)?

Yes, although I'm not 100% sure of the size of the pin spanner. Wish I'd seen that hinged lockring spanner earlier.

it seems to be a standard size... the park green one anyway.