Bicycle Mechanics - "Old Fart" bike mechanic

Hello,

Took my real wheel off of my racing/commuting bike last night, and lookie there! my rr axle was now in two pieces (no wonder it was squeaking!)

Also, as I finally got my Park table stand converted into a floor mounted one, I had the chance to feel how badly my BottomBracket was...

Soo...my question(s):

- Are BBs currently sealed ONLY, or is it only
in Europe that these are so in vogue?

- Can one get older (circa 85-88) bike parts
on the infobahn?

It seems that all of my pro tools are being obsoleted by new stuff (and not just by Shimano!)

Thanks in advance,

Tom

Not all BB's are sealed, some (such as D/A are others still are not). Any decent bike shop will have older style cup-and-cone bearings. If you RUINED the old BB, though, I would suggest switching to a sealed bearing sytle. If you neglect that to the point of ruin, it will cost you less than trashing an entire old-fashioned BB would. ($30 each time, throw the old one in the trash.)
For anybody who neglects bearing maintenance, sealed bearings are best.

Tom,
I am not sure if your query also included the axle, but they are pretty standard and same since the time period to which you refer. Any LBS should be able to fix you up.
Regards,
Raymond

Welcome to BikeForums!

Bike's from the eighties are in a weird transition time because they are not really collectables and they are not new either. For this reason, the market for eighties era parts is not really matured or well organized.

Probably the best place to find eighties era bicycle parts is on e-bay. See http://listings.ebay.com/aw/plistings/list/category7294/index.html

You could look under "Collectables/bicycles" as well.

Good luck.

If your local LBS doesn't have a shorter/older type axle, just cut a long axle, (with the same diameter and thread shape/count), to the length you need. I have bikes of similar vintage, I've learned to be patient and inventive, so far so good.
I've found parts on the net, ( Campy), and found used stuff in very excellent condition locally by, asking around and by posting an "I want this" Ad.
Ride Whole
Pat

as for maintenance...I'm slowly getting my shop back together...hasn't been in one piece since we moved.

The problem is: once it's pitted, it's pitted, and one just can't get the parts here in Switzerland.

Guess an old dog will have to learn some new tricks (and buy some new tools...*sigh*)

cheers & thanks,
tt

http://www.nashbar.com
they ship all over the world.

You might want to try http://www.recycledcycles.com
If they do not list it call them. Also check their links. They have some good ones on older and vintage bike parts and repair.

There are some good mail order places in France and Germany.

Traditional bottom brackets are still made by Stronglight (for value) or Specialities TA (if you have lots of cash). There is nothing wrong with sealed bearing cartridge BB.
Just make sure you use a BB axle that fits your cranks well, and watch out for thread compatability with the frame.

Rear axles are standard spare parts. The latest top-of-the-range Shimano standards are a bit wider diameter than older ones, but within the mid-range, they still use 10mm. You can mix and match stuff like cones and lockrings, but dont expect the rubber seals to fit.

Harris Cyclery (sheldonbrown.com) carries lots of axles, spindles, cartridge bearings, bearing cups, etc. for older bikes. If your BB is Swiss-threaded, you may have some trouble finding replacement cups, although Sheldon does have Swiss-threaded Phil Wood cartridge BBs. On the rear axle (as on the BB cups), be aware that there are two slightly different thread pitch standards: 24 TPI and 1 thread/mm.