Bicycle Mechanics - Bearing Maintenance

I always hear talk of lubrication of bearings here in Bike Mechanics. I have a C'dale ST700 (http://de.cannondale.com/bikes/99/model-9TS7.html) It has cassets in the hubs and also (I believe) the bottom bracket. Is there any thing that should be done to maintain them, or do you just replace when necessary? The headset is a Headshock and I was told that novice mehcanics should not attemt to service them. TIA for any tips you can give on servicing this particular bike.

The bottom bracket will be a 'sealed' unit and the bearings cannot be serviced. You can't really get an idea of how rough it's running unless you disengage the chain or remove the cranks. Usually the BB will give lots of warning as it starts to pack it in.

I probably wouldn't try servicing the Headshock. I think that it requires proprietary tools. Of course, you should occasionally check for any play in the shock and headset. The shock may well need servicing after 3 years - someone familiar with the Headshock would have a better idea about it than me.

The STX-RC hubs (like all Shimano hubs) are serviceable and it is probably due if they are 3 years old and haven't had one done yet. You should check the hub with the wheel off the bike to detect any roughness or binding. I check for play with the wheel on the bike. These hubs seem to last a long time regardless.

Some cartridge hubs will allow you to add grease, provided you have a bike-sized grease gun. As for most sealed BB's, there ain't nothin' you can lube!

VERY roughly, how long (distance/time; obviously a function of load, use, humidity, etc. etc.) do sealed bearings last in hubs? in BBs? in pedals? I have had sealed-bearing hubs for several years, but I am relatively new to sealed pedals and BBs. By the way, so far I have gotten 40K mi / 65K km of service from a 30-year-old set of Campy low-flange hubs with conventional cones and loose bearings.

Originally posted by D*Alex
Some cartridge hubs will allow you to add grease, provided you have a bike-sized grease gun. As for most sealed BB's, there ain't nothin' you can lube!

An old mechanic trick is to use a syringe and slip the needle under the seal then, of course inject the grease.

Originally posted by mike


An old mechanic trick is to use a syringe and slip the needle under the seal then, of course inject the grease.

Woudln't that comprimise the seal, which I assume is designed to keep out moisture and other foriegn substances?

Originally posted by Moose
Woudln't that comprimise the seal, which I assume is designed to keep out moisture and other foriegn substances?

If you operate gently and don't tear the seal or deform it past its elastic limit, you will probably not compromise its effectiveness.