Bicycle Mechanics - A little grindyness on newly installed cartridge BB

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Tychom
10-19-11, 11:46 AM
I installed a brand new cartridge bottom bracket for the first time having previously only worked on cup n cone ones and I'm feeling a little grindyness going on under power. So the question is what could be the reason and what should I do.

My initial thoughts are that I've tightened up the removable ring too much and that I should bring it back maybe a quarter turn, but unlike with adjustable cups I didnt think over tightening could be a problem - is it just the case that it's less obvious to notice until you're on the bike?

For info, this is a Velo Orange BB, French threaded on an old steel frame.

DCB0
10-19-11, 11:50 AM
Did you change anything besides the bottom bracket? I have used bottom brackets in suprisingly poor condition (impossible to turn the spindle by hand) and could not feel anything significant while pedalling. On the other hand, I have used a new chain on very worn chainrings and it felt like there was sand in my pedal bearings.
due ruote
10-19-11, 01:30 PM
Take the chain off and turn the cranks by hand. You shouldn't feel any roughness. Cartridges can be a bit stiff - especially when new - compared to cup and cone, but not anything you'd remotely call grindyness, unless there's a mfr. defect.

Tychom
10-19-11, 02:51 PM
Everything is new here - BB, chain and cranks.

I guess I can try tomorrow without the chain on and see how it feels, hopefully the roughness will be noticeable on the stand and I can possibly adjust the left side as seems appropriate. If not then I'm at a loss - adjust, ride, adjust ad infinitum I guess.