Originally Posted by
Amesja
The rule of thumb with most people I know who wrench on bikes is unless it is Campy, ditch the bearing retainer and go more loose balls. The fewer balls the more stress they put into the races in fewer places. It's just PSI and math. More balls spreads the force out more equally over the races.
agreed, but if i didn't have any new balls of the appropriate size just hanging around, i'm not about to go buy some extra loose balls to "upgrade" a $3.50 pyramid-brand loose-ball BB... Although, you get a gross of pyramid-brand bearings for $5, so it might be worthwhile anyway...