Originally Posted by
kevmk81
Quick/easy question regarding the bearings: the bike had the bearings in a metal cage/cartridge. 9 bearings in it, 1/4" diameter. I can simply get bearings to replace it right? Do I need to find bearings in a metal cartridge? If I don't need the metal part, I'm guessing 9 won't do it, I'll probably need 10 or 11 to replace the 9?
Thanks for the help!
yes, you can just buy individual bearings. no you don't need to "find bearings in metal cartridge(s)", you can just buy individual bearings. they can be found at most hardware stores.
yes you will need more than there are in the caged version. how many more? don't know. i usually put as many as fit then remove one or two depending on how small they are.
you may be able to buy a new caged set at your LBS and they are to be recommended over loose ball bearings. holding a frame in one hand and trying to position greased ball bearings into the drive-side cup from the other side without losing them in the chainstay tubes, or up the down tube or down the seat tube can be frustrating to say the least. and when you do (remember they are greased) they don't want to come back out so easily, however the ones you have already managed to insert successfully do.
