Originally Posted by
Burton
Based on the age of the bike - I'd have a shop do it the first time. Reason being the work is normally a fixed price and if anything is seized or worn - home mechanic's tools won't do the job. I'm thinking in particular about the fixed cup. At our shop labor costs are a flat $10. Once its been confirmed that everything is OK, you can probably do anybfurther tensioning on the non-drive side yourself. At that point you'll already have confirmed the bearings and cones are in good condition, or have had them replaced. 'Upgrading' to a cartridge style BB is another option and they are usually better sealed against water infiltration.
Taking it to a shop may avoid having to buy something like this:
http://www.bikesonline.com/hozan-cup...oving-tool.htm
First I have been wrenching bikes for the better part of 30 years and I've yet had the need for a $125 bottom bracket remover. The two middle tools above in post#14 should do it or a vice works even better. All these tools and more can be found at a Jew Jersey co-op and there will be plenty of help if the OP gets stuck. Remember the OP wants to learn how to work on his bike and routine bottom bracket maintenance is right up there with a need to know..
Last edited by onespeedbiker; 12-21-12 at 01:29 AM.