Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,643
Likes: 1,107
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
+10 This is actually a great job for someone new to bike maintenance. It only requires a couple of tools, grease and bearings are cheap, and it is necessary maintenance. Myself, I never reuse old bearings, I buy new ones on line for about 2 cents each. Typical is 1/4 inch bearings on the rear wheel, 3/16 inch bearings on the front.
While counting existing bearings is a good idea, if you do not know the bike's history, it can be misleading. I took a BB apart once, one side had 8 loose bearings, the other side 10. So which number do you pick?
Neither. That BB needed 11 per side.
As I recommended above, to someone new to bike maintenance, find a CO-OP. They have the tools, parts, and volunteers on hand to guide you through the process. Surely a town like Chicago is going to have some co-ops.
Last edited by wrk101; 08-27-13 at 06:53 AM.