Originally Posted by
HillRider
You might get better bearings that way but it certainly isn't cheaper in any run, long or short. Over $100 for the tool plus about $30 for replacement bearings each time compared to about $30 for OEM bearings doesn't add up to savings.
For these particular bearings the cost is a bit more. For most external BB
the Enduro kit is <$15 and if they last a lot longer it doesn't take many BB's to pay for the tool either.
I see tools as a lifetime investment. External BB's are going to be around for a long time I think. Sure, BB30 is pretty cool with new frames but millions of older frames are out there and will be needing updating eventually. I feel that the standard Hollowtech 2-piece external BB for English shells is going to be here for the long run. Might as well buy the tool for it now or buy $30 to 40+ sets of BB cups for the next few decades. The choice is yours, buy the correct tool and get low-cost BB's or just keep spending $ on "disposable" cups.
Even at $100 the tool is going to save you money over going to your LBS and having them work on your bike to replace BB cups.
That's going to run you $50-60 right there. Of course you are going to need an external BB cup wrench too... But this is the
Bicycle Mechanics Forum not the "
Take your cash and your bike to the LBS Forum"