1. Run your nails over a bar of soap before you start wrenching. 2. UN55 bottom brackets are less than $15 and it takes all of 15 minutes (30 if you're slow) to change it out. Of course, if you're into 21st century bottom brackets and cranks, YMMV. 3. Don't listen to your ipod while riding (illegal in many places anyway) unless you like hospitals. 4. You've got really good ears if you can hear a little crimp on cable tip fall off while riding, and— 5. Yes, definitely look for simple solutions to problems, especially annoying noises that don't seem to degrade the bike's performance