Originally Posted by
illusiumd
My LBS kind of lost a gasket with last week. I came in for some problems I was having and it turned out the bottom bracket (SRAM GXP) was absolutely shredded on one side - the bearings had come out - and the thing just looked like a gunked up, terrible mess. I could swear that I cleaned that thing out in October - it was my first time taking it apart - maybe I didn't seal it up correctly?
But the LBS got on me about not having fenders. I ride all weather and when it rains I usually hose my bike off when I get home and always store it inside. I just can't stand fenders for some reason - but I suppose if it will really help keep the parts in good working order...
I commute all-weather 30mi a day 4 days a week - half in the city and half bike path.
One of the many ways that water gets into a BB is that it will makes its way down the seat tube from all the water spraying up your back. A rear fender helps some with that and a front fender reduces the water cast off the front wheel directly at the BB area that may get in through the seals.
So fenders will help, but obviously are not going to keep your BB dry and warm in a downpour.
At $25, that BB is a throw away item (like most today). Buy a few and get the tool to change them yourself. If you find water in the BB (very likely) let it dry out before you close it back up.