I think I might be having a problem with my bottom bracket, but I'm not sure. When I push hard (Mostly in high gears, off of the seat) on the right pedal I hear a sort of high pitched noise. It almost sounds like someone unzipping a zipper really quickly. It doesnt happen when I am not pedaling hard and It is only there when I am pushing down on the right pedal, it doesnt happen at all no matter how hard I push on the left.

Does this sound like a bottom bracket problem?? I cant think of what else it might be...

If it does, and I do need to replace the part, does anyone have a recomendation for me about what I should replace it with? I need something pretty strong. Weight isnt much of an issue for me. I weigh about 280, and I play college football, so the combination of my weight and lower body strength puts an abnormally large amount of stress on my bikes. I do mostly XC riding on a 21 speed 1999 Cannondale F400. I am considering replacing the crankset as well. My current one is pretty old and not all that great.



Also, my local bike shop charges 25 to replace a bottom bracket. They always do great work and stand behind it like they should. Is that decent, or should I just buy the tools, etc and do it myself? It seems like the cost would be about the same, but I've never done it before...


Thanks