Pastor Bob and Wino--

Thanks for the good advice. I have been remiss in PM. Looks like I'll be buying a few bike tools to take care of the overdue maintenance. Why would there be a recommendation to purchase a less expensive bottom bracket? Did Schwinn put a cheap one in to begin with? I know some BB's are described as cartridges--others are not. Sounds like the cartridges are basically throw-away and you can't maintain them. Whereas the ones that aren't cartridges can be maintained indefinitely by the user. Just asking. I'm not heavy into bike mechanics. But I don't mind spending money on this bike to keep it up to standard. It has given me years of service. I expect years more.