How often do you replace pulley wheels?
09-17-16 | 05:13 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Retired dabbler
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 788
Likes: 0
From: Acton, MA (20 miles west of Boston) - GORGEOUS cycling territory!
Bikes: 2007 Specialized Roubaix Elite Triple - 1st ride = century 9/19/2010 , Ultegra
How often do you replace pulley wheels?
My pulley wheels attract lots of crud and some fibers wrap around the pivots. But they seem to work fine. I don't think I've ever pulled them apart, but it seems like that might be the only effective way to clean them and get rid of the gunk.
Do YOU do this on your bikes?
But if I do that, should I have spare pulleys and/or pivots on hand? If so, from where?
Thanks
Do YOU do this on your bikes?
But if I do that, should I have spare pulleys and/or pivots on hand? If so, from where?
Thanks
09-17-16 | 05:40 PM
#2
Old fart
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,354
Likes: 5,267
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Most derailleur pulleys use simple sleeve bearings, which are dead-easy to clean. Some fancier models may have sealed cartridge bearings, which shouldn't need service. And some old-school derailleurs actually use loose balls in a cup-and-cone system.
There's no compelling need to replace them unless the pulley falls apart. I have some that are 30-40 years old and still going strong.
There's no compelling need to replace them unless the pulley falls apart. I have some that are 30-40 years old and still going strong.
09-17-16 | 08:20 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Retired dabbler
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 788
Likes: 0
From: Acton, MA (20 miles west of Boston) - GORGEOUS cycling territory!
Bikes: 2007 Specialized Roubaix Elite Triple - 1st ride = century 9/19/2010 , Ultegra
Most derailleur pulleys use simple sleeve bearings, which are dead-easy to clean. Some fancier models may have sealed cartridge bearings, which shouldn't need service. And some old-school derailleurs actually use loose balls in a cup-and-cone system.
There's no compelling need to replace them unless the pulley falls apart. I have some that are 30-40 years old and still going strong.
There's no compelling need to replace them unless the pulley falls apart. I have some that are 30-40 years old and still going strong.
09-18-16 | 03:49 AM
#5
Banned.
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 10
From: downtown Bulverde, Texas
Bikes: '74 Raleigh International utility; '98 Moser Forma road; '92 Viner Pro CX upright
On a Shimano 600EX, I replaced the jockey wheels after 25,000 mi over 30 years - I kept them clean that long.
On an Ultegra 6500 bought used on ebay in VG+ condition, replaced them right away before using the RD.
On my Microshift R10, I replaced them after a couple of thousand miles because I ran across a crazy Amazon deal - Microshift sealed ball-bearing/ alloy for $12/pair - I grabbed them. Next time I looked, they were $24/pair and very soon sold out
On an Ultegra 6500 bought used on ebay in VG+ condition, replaced them right away before using the RD.
On my Microshift R10, I replaced them after a couple of thousand miles because I ran across a crazy Amazon deal - Microshift sealed ball-bearing/ alloy for $12/pair - I grabbed them. Next time I looked, they were $24/pair and very soon sold out
