DIY vs LBS
 

Hi all,

I am wondering if it is a good idea to fit a new bottom bracket and a new Crankset (ISIS) to my bike on my own. I am mechanically inclined to a high degree in general, as far as the bike goes , i have already fitted my disc brakes and bled them, i fitted my new fork (Z1) , pedals, stem . The LBS that checked my installations after a while told me that they where flawless and commended me on the bleeding of the XT discs. So my question is, go ahead and buy a BB (FSAplatinum Pro or RF evolveFR) and a crank (RF Prodigy DH) and fit them myself (which involves buying a bb tool) or rely on the LBS? If i fit them myself then it will be the last thing to install on a bike that i have never done before so i will gain experience , the only drawbacks are the possibility of wrong installation and the added cost of the BB tool.
What is your advice?

Oh i also performed a full overhaul and travel modification to Manitou forks.

imo, bb and cranks aren't difficult to do but then again i've only worked with square tapers not sure if isis involves any more work or not.

As long as you have a crank puller to get your old ones off it is an easy job. If you bought the right bb and cranks then it is just a matter of tightening them down.

The hardest part (which realy is not that hard) is adjusting the front derailer (if you have one).

Go for it.

:beer: :beer:

p.s. Just remember tu turn the pedals in the proper direction when removing them:D

How much is the crank puller and the bb tool... cos im buying the same crankset as math :D and i need a new bb

Transparent i reckon that this will set you back about 15quid , 8 for the bb tool and 7 for the crank extractor.

I just did mine recently. It was more like 25 bucks for the tools. And the tools are different than the old shimano square taper tools so be careful when buying the tools. Also when threading in your bottom bracket, get some plumbers teflon tape, wrap it a couple times around the threads of the BB and then thread it in. The teflon tape will keep the BB from squeeking or backing out, and wont attract dirt like anti seize will. Have fun, its really a very simple job.

I'd say do it yerself. It's not that difficult to do, and you've always got US here to help you out!.

The biggest problem is making sure which bottom bracket you need. The easier way is to remove the old one. Of course you can't do that until you get the tools. The manufacturer or you LBS should be able to help you out!

L8R

As far as i can remember A2 its a 113-68mm (specialized website). I ll do it myself! I really tend to trust only the stuff i install. Thanks A2 i really appreciate. Russel likewise.

Luckily i wont haver to bother with the cranks and stuff anymore :) i got a new bike today :D:D

Personally I love working on my own bike. The only time I take it to the LBS is when stuff is REALLY screwed or it's something that I don't feel comfortable doing myself.. like rebuilding hubs or forks, installing headsets, etc. I bought a cheap tool kit from Pricepoint for 40 bucks that included the crank extractor, bottom bracket tool, and basically tools for almost any repair on a bike... best thing I ever did. Removing cranks is very simple, but take your time and make sure not to cross thread anything!!

:lol:

Hey Raiyn, you got some time to ride this weekend?

Let me know. I'm thinking of heading to Alafia on Sat or Sun for a short spin. I don't know if the trails are still underwater with all this rain.

L8R

For some...

Its nice when you got a job doing this stuff ... gettin paid 'n stuff. :p

Don't forget the threads are reversed on the different sides!

I remember our LAST trip out to Alafia -swamp city O' Fearless leader. I really think if you're going there you should bring a snorkel. I was thinking about going up to Santos in Belleview on Sunday. I got some new skins for the 'hopper and I want to try 'em out.

Too true:D

Not enough time to head to Santos. Have fun, one of my favorite places to ride. Dr. Ruth to the other side, hit the 3 outside blues, then the center red for some play time, hit gyroscope for some stunts, then back for some lunch and back out via Cow Bone to Snake Ridge, Termite trail...etc.

Wish I could join you!

L8R