Dear the internet;
The last thing i need to replace on my bike before it is the best bike ever built is the cranks. I was thinking about getting an IRO build kit (https://www.irofixedgear.com/index.as...PROD&ProdID=13) since my bottom bracket (shimano 600... 1987) could probably be replaced, and well, i've never replaced a bottom bracket before and i'd like to learn.

Anyways- is this a good deal? is there something better i should look for? Is it stupid for me to be getting a bunch of new stuff when i really like the way my bike with it's cheep-ass old cranks and old school (but nice) bb allready rides? does anyone know off hand if i can replace the 46 tooth cog?

appreicating your response in advance...
-musicsucks.

Replacing a BB is easy if you have the proper tool(without the proper tool it is near impossible). Replacing the 46 "cog"(chainring) is easy but expensive. I have been pleased with IRO parts, I think the crank and ring are especially good for cheap parts.

buy the tool. it's just as expensive to buy the park puller as it is to pay the lbs to pull the cranks(from what i've experianced but i think the people at Gatto are d(ks) and you can perform the maintaince like is suggested on your own

Yes, I agree with buying the tools to replace a BB.
It's always nice to do such things on your own.

Also, replacing an old stock loose ball BB with a fresh sealed BB is oh so sweet.
No more BB slack and the *ish* runs smooth.

However, learning to pack a loose ball BB can be very rewarding as well.

GO DIY!

there is no question that i'm changing the bb myslelf. Is the iro kit the way to go?

The IRO kit is just fine. I have IRO cranks and hubs on one of my bikes and have no issues with them at all.

Some are going to say that you need some fancy cranks or hubs, but those are the same youngsters who are going to become yuppy BBQ and handbag snobs in a few years. I'd ignore them as there seems to be a large fashionista contingent among fixed gear riders at the moment.

If you really want the fancy stuff wait a few years until FG is out of fashion and snap it up cheap at the suburban garage sale of your choice.

Buy the tools once, fix BBs for the rest of your life. (Until the tool is obsolete, of course, then you sell your "vintage" tools on eBay.)