McQz

My beloved bride bought me a new single-speed/fixie Skinny Benny this week. I have been wanting to add a single-speed for errands etc. for some time and our (relatively) LBS had a Skinny Benny that seemed like just what the Dr. Ordered.

With less than 10 miles so far, I am happy with the bike. However I have a question of a quasi-mechanical bent.

In going over the bike I discovered that there are no dust covers on either side of the bottom bracket. I can see the bearings - grease and all - just by bending over. Is this normal? I have never had a bike with exposed bearings. I'm afraid it might be a significant problem over time. not to mention during the dirty-windy weather we oftentimes experience here in sunny Winslow, AZ.

hairnet

Yeah, that sucks. You can replace it a fairly cheap and reliable Shimano cartridge BB

Street rider

Shimano Un-54. Those things are pretty cheap, and a lot of people use them for years at a time.