Replaced my own bottom bracket for the first time last weekend

I've been riding the same old hybrid for about 8 years now and always took it to the shop for anything beyond a flat. A buddy of mine named Dave, who builds his own bikes from scratch, told me bottom brackets aren't that hard if you just get the right tool and take your time. He lent me his Park Tool BBT-22 and walked me through it over the phone after I got stuck on the non-drive side cup. It took me about 45 minutes total and I saved the $35 the shop would have charged. Has anyone else found a certain job they were scared of that turned out to be way easier than expected?

2 comments

2 Comments

phoenixgonzalez1mo ago

Honestly used to think bottom brackets were one of those things you just leave to a shop, but my first one wasn't nearly as bad as I built it up in my head. Took me maybe an hour and a half with some grumbling but it worked out fine.

patel.daniel1mo ago

@phoenixgonzalez yeah the grumbling is mandatory, just make sure you don't overtighten it.