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From time to time my bikes will eventually start creaking. Usually it comes from the bottom bracket (BB). So with that said I decided to create this “How To” with the Sette Reken Single Speed. I did notice that my BB was creaking all throughout my last ride. This morning I placed the bike on the stand and started working.

First step, get an 8mm allen and remove the crank bolt by turning counter clockwise.

Then I grabbed my Ice Toolz crank puller and removed the crank arms.

Notice how filthy this bike is…this is actually a good time for you to clean up the whole area. I’m using a light degreaser to remove any grime and dirt that’s stuck. Cleaning this area will help prevent grit from getting into the threads of the BB shell

After cleaning the area, I grabbed my Ice Toolz BB tool. You’ll need to remove the non-drive side first by turning counter clock wise, or towards the front wheel.

Once you remove the non drive cup, you’ll need to remove the drive side cup. This time you’ll turn clockwise, again towards the front wheel.

When the BB has been fully removed, I sprayed some degreaser all over the shell and wiped it clean with a rag. Once you have both the BB shell and the actual BB clean, its time to reinstall. Get some grease and apply it on the threads on the frame and some on the threads on the BB.

What I like to do is thread in the non drive side about half way through, then thread in the drive side all the way in until its tight. You’ll need to go back to the non drive side and tighten that until its snug.

Clean up any excess grease that may come out, then reinstall the crank arms and you’re ready to roll. This whole process only took me about 15 minutes to complete the job. If you have any questions about this tech tip, or would like to see other tips be done, then just leave us a comment below.

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I took a note from our very own Jack “Ghost Rider” Sweeney’s article about home made tools. But rather than following his steps whole heartedly, I kinda ghetto-fied it and just used this 2″ PVC pipe cut to about 10″ long.

I needed to set a crown race on one of my forks this morning and used a pipe that I had laying around the garage. I slid it down to the race.

Made sure it was lined up, gave it a good whack with an old seat post, I’m sure a hammer would have worked just fine, but I couldn’t find it. Not bad eh? After setting the race, I installed the fork.

If you check out Jack’s article he’ll even show you how to make your own headset press.

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Here’s a simple How To….Adjusting your Avid BB5 Disc Brake Caliper.

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Ok this letter is directed to some of you people that are STILL taking your bikes to you the LBS. Sure there’s valid reasons why you need to take a bike to the LBS for some repairs or services such as “I like to get reamed when paying for a tune up.” People also take their bikes to get their wallets emptied to “change a flat.”

In reality, if you have a set of these…

and these…then you’re pretty much going the right direction.

Here’s the thing, about 85-90% of all mechanical problems that occur with your bike, you can fix! Seriously, there’s no need to spend your cashola just to have some teen age kid or a guy that still lives at home to fix your bike.

All you need are some basic tools such as a set of allen wrenches, bottom bracket tool, cotter less crank remover, diagonal cutters, pliers, chain whip, cassette remover and a bottle opener, that’s for the beer!

You can actually get a decent home mechanic tool set from places like Pricepoint.com or Nashbar.com

The best thing to do is get one of those kits that I mentioned from either retailer, just consider it as an investment. Then watch or read some of our Tech Tips, or get a buddy to show you how to fix things, better yet, get a DVD that shows you how to repair bikes. Fixing bikes isn’t rocket science. You’d have to be really We Todd Did if you can’t figure out how to tune a derailleur, its really simple. Just like with anything, the first time can be apprehensive, but with a bit more practice, you can start saving some major dough and start socking that money away for your kids college fund or towards your dreams…a Monkey Space Ship!

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A while back Moe and I were talking about the freewheel on his Single Speed 29er. He mentioned that he was getting some dirt and grit in there and wanted to know how to service it. So after contacting our buddy Vince Rodarte of KHS Bicycles, he wrote a very interesting article that schooled me into learning how to service a freewheel.

“Ok, Class, please pay attention!

Mr. Policar! Mr. Policar! AHEM! MR. POLICAR!!!!!…… what would your mother say if I called her to tell her you got sent to the principals office because you can’t keep your hands off of Pricilla’s books??

Ok, well please pay attention!

You’ll need the following tools:

Pin Spanner

Small flat blade screw driver

Small shop hammer

Small Magnet (for catching run-away bearings)

Solvent (Clean Streak, or something similar)

Rags

Lube ( I prefer Phil Wood Tenacious Oil)

First, take a rag and wrap around the backside of the freewheel.
Then, while holding the rear wheel with the freewheel facing up. Looking at the freewheel

ACS Claws Freewheel from Pricepoint.com.

You’ll notice two pin holes. Using your pin spanner, spin this face cover counter clockwise.

If it’s too tight use the small screwdriver as a punch and tap it with the hammer until it breaks loose.
(at this point, your wheel should still be in the “drive side up� orientation)

Open the face cover just enough to get the spray tube of your solvent (Clean Streak) inside. Spray to your hearts content to flush all the crap and old lube out of the freewheel.

MAKE SURE YOU DON�T OPEN THE PLATE TOO MUCH, YOU COULD BLAST THE SMALL BEARINGS OUT WITH THE SOLVENT SPRAY!!! (in case this happens, use the magnet to find your bearings)

Let the solvent evaporate out. Spin the freewheel to loosen anything up and re spray with solvent. Let the solvent evaporate again.

Finally, use the Phil Wood drip oil and thoroughly lube the freewheel and snug up the face plate. Don’t worry about over tightening. There is a bottom out surface that the plate will contact before crushing the bearings.

That’s it.

NOW GO TO RECESS!!!!!!�

Vincent P. Rodarte
KHS & Free Agent Bicycles

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