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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Need to learn how to fix your bike? Well let MtnBikeRiders.com show you. Did you know that we have over 100 How To articles and videos…most of them are staring…ME! That’s right, not only do you get to learn how to work on your bike, but I make it look guud! About 98% of our tech tips are home grown and the work that is demonstrated are legit. Now if you’re wondering what makes me so credible when it comes to working on bikes, its a born talent. I came out of the womb with a headset press in my left hand and a chain breaker in the other.

So here’s an example of an article I wrote many moons ago, “How to tighten a threadless headset.” It’s so easy that a monkey can do it.

Not only do you get information on how to fix your bike, but we also show you how to ride better. Here’s a tech tip that shows you how to do a sideways bunny hop performed by our friend Scott Tauzin. Click HERE
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One last tech tip I’d like to share is teaching riders from all walks of life how to be “socially responsible.”

This article shows you that a 6 pack has more power than you think!

To read up on more of our tech tips, click HERE!

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

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