DIY bike maintenance-where to buy loose ball bearings?

jack of all

I decided to strip down and rebuild my cheap mtb and a secondhand bike I bought for my daughter. Last time I did anything like this was probably nearly 30 years ago as a chap, watching my dad strip down hubs and headsets, replacing bearings and the like. The biggest problem I've had this time around is actually getting loose bearings for the various parts I'm rebuilding. From my memory the local bike shop had a ready supply of the standard sizes years ago. This has all changed- I visited 3 separate shops and only 1 could supply me with 2 of the 3 sizes I needed. One of the shops (suggested replacing whole headsets and bottom brackets- all fine and well on a quality (expensive) bike, but surely over the top on a cheap bike (especially more so on a child's bike). Without expensive workshop tools replacing headsets etc is not an option for the DIYer and unless there is serious wear to the races I don't see the need. Anyone know where I can buy ball bearings loose?

pixbyjohn

You will get them here >http://www.efox.ie/aboutus.php

Mycroft H

jack of all wrote: »

I decided to strip down and rebuild my cheap mtb and a secondhand bike I bought for my daughter. Last time I did anything like this was probably nearly 30 years ago as a chap, watching my dad strip down hubs and headsets, replacing bearings and the like. The biggest problem I've had this time around is actually getting loose bearings for the various parts I'm rebuilding. From my memory the local bike shop had a ready supply of the standard sizes years ago. This has all changed- I visited 3 separate shops and only 1 could supply me with 2 of the 3 sizes I needed. One of the shops (suggested replacing whole headsets and bottom brackets- all fine and well on a quality (expensive) bike, but surely over the top on a cheap bike (especially more so on a child's bike). Without expensive workshop tools replacing headsets etc is not an option for the DIYer and unless there is serious wear to the races I don't see the need. Anyone know where I can buy ball bearings loose?

Surely any bike with a workshop should have loose ball bearings. Either that or its just sheer laziness.

http://www.beecycles.net - he should have them...

Donelson

Ah no! these where probably sealed cartridge acb's.

jack of all

BX 19 wrote: »

Surely any bike with a workshop should have loose ball bearings. Either that or its just sheer laziness.

I would have thought so but the small local bike shop couldn't help me except for the 3/16" size. Tried to sell me a headset too! Large city centre shop with a big workshop were more helpful but couldn't give me all the sizes I needed. Ideally I'd like to purchase online if possible.

Morgan

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/page/find/?name=bearings&page=1

quietsailor

are general bearing suppliers any use to you?

Cork Bearing Company Popes Quay, city centre
reliance bearing out in Little Island

jack of all

Morgan wrote: »

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/page/find/?name=bearings&page=1

Thanks for that link, looks like what I want. The problem with a lot of the general engineering suppliers is they sell bearings in larger quantities- 100 or more.

abcdggs

Rothar on fade st. has the three main bearing sizes, although they don't have 1/8" bearings for old style loose bearing headsets, but it's unlikely you will need them.

Hungrycol

What size bearings do I need for a Tiagra rear hub? They're about 4 years old.

Mycroft H

Hungrycol wrote: »

What size bearings do I need for a Tiagra rear hub? They're about 4 years old.

You will need 18 1/4" bearings unless they are a cartridge bearing hub.

Hungrycol

BX 19 wrote: »

You will need 18 1/4" bearings unless they are a cartridge bearing hub.

Star, thanks a mill. Definitely loose bearings, I was servicing them about a year ago and lost a few bearings in the grass! So the wheels (open pros) have been hanging in the shed for well over a year now! I might service them and sell them on to a grateful new owner!

piston

In my experience, bike shops usually do have these, just in cages. Pop them out of the cages and use them as loose bearings. This is a good idea anyway, even if your hub/bb/headset originally had caged bearings as you can fit more in and it will roll smoother and last longer. These cages are only fitted to make assembly easier at the factory. The grease will keep it in place until you assemble it.