How to build a bike - Part 3: Bottom bracket and crankset

Other parts:
introduction
Headset
Bottom bracket and crankset
Derailleurs and chain
Steer and cables
Make the brakes and shifters work
Finishing up!

The crankset is another piece with bearings and is therefore a possible source of horror for people. It was for me, until I found out how to install them. It's really easy...

Like the headsets a lot of different variations exist in bottom brackets. Again the interested reader should spend some time on wiki or google. The rest of the people should simply check what type of bottom bearings are needed in the frame.

My frame needed a BSA type of bottom bracket and luckily this was the type that was included in the group set from SRAM I purchased. As explained before, installation is very easy. The only problem is you'll need a special tool to tighten the bottom bracket. SRAM and Shimano use the same type of tool, while Campagnolo uses its own. I was lucky enough to find a study mate owning such a tool, otherwise a little visit to a LBS might safe you buying a tool which you are only gonna use once or twice. With the frame, bottom bracket and tool ready, it's time to install it!

First check the inside of the frame and the bracket itself for any damage. Remove any dirt. Now grease the threads on both the frame and the bearings. According to the 'manual' (a single piece of paper) which came with the bottom bracket, I first had to install the non-drive side (meaning the left side of the bike). Simply put in the bottom bracket and tighten it with the tool.

After that install the drive side of the bracket in exactly the same way.

No take the crankset. Grease the bottom crank a bit. Put it inside the bottom bracket and secure it. With SRAM this is simply done using a hex-key. For Shimano you'll again need some special piece of plastic tool to do the job. For Campagnolo I have no idea how to tighten it, but I'm sure the Italian people have found a way to secure it.

That's it! Another part done!