I just found a ball bearing on the ground under where I park my bike. I park my bike in my office at home, so I am reasonably sure that this bearing came from the bike. Here is the thing though, I just got home from a 35 mi ride and te bike was behaving as it usually does.
Anybody have any ideas where this ball bearing might have come from. Could I be on the verge of a self destructing bike?
Frankly, if ball bearings are falling out of your bike…you’ll surely notice it. Any of the bearings would have to be almost disassembled to start dropping balls…almost disassembled as in…unrideable. Just check BB, headset, wheels…etc. for looseness if you are still not convinced. Its always a good idea to check all the nuts and bolts on your bike once a week or so anyway…
Check with your office mates as well, any of then acting like they are ready to bust out laughing? I used to leave assorted parts on the ground next to my boss’ bike when he would ride into work, just for the fun of seeing him spend 20 minutes checking the whole thing over and over, usually several times a week. He has since lost his job and is working as a bike mechanic. Honest.
“Oh, come on guys! It’s so simple. Maybe you need a refresher course. Hey! It’s all ball bearings nowadays. Now you prepare that Fetzer valve with some 3-in-1 oil and some gauze pads. And I’m gonna need about 10 quarts of anti-freeze. Preferably Prestone. No… No… Make that Quaker State.”
As far as you know.
Fletch rocks!!!