That sucks, sorry to hear about that. Maybe you got a bum set???
Anyway, never underestimate the value of being able to wrench your own gear.
Pooks’ 2nd Law: Having to rely on others sucks; whenever possible, don’t.
moral of the story: choose your LBS carefully.
Maybe it’s the polluted air and water here in SoCal that is deranging the minds of bike mechanics? The moral of *my *story was that it definitely matters who installs these things, and because of that it’d be helpful to have a list of stores/mechanics that are competent.
Joe,
I feel your pain, a bit. I have had to reinstall mine a couple of times to get rid of various problems, most of which you have encountered. I found that you really have to degrease the threads of your bottom bracket shell thoroughly first, and then use a generous helping of removable lock tight on the threads in order to prevent slipping. For me this also got rid of the annoying knocking that kept occuring after 200 miles. You might want to pass this info onto your local mechanic for next time. Other than that, just have them read the directions carefully and any decent wrench should be able to install them properly.
Joe, I did mine by myself, and I’ve never opened a bottom bracket before in my life. It’s sort of like cooking…all you have to do is get the right tools and follow the instructions. I found it very easy. I’ve never set a “chain-line” either. Just followed the instructions and it’s perfect. I’ve even adjusted them two times trying out different set points. I can’t believe someone said they would put some “Locktight” on them if they slipped again. THEY MUST HAVE LOCKTIGHT ON THEM! Furthermore, the locktight has to “cure” before riding them. That can take a while, or, by using a cure-enhancer (some chemical), it can be quicker. I didn’t ride mine for a couple of days after installation…at the advice of Herbert at Rotorcranks.
Sorry you’re having so much trouble. Gotta get somebody that can read and follow the directions, I guess!
"Pooks’ 2nd Law: Having to rely on others sucks; whenever possible, don’t. "
I agree 100%. So when you f*ck it up, you’ve got nobody to blame except yourself.
Joe: I installed mine three times myself. Third time was the charm. 
Plenty of blue loctite and a really tight left cup did the trick for me. They’ve stayed centered for about 10 days now. Gary was very good about giving me email support. The instructions could be better but with Gary promptly answering emails I don’t think anyone should hesitate to give them a go.
Sorry to hear you spent all that money on mechs when we all know you need a brand new Cervelo P3 Carbon with DA10.
-Robert
Joe,
I think the directions say to use some locktight on the left side also…don’t have them in front of me, but, I did use some on the left side. It’s also imperative that the bottom bracket threads were degreased…locktight doesn’t work as it should in the presence of grease on the threads. It’s all in the instructions.
Powercrank installation…it’s easier, you don’t mess with the bottom bracket, just the crankarms. However…you MUST go by the instructions…don’t think you just have it figured out…when the instructions say to leave the dust cap on and unscrew the crankbolt…do that. Because the crank bolt pushing against the dust cap is what is used to extract the crank. There have been some changes in PowerCranks since I got mine, so, my instructions may not apply to the newest versions. The message is the same, though, the directions must be followed. Overconfident mechanics are a liability, you need to find someone with experience in installing the product, or with enough humility to read and follow the directions instead of just flying by the seat of their trousers.
Proper installation (of either of these products) is not above the capability of someone with opposable thumbs and the ability to comprehend what they are reading, as long as they have the correct tools and enough time. Again, sorry you found a few mechanics that didn’t follow the directions. It would drive me up the wall to have had your problems.
Joe wrote: "All this craziness has me worried about getting and using Powercranks, which I intend to do shortly. Do they have any funky installation problems like the Rotors? "
PowerCranks installation is quite simple and, even though we did have some funky things in the past, those seem to all be solved now. We have had some loosening of the crank bolts problem for which we recommended Loctite in the past but I think I even have those solved now.
Joe,
Don’t let anyone kid you, rotorcranks and powercranks are complicating what is normally a very simple system, i.e., a crank with chainrings. I know nothing of rotors, but PCs can be high maintenance. Mine keep loosening and I ride around with my crank bolt puller so I can tighten them. I have also had a clutch pop a few minutes into a ride and been stranded. That has happened only once in 16 months. Frank was very quick about fixing it and sending it back, so have no fear of that, but it was a hassle.
Having said that, I think the gain is well worth the hassle.
Chad
Hi Joe
Just reading your story. Sorry you had to go through all that, but it sounds very similar to my first experience with the system, and a mechanic that installed them wrong. Basically it comes down to two things:
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A competent mechanic must follow the instructions and use proper torque on the left cup to 52-55 lb-ft or 70-75 Nm. and
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Use of thread locker on clean BB threads is a must, as is providing sufficient time to dry, especially if using on a Ti or Aluminum frame.
Now that said, for 2005 we have improved the RS4 system (now called RS4X), using a splined bottom bracket and have made the installation and maintenance easier.
Anytime in the future that you have an installation issue and need help, shoot me an e-mail or give me a call and we will help out.
- Gary
No, on the RS4X the splined BB is integrated into the system like Dura Ace, it is a 6 point pattern because the spindle is smaller.
