(Wrenching) On A Sunday

It was one of those help-a-friend-remove-a-bottom-bracket-then-replace-a-pitted-headset Sundays.  First up, pulling a Phil Wood bottom bracket from a frame that's bound for donation (or possibly fated to become a commuter for someone in need of a ride).  I'm the one behind the camera in all of these shots, though the reason there are so few of them is because for the most part I was covered in Phil Wood grease doing headset trickery.

The most important tool when working on bikes.

The frame in question was an old Raleigh Technium with a rather pretty color scheme of maroon and gold.

Loosening the lockring by hand once it had been unscrewed enough with the lockring tool.

Probably there is a proper wrench to do this with.  This isn't it.

This turned out to be surprisingly easy, considering some of the things I've had to do to pull old bottom brackets in the past.  

Phil makes bottom brackets look so pretty.

Phil Wood is pretty close to where I am, and they have exceptional customer service.  I believe this one was originally found in a Fuji frame that I picked up for about $20, and Phil made it look pretty again as part of the warranty, I believe.  Not to mention after being in that rusted out Fuji frame that looked like it survived (and fought in) a few wars, the bearings were still smooth.

Next, a new headset for an old Trek that had been being ridden around with a headset that was pitted in a crash (cringe).  

Removing the old headset, which came stock with the bike in the 80s.  

There's a rule when working on bikes that nothing can ever go exactly as planned, so there was a minor setback when the NOS headset that we picked up turned out to be 1 1/8" instead of 1", but after a quick trip back to the bike shop everything was straightened out.  If things ever do go as planned, be prepared for something terrible to happen next time (like fenders).

Old components, and a fork waiting for a new crown race.

Cups are pressed!

It actually looked pretty nice with the NOS Shimano 105 headset that was put on it.  It will look really nice once this frame gets a new paint job, which should be soon.

This old Trek has a new lease on life.

All back together.

Perfect way to spend a gloomy Sunday afternoon.  Even little tasks like this that I've done many times before are always enjoyable, and I feel like each time I learn something new.  Plus, it's a great way to hang out, and when it's over everyone smells like Phil Wood grease and Simple Green.