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I have tried and failed to use google, so please help me understand...
I try to do all my own work on my MTB, and recently my unloved but used everyday commuter bike is showing symptoms of needing a new bottom bracket.
this is my commuter
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/absolute-30-2012-hybrid-bike-ec031239
and it is described as having a "VP Sealed Cartridge" bottom bracket...
is this the same as a standard square taper BB, i.e. can I just buy any ST BB, such as...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-un26-square-taper-bottom-bracket/rp-prod34652?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_name=UnitedKingdom&gclid=CKy1ubjfm70CFWvkwgodhRoA0A
and then I have to figure out what size, 68 I would presume, but what is the other size measurement about!
help, im confused, and need help figuring it all out....
VP appears to be a brand and sealed cartridge refers to the bearings that are in it.
If you have a crank puller just whip the cranks off and take a look.
With regards to the measurements, the 68mm is the BB shell and the other longer measurement is the axle length.
As above, if you have tools then take the BB out and have a look - it should have the shell width plus axle length printed on it. If not then measure end to end on the axle and across the BB shell on the bike frame.
A common size if 68 BB and 113 axle but yours may not be that.
Once you have the measurements then any square taper BB will fit. Shimano UN52 or UN54 is the default choice for a lot of people as they seem to last for ever.
If you need tools have a look on the on-one site - they seem to have some bargins at the moment.
You'll need two tools beyond simple allen keys - a crank extractor and a BB tool - the web descriptions shoudl say what type of cranks/BB's each one tool for.
[edit] have a read of this: [url= http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/cartridge-bearing-type-bottom-bracket-service-bbt ]http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/cartridge-bearing-type-bottom-bracket-service-bbt[/url]
[url= http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/crank-installation-and-removal-square-spindle-type ]http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/crank-installation-and-removal-square-spindle-type[/url]