A well known mostly online bike retailer has delivered me a brand new bike with a BB issue. The cranks don't spin freely with the chain removed. I'm gutted that the mechanic didn't notice or think to check. I made sure to check as it's my first carbon frame and Ive watched enough Hambini to be a sceptical git.
Anyway. Got straight on to their customer services while the bike was still wrapped up and they offered to send a new BB to try which I accepted. Will I be voiding any warrantee by removing the cups and installing the new one?
I carefully removed the cranks and the bearings are as smooth as you would expect new bearing to be. Therefore I'm thinking threaded insert alignment issue OR bad cup installation which could have damaged the threaded insert/s.
Need to know the frame and BB type. But could be as simple as the cranks have been over tightened depending on the make. Or a spacer missed from the BB.
As a matter of principle I'd be sending it straight back for resolution. I might be more lenient with a company that had an excellent customer services reputation but with someone like Planet X it would be offski in an instant.
Sram GXP on a carbon CX frame. No spacers needed as far as I'm aware.
I’d just send it straight back, at their cost.
It kinda depends. If you're mechanically savvy and a new BB will fix the problem, then it saves a two-way delivery and you can presumably ride sooner. That option is definitely cheaper for the retailer and it'd be better for me - changing the BB takes no time if you know what you're doing.
On the other hand, if there's a deeper problem (misalignment with the BB shell threads, for example) then obviously a new BB won't fix it.
You won't be voiding the warranty by replacing the BB. Bear in mind that consumer protection regs assume the fault to be a manufacturing defect if it occurs within 6 months of sale (let alone immediately). Even if you somehow screw it up, the onus would be on the shop to prove that any damage was your fault, and since they've already agreed the bike is faulty out-of-the-box I don't think that is an issue.
If you're not comfortable, get them to pay a local shop to fit the new BB.
GXP chainsets in my experience have no way of taking up any slack. I'd not be trying to fix this myself. Send the whole lot back.
If the wavy washer is pushed flat and binding then replacing the BB won’t fix it - there’s no axial adjustment on GXP. Get a second opinion from an experienced mechanic, but doesn’t look like it’s an easy fix.
Thanks All. Swapping a threaded BB is fairly routine for me and as Superficial said it gets me riding quickest if the BB is the problem (only bike atm). Only thing is I suspect it's a frame or installation issue and if I remove the BB and replace it who's to say they won't blame my workmanship.
The retailer isn't known for their customer service although I believe it has improved a lot in recent times. The odd BB cup must come out of production with an issue so it seems fair to try a new one before sending back at their cost.
Tough call...
I remember a few years back a friend brought me a carbon TT Frame he bought along with other aero bits for use in a Tri and when the HTII style BB was fitted an torqued up correctly the cranks would barely turn by hand.
I re cut/chased the threads out, lots of swarf and faced it, over 1.5mm out!!
Re installed and it span like an ice skater.
Frame was from a mostly online retailer we all know, TBF I have had many of their bikes and frames over the years without any issues but it can happen.
Is it the last bike in stock and one that you really want/too cheap to miss?
Otherwise send it back for a replacement
Bought in a recent sale but plenty more in stock according to the website. Other reviews of the bike were positive but I'm guessing not everyone checks these things before riding. The drivetrain feels rough when spun backwards with the chain attached so I'm also wondering if the rear wheel is out of alignment.
I'd be happy for them to build up a new bike with the components used if they can guarantee no issues. New BB arrived today, gut instinct is to send the lot back.
Ignored my instincts and swapped the BB. Same issue so it'll be going back. Could do without the hassle atm but equally don't want the hassle of knackered BB's for the bikes life.
Should have returned it without attempting to fix it.
You may have invalidated the warranty but I hope you haven't.
They offered to send the BB for him to change so I doubt they can claim voiding the warranty.
