At this time of year when we change our wardrobes, I took out my autumn and winter clothes only to find they had been eaten by moths.
It’s a common story.
I can only regret not having put in any mothballs.
This is a story that actually applies not just to clothes, but to bicycles as well.
In the case of a bicycle, what is lacking is not mothballs, but grease.
When the grease in rotating parts that use bearings, such as the headset, hubs, or bottom bracket, runs dry, the parts can suffer from "pitting" (moth-eaten damage).
This photo shows a bearing race from a hub that has been in use for some time.
The silver-colored area with lines is the track where the bearings were in contact.
You can see that this side has been making smooth contact.
This one is perfectly fine.
On the other hand, here is
The silver area here has become pitted and rough.
This is the pitting damage.
The main causes are running out of grease or over-tightening the screws, but once it reaches this state, even if you clean it and apply fresh grease, you can no longer expect smooth rotation; a gritty feeling will remain.
To fix it, you have to replace both this part and the ball bearings themselves.
Regret comes too late.
I just wish I had applied the grease.
Running out of lubricant in rotating parts is strictly forbidden for metal components.
Be sure to pay attention to the state of lubrication in hidden parts like these bearings.
Here are our recommendations for grease for rotating parts.
SIMWORKS / Sim Grease
Chris King bottom brackets boast peerless rotational performance and durability, but maintenance is essential to maintain high performance over long periods. This Sim Grease allows you to easily use the same grease that Chris King uses during manufacturing right at home!
PHIL WOOD / Waterproof Grease
Phil Wood is well-known for their durable hubs. Their original grease, which is used in their own bearings, has excellent water resistance and does not easily wash out even during long-term use. Its formula is like a golden recipe that has remained unchanged since the company was founded.
