Real Design Bottom Bracket:How to install ?

[bideru]

Hi,

I have a Bottom Bracket from Real Design with steel spindle. The both cup sides and my frame are made of aluminium.

The problem is I don't know how to install. I think I will damage my frame because it's hardly manageable to get the spindle through the bearings.

If the bracket is still outside the frame you could use a hammer to push the spindle through the bearing of one side.

But what's with the other side ? Regular you have to srew the secound cup into the frame. But because the pressure is so high to get the sindle through the bearing I'm afraid to damage the winding from the frame and the cup.

Does anybody knows this BB and can help me ?

Cheers
Christian

 

[mattbrown]

my real bottom bracket, was easy to install, the loose cup just slid of the steel spindle, a nice snug fit

 

[Err]

Make sure to have the bracket shell faced before installation. Oiling the spindle may help it go into the bearing more easily.

 

[bideru]

According to the fit size:

Could you push the bearings on the spindle by hand like you can with the cups of a normal Shimano bracket ?

Yesterday I put the spindle into the freezer for one hour. After this time I was still unable the push the spindle throught the bearings !

One additional question:

Do you installed 2 or 4 bearings and is it a benefit to have more bearings ?

Cheers
Christian

 

[Err]

Extra bearings should help longevity. I opted for two drive side. But bb was not compatible as the extra width of the cups outside the shell and a short 107mm axle meant cranks wouldn't go on. Also there remained a tight spot in rotation despite facing. Not sure if they would've bedded in if ridden though. Apparently tightening the cups ought to be sufficient to drive the axle through the bearings, but a single lockring spanner didn't give me enough purchase to do it. I believe the bike shop had a tool that fits all the notches so more force can be applied without damaging the notches. Maybe freezing the axle and gently heating the bearings would help too. It seems like a great design IF you can get it installed correctly. I had to opt for a cartridge unit instead.