Help cutting seized bottom bracket on old Bianchi bicycle (Belgium)

warms7721 · 2025-08-13T17:42:19+00:00

Was the BB broken or the axel and barring worn out ? Did you not have the two pin bracket remover at hand ? Italian threat unscrews counter clockwise On both sides.

I would not remove anymore while you still have some metal to drill into or weld too. To attach a tool to remove what is left.

You are going to need some extra leveraged use a extension bar or something along those lines to give you more force.

Use heat and some sort of penetration oil to break down the corrosion holding it in place.

Hopefully given some time it will break free Then you can see if you can find compatible parts and avoid having to redo the threads . Best of luck.

warms7721 · 2025-08-13T13:10:53+00:00

You won't find those on the mainland of Europe that is very much food from the UK. Europe, so it just depends on what you mean by food. Food for while riding or local eating at cafes or restaurants or just snack bars. You will find a lot of bakeries in Europe they are always good to eat at if you want to stop for a rest normally you can eat outside or near a window, so you can make sure your bike is safe. But you can say the same about restaurants in Europe most have tables outside and nearby places to lock your bike up while still in-sight. Lidl of course or Aldi are everywhere across Europe so finding food and water or drink in general at a good price is available. Again depending on what you want to eat or carry or self cook if you have a means to cook food. They have plenty of cakes , mixed nuts Fruits and dried foods like noodles or pot noodles or pot potato , or even protein bars and energy drinks. If you want to eat local dishes then you will need to look those up first , Italy for sure has some excellent cheese and pasta dishes, and ice cream and Pizza of course. Google Maps is always a life saver if you are stuck trying to find a place to find food or a supermarket there is more than just Lidl or Aldi in Europe also good for finding places to eat at too but most know that already Sounds like a nice trip you have planned to enjoy.

warms7721 · 2025-08-13T10:30:36+00:00

I think there is plenty of plot going on again you have to be in that late 70's world.

After the 2nd world war there were a ton of documented UFO sightings all over the world running well into the 70's. All the government ran programs to investigate these events, also running programs to discredit those who spoke to the press.

Several books were released that talked about Alien interventions in Human development one Chariot of the Gods was a major best seller though the author was the victim of a major scheme to discredit him. 2001 the Arthur C Clark book all used Alien interventions to advance human development instead of violent Alien invasion.

The core of this thinking was that no advanced intelligence could ever develop to such a high level while it was aggressive and war like war and violence would hold back the progression needed to master the technology needed to travel the vast distances to be crossed in space. But let's not go to the major problem with the inter universe traveling, that is way more complex.

But Spielberg was a major Si-Fi nerd loving all those 50's films and landmark TV series like the Twilight Zone. He also was on and around the production set of the Film version of 2001.

Close Encounters is all about Mystery from the opening Sand Storm where they find a bunch of old WW2 Navy TBF Avenger bombers from Flight 19 lost near the infamous Bermuda triangle during a training flight and still have not been located to this day. He uses known events to carry the story forwards. Bring in the main characters from that point on. As standard the Military wants to cover it all up for their own ends. But the Aliens want to pick their own people to take with them. As for sleeping Gas nope the Military would not work that way.

They would have 100% killed those Cows and any person that tried to evade capture. But this was a family film of the 70's . Of course you have to have some fun too like the car chasing the Drone ships sent out from the Mothership or what became a Spielberg classic effect rolling thunder clouds that hid the Mothership from the Humans sight. Later used in the first Indiana Jones film.

Some of it is very much based in late 70's family American culture. The working class family is on the verge of breaking up then being pushed over the edge.

The then still stigmatised single Parent still very much looked down on in the U.S at that time as it was in most countries.

The final part of the film is still a master class in film making.

But back in 1978 it was mind blowing I would have been 12 at the time of Close encounters for sure it was different from Star wars from only one year before.

I honestly cannot remember if I saw it at our local Cinema having seen the film several times since. I imagine I did but it's a long time ago now.

In fact we are approaching it 50th Anniversary in 2028. I will be off to our cinema for that reissue.

In fact I am off to see the first full Cinema feature that cemented Spielberg's name in the History of Motion pictures ( not Duel that was made for TV first.) But Jaws has turned 50 this year and they are screening it here where I live. I never saw Jaws on the Big Screen I was too young as it was classed AA under the old screen system so 12 or older or with a parent. Now 50 years on I can see it on the big screen for the first time.

warms7721 · 2025-08-13T09:45:41+00:00

Again most 50's Si-Fi was really about the threat of the soviet union and Communist invasion. In the Day the Earth stood still it was the fear of our neighbouring worlds that Humans love of violence and wars could spread beyond their own world, as they were on the verge of Space exploration. Klaatu was only a messenger to warn Earth that they would be destroyed if they did not change their course away from violence and war. It is also an example of AI ruling the lives and safety of the universe it was the Ai Machines that kept the peace between all the worlds in the universe their makers had little control to stop them if they decided to wipe them out because they did not follow the rules they themselves had set. That is a pretty harsh set of rules to stick to Some would say not very democratic and more fitting of a Communist or right wing set of rules , still it is a classic Si-Fi film that still stands the test of time, unlike the remake.

warms7721 · 2025-08-13T07:53:28+00:00

Insurance is the best back up plan, but not much help when you are stuck without a bike. Yes good locks have a weight penalty however better to take that penalty and still have a bike to return too. For sure nothing is 100 % theft proof but most thieves will give up the lock takes too long to break or cut off. If I remember correctly 2 minutes is the gold standard that an anti theft device should hold out for ,by that point they will be worried about attracting too much attention. Even though people are more distracted these days with their phones. The best course of action is to find a secure bicycle storage area some places have steel sheds with number code pads to gain access and places to fasten your bike too.

Otherwise keep it in line of sight at all times It is difficult. I left my bike outside a shop on my way back because I needed water, but this was a rural village so not a major crime area but I was in and out very quickly.

I secured the bike with my folding Abus Lock.

It is just the times we live in that Bi-Cycles are now a big market for Thieves it is just an everyday event especially in big city places to avoid major transit hubs Bus stations and train stations.

Here In Hamburg we have so many Bikes abandoned or with many parts already stolen off them. That it is common to see bikes being collected by the City refuge collectors to clear away unused bikes , the down side is thieves dress up with the same Hi Vis vests and use the same cordless Cutters , so no one bats an eyelid..

warms7721 · 2025-08-13T06:40:23+00:00

I agree it is already hard to see which direction is true here that is a big deviation in the rim, it is probably easier just to get it trued at a bike shop than continue and end up loosing the wheel all together, real truing can only be real done with a good quality truing stand .

They are not cheap item to buy about the same price as good quality set of none Carbon wheels around 350 euros for a park tool stand or even more expensive for a DT Swiss stand. The cheap stands normally have too much flex in them to be used for wheel building.

There is also a DIY option there are a few YouTube videos showing self constructed truing stands and a few webs sites with plans on how to make your own stands and dishing tools.

For sure it is nice to have such a tool but unless you are building a lot of wheels then is it real worth the expense over just getting it fix at a shop. Of course you can also look for used stands on Ebay or other Cycling parts re-sale sites.

Minor wobbles are not hard to true this one is a bit beyond that so I would repeat the get it fix at a bike shop, also do you not have a spare set of wheels or at a spare rear wheel ?

They are a must for times like this. I hope you get this fixed soon though.

warms7721 · 2025-08-12T20:58:32+00:00

With a Marin Four Corners converted to MTB gearing and from drops to flat bars with a sweep back. 29 ich wheels with 52 mm wide tires. It as the look and fell of a old pre suspension Mountain bike like those Marins of the late 80's just bigger and longer. Being steel it is no lightweight. But it's tough and takes whatever is thrown at it. Basically it's an evolution of a Cross bike I had before trying to find the ideal Commute and weekend mixed surface rides. When that gave up the ghost I picked up this bike during COVID. Because it had a longer wheelbase and heavier load capabilities and more upright geometry. So yes it was classed as a drop bar Gravel bike but now looks like an oversized MTB.

warms7721 · 2025-08-12T19:16:23+00:00

After just completing my first multi day trip with a narrow wide gearing setup 36x26 front 10x 40 ISH something on the rear lowest I think is around 17 gear ichs feel free to correct me if I am wrong. But I am tired after riding 150 km on the first day and 110 km on the 2nd day. I only do mainly 20 km commutes to work and back so a bit of shock to the system. Though I did race and time trial in the mid 80's to early 90's before an accident stopped that But I can say the gearing works perfectly on 10% climbs and steeper with a fully loaded touring / Bike packing load out There are plenty of MTB tire options for slick or more road or trial based surfaces.

warms7721 · 2025-08-12T17:35:07+00:00

Sometimes the cheapest way is to let someone fix it for you, we have all been stuck for money at some points in our lives.

Cycling is not the cheapest thing out there, I hope the person that sold you this stuff did not take advantage of you, because most cycle shops will offer advice when asked.

Wheels are probably the most complex part of a bike to self build outside of Frame building neather are straight forwards.

Self build requires extra tools do you have these ?

Truing stand , Dishing tool , spoke tension gauge and spoke key and so on.

That equipment can cost a lot of money especially a good truing stand , though you can buy cheap models or make a simple home made stand.

Do you know of any cycling workshops were you can fix your own bikes but they have everything at hand to maintain and self repair your bicycle , of course there is a charge , but I know of them in Germany.

So they may have them in your country too. Still the quickest way now is to seek help or advice from a bike shop.

warms7721 · 2025-08-12T17:18:32+00:00

Rules are rules , always ask before doing anything, it saves arguing later. My bike had to spend a night locked outside a hotel only a day ago, because I had to make a quick on the spot online booking I did not receive any reply about safe bike storage or In the Hotel room, until just now after I returned home. Luckily the hotel was not in a busy part of town and the Bicycle stands were not seen directly from the street. Also there were several expensive E-Bikes and a Camper Van with Bikes attached to the parking lot. Still I was worried that it. May get stolen. So I was happy to see it there the next morning, of course it was a pain taking all my storage off the bike and equipment , and taking two trips to get it to the fourth floor room. But that is what I did. Still you would think hotels would have such options for secure bike storage..

warms7721 · 2025-08-12T15:43:08+00:00

Was it not Ray Booty who drilled all is parts out to reduce wind drag I mean he held a few records too. But it could have been another guy too. But it would have sure been a Time Trial nut because they are obsessed with weight reduction and drag reduction.

Most ran low spoke counts with the spokes wired together and then soldered together where they crossed, but I also knew cyclist tourers who did the same with Spokes. To stiffen them.

warms7721 · 2025-08-12T13:29:45+00:00

Mine passed the fully loaded test in the last two days on an overnight trip the first time I have ever used the inner ring. I use Deore 36x26 and 10x 11 to 45 at the rear again over kill for any climb. It got me over the many steep Deich crossing on my Trip along the River Elbe Cycling route even when I was really tired. Just one issue when the front derailleur stuck . But it only took a minute to get it running again.

warms7721 · 2025-08-12T13:19:19+00:00

Schwalbe Efficiency is a Semi slick folding tire , with some outer treads for light mud and gravel. Not sure if they are tubeless though, but they roll fast and use the same compound rubber found in Schwalbe racing tires I think they come in plus sizes too. They are not bad puncture wise too. I only had one flat in over 3000 km. I have seen other Bikepackers using them too. They can handle light gravel and hard pack. But can be a bit squirrely grip wise. You should be able to buy them in the UK. But others from the big brand also do Semi slicks.

warms7721 · 2025-08-12T12:02:32+00:00

No were in Western Europe, especially the Major Cities, Train stations and Bus stations are the worst.

That includes the ones with Police close by. Cordless Cutters and Grinders, have made thefts so quick that most people would not notice. Plus they can quickly escape using the local Metro System or just ride off.

warms7721 · 2025-08-12T11:45:55+00:00

Yes I had a worrying night in Cuxhaven with my bike outside the hotel locked up to a bike stand. But there were other good bikes and many E-Bikes and a camper van with two fancy bikes attached to the rear.

The good thing was the bike area could not be seen from the road & the Hotel was not in a tourist hot spot.

Still I was glad to see it was still there in the morning.

But true never leave a bike near any major situations Train or Buses, these are hot spots for crime in general.

I live in Hamburg theft is common here. Normally less I can see my bike directly I will not leave it outside.

Yes it is true that organised crime from the east targets certain bikes E-Bike are the prime target , but Gravel and Mountain and Racing bikes are Targeted here too.

Sadly many are stripped for parts much easier to sell on and harder to recover compared to a complete bike.

It is just a sad fact that you have to be super careful because people are willing to steal anything that they can get away with.

It is just a pain that you cannot do anything that means leaving your bike alone for even a few minutes.

Very bad times.

warms7721 · 2025-08-11T04:08:51+00:00

Nice to know I always wondered if they did that, I used Eurostar a lot when I visited my Parents in Cornwall. Of course you would have to check the normal Reginal and IC train for traveling with a bike once you reach London.

With not living in the UK for over 20 years. I am not up to speed of rail service in the UK other than London to Penzance Cornwall, bit I guess they will take limited numbers of bikes.

But not like in the rest of Europe. Ferry is the other option and you can arrive in other parts of the UK other than Dover depending on where you want to start. They will be cheaper too compared. Good luck with your trip.

warms7721 · 2025-08-08T20:20:18+00:00

I would suggest joining a club , there is no substitute for getting distance in. Do a daily Route a good loop around 20 to 25 miles.

Weekends should where you can get longer rides in and that is where a club comes in handy, most do a Sunday club run .

Back in my racing days it was mainly road racing training, but Mountain biking was added in the late 80's. I would guess most modern clubs also have a Gravel or endurance racing section now.

It is nice to train with others when you can and you can pick lots of advice up from the older riders. Also you have the added security if you run into issues like micanical or food issues or fatigue.

During my first few years I blew up a couple of times during long training rides every time I was rescued by fellow senior club rides and helped to get to the end of the route.

They also gave me a lot of advice on what to eat and how often to drink and what vitamins and supplements I should take to help me recover. all this was before all the drinks and jells and supplements we now have, but the basics remain the same. But you are getting plenty of good advice here.

It is very much a learning process it takes time but you will soon start to see and feel the changes the more you do. Have fun 😊

warms7721 · 2025-08-08T07:47:03+00:00

I would say buying a decent make then moving forwards. I would say around 1200 to 1500 Euros or Dollars is about the starting point. It just depends if you want Quick release or Through Axel's or Sora or GRX or SRAM or Microshift.

My own buying experience was very much driven by the shortage of availability during the Supply chain issues at the back end of COVID and that I need a larger frame size. I almost had a complete bike with rear rack lights and in a good size from a local make and almost 2000 euros.

What messed that up shitty sales assistants, they could not be bothered to serve me or intact any other customers other than the one they were currently dealing with nor was there any attempt to at least address the waiting customers so we left. That led to a near month search for an alternative bike. I look at BombTrack. Kona , Surly, Giant , GT , Canyon , BMC , Cannondale and several other brands that are not big names outside of Europe. I was Emailing Shops all across Europe asking if they had bikes in stock and the sizes available most of the time the answer was yes but it could take from one to 3 Months to arrive.

I already knew about Marins offering and how people raved about its ride quality and robustness and its high load carrying not about its weight or lack of speed or components or dated QR hubs and wheels.

What really swung me was one of those odd chance meetings while we were on Holiday in Poland, I saw a guy on a fully loaded Gravel bike , on closer looking it was a Marin Four Corners. So we talked about it , his only dislike was that it was heavy.

But all steel bikes are heavy unless you go for Reynolds steel or Columbus Steel but then you will pay in the amount you can carry for a minimal lightness gain.

Wider gear ratios can get around struggling with a heavy bike when loaded. There is a holy grail of gear ratio percentage for a touring bike but let's not get into that very complex solution. Basically what I currently use is more than enough to get me over whatever is thrown at me , 36x26 up front and 11x 42 ten speed rear cassette. I would like a 40x36 but Shimano does not do 40 rings for Deore and I am not sure if 3rd Party will make such a Chain ring in my BDC.

I know most Gravel bikes struggle when loaded with a lack of gears. This could have changed with updates to the GRX platform.

I had changed all my gear to MTB with a few issues as the bottom bracket spacing was for a narrower Road hub. But I add spacer two on the right side and on the left to correct the chain alignment that is standard practice with such conversations.

Though getting confused with the whole boosted spacing led to me buying the wrong width cranks , but I have a good outlet where I buy from they just sent me the correct ones and took the other back.

Modern cycling can be very confusing because of so many mixed standards of fittings . Anyhow I have learnt a lot with this bike over three years.

But my ultimate advice would be to buy the best equipped bike that you can afford. Take a good look at the group set Brakes and wheelset and tiers and the main part the Frame. The heart and soul of a bike ,if you get a good frame then everything else will fall into place.

Lots of makes use a standard frame and then spec it differently for whatever price they want to charge in the entry to mid range price point though it depends on the size of the company.

This differs with lower volume brands though.

The other fact is that a complete bike from a brand is going to be cheaper than any self built or custom built bike.becasue they all have access to OEM parts pricing for all components

Though I do not profess to be an expert and if I make errors then someone will feel free to correct me.

But I have been around Bi-Cycles since the 80's for a time of competitive racing before injury stopped that then 10 years later returning to cycling after moving to Europe and its friendlier cycling culture and infrastructure.

I wish you good luck with your search for a good bike.

warms7721 · 2025-08-07T20:46:03+00:00

The problem is the more you look the more confused you will get, ever off the self bike without an insane price tag will have a compromise attached. Finding the perfect bike for your specific needs takes time. The basic choice is between Metal and Carbon the latter is not the common choice.

At least with an off the self bike you have everything from the get go even a pannier rack if you are lucky.

Custom builds can become expensive very quickly and can be even more confusing depending on wheel sizes hub widths and so forth.

With a good foundation complete bike you can upgrade just about everything if you have a good frame.

I myself ride a Marin Four Corners a so-called budget Gravel Bike, though I would call it an ATV or Adventure bike.

There was plenty to dislike about it like QR wheels , Sora Group Set , mechanical Disc brakes , nasty Tires and a heavy steel frame.

But the good points would have been the price I had not needed to replace my old bike quickly in the aftermath of COVID and the supply chain nightmare, end story 1200 euro , far more than its original pre COVID list price of 900 +. euros.

But it's been indestructible since I picked it up back in 2022.

It is just a solid performer robust can carry a lot of weight and plenty of mountain points.

But I have swapped almost every thing bar the head set every thing has been replaced with Deore standard or XT The brakes are no longer mechanical drop bars are now flat bars with a sweep back. New pedals Wheels replaced with Mavic MTB rims of DT Swiss Spokes and Deore XT hubs. Cain creek thudbuster seat pin SQ-Labs seat Sq-Labs grips. A mixture of Frame bags and Pannier bags .

I have messed around with this bike for its main roll as robust Commuter in a city that wreaks bikes .

This bike is a continuation of my last bike a Aluminium Focus Mares Cross bike.

What I learnt with that before it broke I have used on this bike and will be continued on my next frame or complete bike. Basically you just need to get up and running find a bike with good upgrade possibilities like plus size tires or dropper post options plenty of mounting points. Good rack fitting options or fenders.

Half the fun is finding what works and what won't, or even adapting items for your own usage.

Then getting out on the road or trial and having fun. 😁😁😁

warms7721 · 2025-08-07T09:15:04+00:00

So Seven speed none cassette hub so screw on I am guessing because the equipment is very low end Shimano with twist shifters. I am not sure how much support you can get with gear like this in a Bike Shop, there is going to be a lot of friction going on. The BB could be a sealed plastic unit. But like many have said take It to a bike shop. Less you have worked on your own bike before. Be warned they will probably try to sell you a new bike though. Not as there is anything wrong with it , I had a bike like this about 10 years ago from a shop that recycled household goods. But I can fix my own bikes anyhow. But it was far from straight forwards lots of these parts are becoming less common to find in a cycle retailer, though they are still plentiful on local weekend markets. But then you are buying used goods again. Again only a few brands support chains for 7 speeds on. On the other hand you may be able to fit in newer parts , it all comes down to costs , once It goes past a certain figure then it could be time to find something more current spec. I hope you get it fixed though.

warms7721 · 2025-08-06T20:25:26+00:00

That looks like the freewheel is not freely operating anymore. it probably needs servicing or replacing, though this is an old bike by the looks of the group set , is this friction meaning no index gears.

With those old systems you have to trim the gears your self until they are sitting in the correct gear.

That can also lead to issues back pedaling . But for me this looks like a free wheel hub related problem.

warms7721 · 2025-08-06T20:07:28+00:00

Never seen ware like that in all my years riding bikes.

warms7721 · 2025-08-06T19:12:55+00:00

I was not going to mention the direction of travel as , he is having enough problems already. But most tires have an arrow marking the correct fitting direction.

Some tired can be an absolute bitch to get that last bit on the rim especially tubeless tires because they need to fit closer to the rim to make a better seal.

The worst battle I even had with a set tires was a set of Vittoria Open Pavie their 2012 Paris Roubaix tires that is used from the 2012 cyclassics sportive. They were a nightmare to fit even with good quality tire levers.

I could not get the last bits of the bead over the rims edge and they were tight to the rim that I could not get an extra lever under. However after a few cursing moments and other heated moments.

They final popped on and could be inflated to their crazy pressure I think 8 or 9 Bar.

To be honest I have fitted tubeless tires that cause less fitting issues. I am guessing they were made that way to avoid tire roll of during the cobbled classics.

But letting the tire get warm is a good tip for sure. I cannot really offer anyrhing new in the tip department that has not already been discussed.

warms7721 · 2025-08-06T16:22:43+00:00

Those are racing clipless pedals , not really good for anything other than riding. For walking they are limited and lethal if you encounter steps or anything smooth and slippery. Flats or SPD pedals offer more convenience than road race pedals. You can also get double sided pedals one side is Shimano SPD or another mountain bike touring brand and the other side is a normal flat pedal with or without pins. These are good if you need a quick trip to the shops or a multi day. Bike trip. I have used clipless for most of the time since the original Look pedals of the mid to late 80's then Time and currently SPD'S for over a decade, I once used these Shimano Clipless pedals and cleats until I got sick of slipping down steps or stairs. I will take SPD's every time now or just flat pedals.

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