[bagtagley]

I've got a Truvativ Gigapipe something-or-other. I noticed some vibration which I thought was a loose swing arm. Further investigation identified the true culprit, the bottom bracket. If I jiggle the crank arm, the spindle moves noticeably.

I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but is it possible that something is just loose? Or, am I in for a new BB? Also, how long can I ride on something like this? I mean, if the BB is already toast, I'm not going to damage it anymore.

 

[Matt D]

Unless the cups are loose in the frame, then the BB is simply worn out which means you need a new one. I think there actually is some kind of tool to adjust those BB's, but I don't think it's readily available (when you take it out look on it for small holes that you could grab onto).

You're not going to hurt anything by riding it more.

 

[binary visions]

If only the spindle moves (not the cups), and it moves without a lot of pressure, then your BB bearings are toast and it's time for a new one.

If the cups move, as Matt said, it might just be loose.

But yeah, ride on if you want. Just be prepared, if the bearings come completely apart, to have to walk home since your spindle will be just rattling around in the BB.