GIANT Attraction / Headset, Crank & Wheels

Hello and Welcome,
Today I was able to spend a little time working on the GIANT Attraction. I thought the head-set bearings were clean enough for re-greasing after wiping them off with a clean paper towel. That is until I saw this pic blown-up. So today I cleaned the upper and lower bearings with Clean-Streak before re-packing the bearings with grease.

Below: The upper head-set bearing cartridge re-packed and in place. I smeared a little grease in the cup before putting the bearings in place. I have noticed a mix of clean and dirty grease while working on the bike, more so in the bottom bracket. I think it may have been serviced, but the old grease was not removed. I guess a quick smear of fresh grease is a lot better than nothing.

Below: I like to grease the lower bearing cup heavily so that it holds the re-packed bearing cartridge in place. I can always wipe-off the excess after the Steerer tube is inserted and the top race (also pre greased) is screwed down into place.

Below: The head-set is now ready for the stem. When I tighten the top threaded race down into place, I tighten it till I can just feel the bearings grind. Then I back it off just a hair. You should feel no play or grind when the head-set is finished. I like to re-check the head-set after riding the bike a few times. Sometimes they loosen-up a little after the bearings get seated.

Below: Now it is time to service the bottom bracket. I start by removing the lock-ring. You might expect this lock-ring to be reverse thread, but it`s not.

Below: Now I remove the left side threaded cup. If you are going to buy an adjustable wrench, buy a good one. The cheaper ones sometimes have too much play in the mechanism and this can cause damage. I always re-snug the wrench after placing it on the nut.

Below: This is the inside of the left-side threaded cup with the cartridge bearings in place. You can see the mix of clean and dirty grease. This one is actually pretty good. With some of the brackets I have opened up the grease has all but disappeared.

Below: Here I am removing the bracket. The drive-side bearing cup will not be removed. I will remove the drive side bearings from the left side.

Below: Here I have removed the drive side bearing cartridge for cleaning. I can easily clean the drive side cup and the inner bracket-shell from this side (left) of the bracket shell.

Below: Here is a shot of the inside of the bracket-shell before cleaning. I took this pic before I removed the drive side bearings.

Below: Here is a shot of the inner bracket-shell after cleaning. Had it been dry I would have had to spray the inside with Clean-Streak. In this case I just jammed a couple of paper towels inside the shell "wadded up" a little. Then grabbed the wadded towels with my needle nose pliers and twisted. I repeated this three times to get the bracket shell this clean.

Below: Here I have wiped the grease off all the parts. Tomorrow I will spray them with Clean-Streak before re-greasing.

Below: Today I decided to take the front cantilever brake apart for cleaning. There was some rust and dirt I wanted to get rid of. As usual I took one side apart and serviced it, using the other side as a reference. This method has always served me well.

Below: Here is a shot of the same side after cleaning and re-assembly. For now I have re-used the brake shoes. I will order replacements when I order the tires

Below: Here is a shot of both sides all cleaned-up.On the plastic and rubber I used Clorox Cleaning Wipes. On the metal I used a brass wheel-brush (fine). And the Allen Heads were cleaned-out (rust) with Turtle-Wax Chrome Polish & Rust Remover on Q-Tips. And the Straddle-Cable was cleaned with Mother`s Mag and Aluminum Polish.

Below: I have also cleaned-up the rims, spokes and hubs. I used the brass brushes on the rims and hubs. On the Spokes I used Clorox (non bleach) Cleaning Wipes. I have also trued the wheels. I have yet to re-pack the hubs though.

Below: A nice shot of the front wheel all cleaned-up. (except bearings)

I have a few decisions to make regarding tires rack and saddle. I think I will set-up this bike very much like the Hurricane. Although I will not be using panniers on it. I want to go with some Black-Wall High-Volume Smooth Rollers (tires). I think that would look real cool and provide a super smooth ride. I might go with some ergo grips as well. I`m considering using the same Avenir rack I used on the Hurricane, if the price is right.

Below: I found this very special Schwinn Varsity today. I will be doing a before post about this unique time capsule soon. I think you will agree this Varsity must have meant a lot to someone "back in the day"

Until Next Time Please RIDE SAFE and Remember to Always RESCUE, RESTORE & RECYCLE
Cheers,Hugh