Heads up about the bike co-op on Elm Street - saw something sketchy with their bottom bracket press

I stopped by the community bike co-op on Elm Street last weekend to drop off some old parts, and I noticed they're using a cheap threaded press on carbon frames. A guy there told me he's already seen two frames crack from the uneven pressure. They're doing good work but that tool is gonna cost someone a frame swap soon. Has anyone else seen this at other co-ops or shops?

2 comments

2 Comments

miller.paul2d ago

Respectfully disagree. A cheap threaded press is actually fine if you take your time and torque it evenly, user error is more likely the problem than the tool itself. I've pressed hundreds of carbon frames with a budget press and never had a crack, it comes down to patience and checking alignment every few turns.

evan512d ago

Oh man, I used to think any press would do the job but this definitely changes my mind. I can totally see how uneven pressure from a cheap tool would mess up carbon frames though. Good heads up, I'll keep an eye out wherever I take my bike.