Royce bottom bracket users.....

[Giel]

How have the bearings lasted?

They do two types: all weather and lighter running ones of which I forgot the name (sunny bearings? ) All weather seems to be the standard recommendation for MTBs and I have yet to replace any

 

[gingernuts/badger]

***hijack ***

what's that tool please?
where's it from?
ta!

 

[REKIBorter]

***hijack ***

what's that tool please?
where's it from?
ta!

See here > http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... 5&start=30

 

[gingernuts/badger]

ah, got ya. thanks.

it was actually the specific hope/royce tool
i only ever see them on ebay (rarely) and wondered if anywhere sold them.

i've got one of each that need fitting you see, then i could join the creaky debate

edit ***
i shouldn't be so lazy! google is clever innit.
http://www.genisysconsulting.co.uk/royce-uk/tools.htm

 

[Woodsman]

What about the SKF square taper, anyone used them as an alternative. When I was in Roberts last year they weren't overly keen on the Royce although they said they were 'light', and were using SKF units at about 80 quid. I don't think there is a UK supplier though?

If I didn't need the special tools, anti-shake compound, special grease... it would make the Royce a more straightforward choice.

 

[Woodsman]

Well I went for one, no grease what so ever is recommended but Cliff does recommend - insist really (!) that you use his anti-shake compound on the threads. The set up instructions do appear daunting at first as three types of cup set up are covered. The chainline is adjustable which I didn't realise and also requires some time. The most importantant thing is a torque wrench, secondly the anti-shake. I bought the tool and still managed to scuff up the cups which was pure numpty-ism on my part - still I can just get new cups if it bothers me, but I'm sure I won't remember after it gets used and dirtied up!

I wouldn't want to be using a pin spanner on it, don't know how you can get any measure of torque that way? (The inside step of the cups push up onto the outer shoulder of the bearing)

It'll be a while before I test it but sure does feel nice just turning it by hand.

 

[Woodsman]

Despite my best efforts at buying British, this has backfired on me somewhat with this and those that know the hassle I had at Roberts!

The Royce started to develop an annoying creak to the non-drive side only. After following the instructions to a 't' and carrying a torque wrench around with me on rides, I have now 'run out of taper' on the BB axle. The new Middleburn cranks as recommended by Cliff and the Royce taper have not managed to bed in together.

Latest advice is to use Loctite Bearing Fit on the tapers! Wish I'd gone for the modern CK outboard BB type now and Middleburn X type cranks - damn sight cheaper too!

The problem is, the Royce taper runs to a stop. Whereas a Shimano taper continues to the axle full diameter, meaning that you can pull the crank much further onto the axle with a Shimano.

 

[breezerfatty]

Here's a tale to make you sick. Saw a Royce BB on ebay with Italian threads got it for £30 new in its box. when it turned up it wasn't Italian. Fitted the Breezer perfectly. Since starting mountain biking back in the 90s I've always wanted one and not a wisper of a creak. Sick

 

[Woodsman]

Wow, this thread must have taken some searching - almost 3 years ago!

Well, I hope your BB remains creak free, mine was good for a couple of months before it started creaking. It took a year of re-torquing ending in Loctite stud and bearing sealant to the tapers (suggested by Royce). This stopped the creaking, I had two summers further out of it before I wore it out. I now have another under warranty which I have Loctited from new. I'll report back during the summer….