Great article, Cam!
Coincidentally, I recently attempted to replace the frame and pivot bearings on my 2017 Transition patrol carbon, purchased in 2018. I realize that Transition advises to check and replace the bearings as needed every 6 months but I had left it until now because I felt like it was still riding great and I hadn't actually disassembled the frame to check the rotation of the individual bearings.
So... having determined that the bearings actually did need replacing I got a set of puller / installers from Rapid Racer Products and attempted to drive out a bearing but was unable to move it. At this point I threw in the towel and took the frame to North Shore Bike Shop who got the job done in less than 24 hours. It also turned out that the main axle had seized to one of the bearings but they had been able to free it up.
I will now check the bearings and axles every 6 months and hopefully be able to swap the bearings myself the next time they need it.
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It would be great to add a bearing removal and replacement segment to your bike reviews, to show the pros and cons of each suspension layout. It will be a consideration I take into account for my next bike purchase.
An article on how to check bearings would also be helpful!
March 11, 2020, 12:19 p.m. - Jonas Dodd
Great article, Cam! Coincidentally, I recently attempted to replace the frame and pivot bearings on my 2017 Transition patrol carbon, purchased in 2018. I realize that Transition advises to check and replace the bearings as needed every 6 months but I had left it until now because I felt like it was still riding great and I hadn't actually disassembled the frame to check the rotation of the individual bearings. So... having determined that the bearings actually did need replacing I got a set of puller / installers from Rapid Racer Products and attempted to drive out a bearing but was unable to move it. At this point I threw in the towel and took the frame to North Shore Bike Shop who got the job done in less than 24 hours. It also turned out that the main axle had seized to one of the bearings but they had been able to free it up. I will now check the bearings and axles every 6 months and hopefully be able to swap the bearings myself the next time they need it. \- \- \- \- It would be great to add a bearing removal and replacement segment to your bike reviews, to show the pros and cons of each suspension layout. It will be a consideration I take into account for my next bike purchase. An article on how to check bearings would also be helpful!