where to buy parts like ball bearings for bikes ??

[subaqua]

nowhere seems to sell odd ball parts for bikes !!!

I am currently refurbishing an old bike for my youngest. it used to be his sisters but the frame is a unisex so have de stickered itand will be painting it a nice colour for him of his choice. however as it has been outside in the elements for a while all the bearings are rather cruddy. I have no idea where to buy ball bearings anymore as the LBS I used to use as a kid for that sort of thing has long since closed ( it was on Wrexham Street in Mold) , I also have no idea of ball bearing sizes either !!!

I have been lucky in sourcing some clarks brakes with reach adjustment (levers and v calipers were seized solid) but looking at the usual suspects i am struggling with a cheapo rear derailleur cheaper than a tourney !!, if the current one cannot be restored.

its a labour of love as i know things will cost more than if i bought him a new bike, but he is happy helping me strip things down and clean regrease etc. is learning about mechanical and engineering principles and that sort of thing you can't buy .

so a question for those that might know. where do I buy the oddball parts these days. Oh and i don't do fleabay anymore as paypal sucks more than a sucky thing from suckington

 

[Enw.nigel]

Try Ebay. Search 'loose ball bearings' and plenty of hits for ball bearings for bikes. However, it would be helpful to know the size.
Also, In the past, I have used Halfords and taken the old ball bearings along to check the size. Not sure if they sell them any more.

 

[guitarpete247]

There are quite a few dealers on ebay like this one that sell loose balls. I've not bought from this dealer but they seem to have a good feedback and lots of sales of various items.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Oh and i don't do fleabay anymore as paypal sucks more than a sucky thing from suckington

Lots of wee balls here, you still do google I hope

 

[slowmotion]

I have bought loads of bearings for work from these people. They do bike bearings too. Buy in bulk with friends to save on shipping. They are really good.

http://www.vxb.com/ballbearings.html

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

My local LBS (local-ish) still sells them...

 

[Steve Saunders]

always found sjscycles.co.uk to have parts such as ball bearings etc.

 

[subaqua]

ta for answers . have ordered some now. we use bearings in work so a few that fall into my rucksack will sort me.

 

[MontyVeda]

it's been a while since i've bought new bearings... but regarding sizes, i seem to remember they were all standard for either wheel, headset or bottom bracket. Headset being the smallest and BB being the largest.


it's been a while though.

 

[subaqua]

it's been a while since i've bought new bearings... but regarding sizes, i seem to remember they were all standard for either wheel, headset or bottom bracket. Headset being the smallest and BB being the largest.


it's been a while though.

1/4 " for rear hub and Bottom Bracket
and smaller for front hub.
headset was smaller as well

i googled that info from sheldon .

 

[MontyVeda]

I'm pretty certain my front and rear hubs use the same size bearings... I do clean and re-grease them once a year or so.

 

[subaqua]

I'm pretty certain my front and rear hubs use the same size bearings... I do clean and re-grease them once a year or so.

this is a kids bike so anything is poossible. whatever happens i bought all the common sizes listed by sheldon and have a micrometer and vernier gauge for measuring