Just finished a partial strip and rebuild of the bike, hubs, forks, headset, new drivetrain etc on the Covert only to find that the pivot bearings have some play.

I’ve been round and tightened them all but still there, and I can see rust under some of the caps. 18 months old so a good innnings I think. The bearings are on ebay for around £25 so no biggie. The issue is that I’m off for the Mega end of next week so wouldn’t want to bork something, ie a pivot cap or part of the frame because I probably wouldn’t be able to sort out any replacement parts.

So how hard are they to get at? Doable with sockets and a homemade bearing tool with some threaded bar, nuts and washers or more of a mission?

I’m pretty sure the bike’d be fine with the small amount of play but by the end of a week riding in the alps when I get to race it may be a little ropey and creaky!

Would you or wouldn’t you?