|  |     
    Doreen, this may be uncomfortably close to the truth.  (Whether
    it's "right" or not is another matter, of course.  :-) )
    
    My feeling is you really ought to get the tools - that's a one-time
    purchase that will be useful for years (if you continue to bike).
    After all, part of biking is the thrill of being involved with grease
    at an close-up, hands-on level.  (I am probably not the best example,
    admittedly; I have the tools, but not the discipline for regular
    maintenance.)  Let's take a closer look, though.
    
    $89.00 - Spindle - Who says you need a new spindle?  You only need
                       one if yours is pitted or something.  I discovered
                       a tiny pit in my C-Record spindle, and indeed it cost
    	               $60 at a bike shop, special order.  But C-Record is
    		       top-of-the-line Campagnolo.  Suppose you needed an
    		       entire Shimano Ultegra bottom-bracket assembly.
    		       Performance catalog price: $10.50.
    
                       However, maybe what's meant are the spanners, etc.,
    		       for removing/installing the bottom bracket. 
    		       Performance will sell you the 3-piece set of
    		       Park BB/Headset/Pedal wrenches for $22.95.
    
    $21.68 - Wrench  - Park Crank Bolt Wrench: $9.75.
    
    $15.64 - Crank   - Park Crank Arm Extractor in Performance catalog: $7.25
    	     Remover   Note that some cranks now are removable with an Allen 
    		       Wrench (cheap).  Campy's are like that.
    
    $30.00 - other   - None needed besides the above.
             tools
    
    By the way, Park Tools are regarded as *unsurpassed* - so their not
    cheapies.  The total of the above would be $39.95 (plus shipping).
    You'd also need the bearings and (lithium) grease, of course - not
    big-ticket items.  And you'd also be able to service your headset!
    
    Does this help?
    
    -john
 | 
|  |     If I recall correctly from last year, your bike is a relatively new Lotus, 
    possibly? Unless it was involved in some accident (or forceful impact),
    rusting from major abuse, you probably just need some overhaul. 
    
    As stated by the previous notes, don't assume this bike shop diagnosis
    was correct. Get a second opinion. Then if any replacement is necessary, 
    try learning the procedure yourself. My wife and I have a good bike 
    maintenance book that we would be glad to loan you.
    
    Russ
 | 
|  |     Thanks for the help.  My bike is a 1986 Univega Nuevo sport.
    
    I called a friend and asked him to try another shop for me.  He got
    everything for $45.  
    
    I was either being sold top of the line tools, being given a bunch
    of BALONEY or both.  I suspected I should have put my boots on at the
    time to wade through it all.  Needless to say, I will not go back there
    again.
    
    Thanks for the help.  I'll be doing this manual at side.  
    
    /Doreen
 |