Looking for hard to find Bottom Bracket

Hello All,

I recently bought '64 Raleigh AMF 3-speed. One of the upgrades I have been researching is a modern crankset. But before I do that I would at least like to service the Bottom Bracket. Since the bike is so old, and I don't know when it was last repacked, I need to prepare for the possibility of the BB needing to be replaced. Unfortunately, these old Raleighs have unique threadings and shell diameters, making most BB's out there unusable. According to Sheldon Brown's website, the only two that will work are Phil Wood ($$$$) and the Shimano UN72 (discontinued).

So, dear Chainlink people, I'm wondering if anyone out there knows where I can get this Shimano or even a still usable used Phil Wood BB.

Thanks

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Arrak Thumrs on June 20, 2010 at 8:30am

First question: do you really need a new BB?
For example:
*can you get a new cup/cone spindle and re-use the cups?
*are the races actually damaged? If not, just replace the bearings
*is it a standard JIS or ISO square taper?
*if above, is that why you want to replace it for a "modern crankset"?

Many bottom brackets will work surprisingly well with just new bearings, proper new grease and careful adjustment---even if there is some pitting in the races.

Just my 2¢

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Permalink Reply by johnnysporto on June 20, 2010 at 8:52am

I have no idea if I need a new BB. I'd rather not replace it just yet if I don't have to. I'm just worried about doing permanent damage while trying to service it. And yes, someday I would like to put new cranks on it, which I assume means replacing everything. So, I'm in the market for the cheapest replacement I can find, but I'm not in a hurry.

Honestly, if you, or anyone else reading this, could recommend a mechanic who would be willing to do the work I'd prefer to go that route at this point. So far, the two I've talked to don't really want to deal with it, because it's probably just a giant rat's nest, and they'd rather sell me a new bike. I'll order replacement cotter pins and hand them over with the bike to the right person.

As to your other questions:
- I don't know the answer to the first two as I haven't had it properly serviced, nor pulled apart yet; which causes me concern, because I'm worried it won't go back together again properly, or at all.

- Sheldon Brown's website says a JIS standard BB will work, but the threading and sizing for this bike are Raleigh's own.

-I want to eventually replace the whole thing for weight, appearance, and strength issues. One mechanic told me he thought there aren't any really good cranks to use because of chain guard clearance issues, which is problem for me, because the chain guard is really cool, and I definitely don't want to sacrifice that to new crankset. That alone may make this whole issue moot.

Nevertheless, I would like to have a non-Phil Wood back up, in case an effort at servicing/repacking the BB proves catastrophic.

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Arrak Thumrs on June 20, 2010 at 9:05am

Well. To be completely honest, I am really bored today and wouldn't mind messing with it. I can see why most shops shake it off and don't want to touch it if it is a cotter-pin crank. I've worked with them before and have a proper Bikesmith press for them (http://bikesmithdesign.com/). Most shops haven't ever touched one.

Where are you at? I'm in the western 'burbs and can travel ;)
Email me at the following if you want:
arthur {period} marks {the at sign} yahoo {a period} com

john kinstler said:

I have no idea if I need a new BB. I'd rather not replace it just yet if I don't have to. I'm just worried about doing permanent damage while trying to service it. And yes, someday I would like to put new cranks on it, which I assume means replacing everything. So, I'm in the market for the cheapest replacement I can find, but I'm not in a hurry.

Honestly, if you, or anyone else reading this, could recommend a mechanic who would be willing to do the work I'd prefer to go that route at this point. So far, the two I've talked to don't really want to deal with it, because it's probably just a giant rat's nest, and they'd rather sell me a new bike. I'll order replacement cotter pins and hand them over with the bike to the right person.

As to your other questions:
- I don't know the answer to the first two as I haven't had it properly serviced, nor pulled apart yet; which causes me concern, because I'm worried it won't go back together again properly, or at all.

- Sheldon Brown's website says a JIS standard BB will work, but the threading and sizing for this bike are Raleigh's own.

-I want to eventually replace the whole thing for weight, appearance, and strength issues. One mechanic told me he thought there aren't any really good cranks to use because of chain guard clearance issues, which is problem for me, because the chain guard is really cool, and I definitely don't want to sacrifice that to new crankset. That alone may make this whole issue moot.

Nevertheless, I would like to have a non-Phil Wood back up, in case an effort at servicing/repacking the BB proves catastrophic.

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Arrak Thumrs on June 20, 2010 at 9:22am

Oh yeah, in case you're wondering or worried... I've worked on bikes for about 5 years and am trained by Barnett Bicycle Institute (BRO/SST)

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Permalink Reply by Primitive Don on June 20, 2010 at 3:15pm

I think Arrak is asking the right questions. If the cups can be reused, look for a '5' or '7' series spindle that fits through the cups, get the 11 1/4" bearings per side, and put on whatever JIS crankset fits the bill.

If you are hell bent on a modern bottom bracket, Velo Orange has a threadless bottom bracket ($60 a pop) that reportedly fits in old Raleighs with 71 mm shells.

Before doing so, ride it and make sure all this is necessary.