peripatetic

Anyone done one?

I have a very old and quite rusty frame that I'm thinking of converting over from cottered cranks. Thing is, I know from reading sheldon brown's site that there are some compatibility issues. I'm just wondering if anyone out there has actually done this, and if so, what did you use and how difficult was it to install, as far as a BB goes? Or is it just time to say goodnight to this neglected, abused frame? Or alternatively, can one just upgrade cottered cranks? I have got the impression the answer is No, but maybe someone out there knows otherwise...

caotropheus

You can convert the old Raleigh BB. You need to remove cranks and actual BB, go to your LBS and buy a BB exactly the same size as the old one. Most probably you will need bearings for your new BB, so take also with you the shells to check you may place everything together. I did this and it worked.

Good luck

Noah Scape

I've converted a few cottered to non-cottered... just finished a Super Course a couple of weeks ago.

Just re-use the cups and replace the cottered spindle with a cotterless spindle. Make sure the cotterless spindle matches the length you need for the new crankset. Also, I think you’ll need to use the type of spindle that attaches crank arms with nuts… not bolts. Do you have access to used spindles?... these are getting harder and harder to find.

pgoat

yep, go with the spindle axles that take a nut onto their threaded ends; follow Sheldon Brown's advice re: the letter codes on the axles. I've done this lots with old junky ten speed or mtb axles, kept the cups and bearings from the original 3 spd bottom bracket. Just watch that the chainline is okay (axle width, overall and esp. on drive side).

Save the original crank in case you decide to restore or sell the bike. I updated a Raleigh but wound up restoring it to original when I gave it to my wife (She prefers the charm, no mater how slow and heavy!)

peripatetic

um, er, well, I don't think if these original cranks should be saved--kind of messed up the cotters removing them. And plus, this thing is not going anywhere back to restoration--got it free from a guy who had it chained in front of his apt. as wheels. The thing had already been converted to an MTB ss bike, but the wheels are completely corroded, and I think that the innertubes actually disintegrated(!).

so anyone out there know a good source for used/replacement spindles, outside of the LBS?

thanks for the info guys,

max

Noah Scape

Do you have a bike co-op or bike library in your neighborhood?... or maybe a bike-crazy guy?

pgoat

ok, I meant if the bike is in really nice shape - some of those old brit three speeds had pretty groovy chainwheels. Plus if you are a parts miser like me, you'd pull off the nice crank to use on another bike if you sold the three speed.

You could always put a WTB note up here at BF or on your local CL - also book mark a search on ebay.

I have one such axle left but I am hoarding it in case my wife changes her mind about her Raleigh in future. But you should be able to find a junky old bike at some point - keep your eyes open for the trash, I'd say....