Originally Posted by
esefzoo
wow, we're building a very similar bike for similar situations..
i'm rebuilding a '76(?) Raleigh Grand Prix that was previously converted to single speed. It has a cottered crank and a 3 bolt ring. Running coaster brakes. AND its for my girl.
My problem started when i was riding it around town, stopped at a light and was standing on the pedals when the ****in chainring just crumples up into a taco...i think this is where the 3 bolt has its limitations. Its just not strong enough.
Every shop i have visited has simply said to change out the whole BB setup, new ring, new cranks, etc....So that's what i'm doing.
Looking for a new crankset, then i'll find the appropriate BB.
good luck man, keep us updated. and nice bike! paint it yourself?
wow crazy! hmmm well ill probably keep my 200+ pound ass off her bike lol, perhaps it will be OK for her since she weighs allot less. of course the second the bottom bracket or crankset gives her problems is the second i shell out the dough to replace them for more traditional (and easier to work on) components.
mind posting pics of the ride you are making for your girl? and let me know what BB works for your raleigh, i think it might be safe to say ours use the same kind (both being late 70s models).....good luck getting those cottered cranks off! those pins are a B!!!TCH to get out. i tried and just ended up mushrooming the pin (at least it wont be coming out while shes riding).....im definitely going to have to drill them out if i want to replace them.
and yup i painted it myself! rattlecan job....got some mean chemical paint stripper, sanded the rest, did about 2 cans worth/ 3 coats of everything, then 2 coats of clear finish. although there are some patchy areas.....i totally made sure to cover the frame everywhere with clearcoat, but i think the brand i got was crap and came out a little uneven....only really noticeable if are really looking closely. probably get another can of clearcoat and finish it off down the line. not too worried about it, techinically this was supposed to be a beater bike lol but its shaping up to be a little nicer than i thought.
anywho keep in touch!