Originally Posted by
DrReves
Thanks for the info guys, I am rewrapping the bars and tightening up the brake levers now. Cleaned it as much as I can and lubed the headset. Anyone know if this BB needs lube? I can only assume so. I have a square taper tool so I will get after it this week. Anyone have much info on the Brev designation? Seems as if these things are few and far between.
That is a fantastic bike, and one any vintage bike freak would love to have.
All BBs need lube. If that bike has sat for a decade or so, all the bearings need to have the old grease cleaned out before you ride it a lot, the parts cleaned so you can eat off them, and reassembled with new grease and new balls. At least if none of the races are pitted! Parts with pitted races must be replaced.
Even if they feel smooth, if they've sat for a long time the grease is likely dried and hardened. This means the oil part of it has drained out or evaporated, and the bearings are actually dry. When you ride it in this condition, it's dirty metal on dirty metal rather than clean metal on fresh grease on clean metal. This bike is old enough that it may be difficult to renew the bearing parts, at least with period stuff.
Did you tear down and re-assemble the headset? You really can't lubricate them correctly without this rebuild or overhaul.