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Old 09-19-20 | 12:22 AM
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panzerwagon
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From: Texas Hill Country

Bikes: A few. Ok, a lot

Originally Posted by ShannonM
Per catalog, the original crank was a Sugino, BB was not identified by brand. I'd guess it's a Tange, just because most Japanese cartridge BBs are.

If the crank has been replaced, knowing what crank you've got might help to nail it down.

Does it need replaced, or do you just want to know what you've got?

--Shannon
Thanks for your reply. I looked at the catalog page again, and it does indeed refer to an unnamed cartridge BB. This is likely the original, as almost everything else on the bike is intact, including the Sugino AT triple.

As for condition, it doesn't appear worn, but it's not exactly as stiff as I'd like. The old grease seems to have a liquified element to it as well-- and it's definitely not the original grease. This makes me suspect that due to it being original (>36 yrs old), and that the bike is well used (rebuilt wheelset, etc), previous owners might have maintained it with some kind of liquid lubrication which has mixed-in with the grease.

It seems very well built and I'd like to try and continue with it-- honestly never liked the concept of disposable cartridge BBs, although I understand and appreciate why folks use them. Do you see any issues if I pop off the seals, wash it out with some cleaner (spirits?), and then re-pack with bearing grease? I've read elsewhere that some folks do that with Phil Wood BBs to avoid rebuilding, especially when the bearings are still smooth.
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