thanks, randy! i have a bottom bracket set from neal that i'm going to try out when i bring my frame up from the dungeon tomorrow. now thanks to rhm, i'm not sure if my bike needs a 26 TPI or 24, so i'll verify that and get back to you by tomorrow evening. my frame is badged as a mercian, but it might be a faux mercian and maybe a raleigh. at least i got the frame for a good price...