Originally Posted by cudak888
The early '70s Super Courses were odd beasts when it came down to bottom brackets - I've seen some running 26tpi threads, and some 24tpi, and both were equipped with a cottered, steel Stronglight crankset.
Based on past memories, I can, for the most part back up Kurt's statement. I definitely remember Super Course's having different bottom brackets from the Gran Prix and Record - which means that you're talking English standard, rather than Raleigh standard. Just the same, I do have vivid memories of almost screwing up a customer's Super Course because we got ONE bike in the shop that was Raleigh standard, and I attempt to use the usual Super Course bearing cups. And I was such a fervent believer in Nottingham, that I was going to force that cup to work, not willing to believe that they might have fudged that day.
This is a wonderful indication of what the bicycle business was like back in 1970-73. I swear the factories were grabbing any parts they could get hold of, just to put bikes out to slake the needs of those bloody, trendy Americans.
This is one of the reasons I have such a warm memory for Schwinn back in those days. They'd happily not deliver the bikes rather than deviate from the specs. When you're a mechanic, you learn to love this attitude. I think this was the beginning of my anti-French attitude . . . . . . .
Syke
Deranged Few M/C