Raleigh Sprite BB Upgrade
09-03-17 | 06:19 AM
#1
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Joined: Feb 2016
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From: Rochester, NY
Raleigh Sprite BB Upgrade
A while ago converted a rescued Raleigh Sprite 27 to 700C with Shimano Nexus 8 speed IGH and dynamo front hub. After using it to tow a trailer, a couple problems came up.
The original Nervar 52 tooth chainring was just too big. Needed something smaller. I found a new Stronglight single that would do the job. Only issue was that I needed to convert to modern JIS taper.
Photos show facing BB shell down to 68 mm from 71 mm and re-tapping with Raleigh the 26 TPI threads. The bottom bracket was fitted with Phil Wood 26 TPI Raleigh Super Corsa cups, chain line set, and crankset was installed for last time. Works great now.
There have been some posts here discussing the use of Shimano UN-72 BB with the Phil Wood cups. have not tried, but IMO, they should work.
The original Nervar 52 tooth chainring was just too big. Needed something smaller. I found a new Stronglight single that would do the job. Only issue was that I needed to convert to modern JIS taper.
Photos show facing BB shell down to 68 mm from 71 mm and re-tapping with Raleigh the 26 TPI threads. The bottom bracket was fitted with Phil Wood 26 TPI Raleigh Super Corsa cups, chain line set, and crankset was installed for last time. Works great now.
There have been some posts here discussing the use of Shimano UN-72 BB with the Phil Wood cups. have not tried, but IMO, they should work.
Last edited by jrstewart3; 09-03-17 at 06:30 AM.
09-03-17 | 07:40 AM
#2
Old fart
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,401
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From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Looks nice. 
The Phil cartridge is an extravagant upgrade, but what the heck, you'll never need to buy another bottom bracket for that bike. I wouldn't have bothered facing the shell, either, if I knew I'd be using the Phil cartridge. I probably would have just used the original cups and found a square taper spindle to work.
The Phil cartridge is an extravagant upgrade, but what the heck, you'll never need to buy another bottom bracket for that bike. I wouldn't have bothered facing the shell, either, if I knew I'd be using the Phil cartridge. I probably would have just used the original cups and found a square taper spindle to work.
09-03-17 | 09:35 AM
#5
Full Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 310
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From: Chattanooga, Tn
Bikes: 1977 Raleigh Record, 1987 Schwinn Prelude, 1971 Raleigh Record, 1988 Schwinn Traveler, 1967 (?) Carlton Super Course, 1959 Huffy Sportsman 3 speed, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, yet another 70-something Raleigh Record
Did the Stronglight crankset info provide the necessary spindle length? That seems to be the biggest issue with changing the crankset.
09-03-17 | 09:55 AM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,479
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From: Jacksonville, NC
Bikes: A few
That bike will last forever barring some unfortunate circumstance. Love the yellow colour assault.
I had an early Sprite 27 long time ago. Quite the stately ride. Certainly could have used a few upgrades but just kept it as found but cleaned and lubed.
You are taking care of yours!
I had an early Sprite 27 long time ago. Quite the stately ride. Certainly could have used a few upgrades but just kept it as found but cleaned and lubed.
You are taking care of yours!
09-03-17 | 12:53 PM
#7
Extraordinary Magnitude
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
I had a maroon Raleigh Sprite- I replaced a lot of the heavy steel parts with aluminum. I agree with [MENTION=207730]3speedslow[/MENTION]- a "stately ride." I had trouble with the cottered cranks and a bent steel chainring.
I can only imagine the positive improvement with the internal hub...
Congratulations and enjoy!
I can only imagine the positive improvement with the internal hub...
Congratulations and enjoy!
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*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
09-03-17 | 03:17 PM
#8
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From: Rochester, NY
09-03-17 | 03:34 PM
#9
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From: Rochester, NY
09-03-17 | 04:47 PM
#10
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From: Rochester, NY
Does your Twenty have 76mm BB? Sheldon Brown talks about them on one of his pages:
Last edited by jrstewart3; 09-06-17 at 02:39 PM.
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