Bottom bracket replacement
 

I have a Raleigh Super Grand Prix (1978-80??)that I am trying to do a slight restoration with. I really just want it to be a fun bike to ride around town and do a little commuting with. I might even consider converting it to a single speed or fixed. Just want it to be rideable for now though.

If I want to replace the bottom bracket the easiest and cheapest way possible, what size bottom bracket would I need? I can put a cartridge type BB in also, right?

Any information about the bike would be great also.

Thanks for your help in advance.

The cheapest solution would be to remove the old one yourself. For this you will need a hozan lockring tool to remove the bottom bracket lockring. You can whack it with a screwdriver and hammer...Use a plastic hammer or something light weight.

Remove the old bottom bracket and inspect the spindle for pitting and harsh wear. Does the bottom bracket have lots of play in it?

The cup and cone bottom bracket will give you the perfect crank interface provided it is all stock. Add loose ball bearings and forget the retainer bearings. It will be a tedious process but you will save 20-30$ on a new cartridge bottom bracket.

If you do get a cartridge bracket buy it and have your bike shop install. A nice shop won't mind installing a cartridge bottom bracket for a nominal or little fee...If the shops in your area want to charge over 10$ to swap the bracket just buy the tools.

In the long run bottom bracket/crank puller tools are the best thing to have around.

Be careful regarding spindle replacement, including a cartridge swap, because the end width of the spindle has increased, such that new Campagnolo cartridge spindles now conform to the old Shimano standard.

If you really want a fixed gear, you can do that conversion later, using a single chainring in the inner position. If you want single speed freewheel, don't bother to do anything beyond just picking a gear ratio you like and tightening the gear levers.

Thanks for your replies.
I don't mind spending money to get the appropriate tools. I think I would rather do this myself, as the LBSs around here haven't been my favorite.
I am changing it because 2 bearings came out when I turned the frame upside down (because I heard a rattle) after removing everything but the BB.
What I am really interested in knowing is the size and threading for any new cartridge BB I might order to get this working.

The threading will be English, and the size (which essentially means the length from spindle end to spindle end) you can figure out by measuring the existing spindle. In addition, you'll be looking for a cartridge BB for a 68mm BB shell. Check out how much room you have now between the smallest ring on the crankset and the chainstay; if you have a fair amount, you could even go with a shorter BB spindle.

Neal

I'm looking for similar info. I have a Bare Japanese Ross Grand Prix frame that has no existing BB or crank.
How do I figure out what I need?