I have an old Malvern Star (formerly 12 speed) singlespeed road bike - circa early 80s.

The cup and cone bottom bracket is a bit crappy now, it feels rough and noisy very soon after a service.

I'd like to put in something new!

Some of the cheap replacement ones seem a bit heavy - heavier than the original even. I'd like something that's gonna feel smooth, be not too heavy, and low maintenance. Im not sure - maybe I can put in something sealed instead of an old cup and cone set up?

Looking at mid range budget, not super dooper fancy. Any suggestions?

I paid 25 for a brand new Shimano square tapered sealed bearing bottom bracket for my wife's Bottecchia Mixte at my LBS. I don't know if Shimano even does loose bearing bottom brackets anymore. It's probably nothing crazy so most likely a british threaded(common stuff). Just bring it down to any bike shop and they should hook you up or order something for you. They mostly run $25 plus or minus a few bucks on eBay or Nashbar/Performance or maybe even from your local shop.

Maybe this one:

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...t.aspx?sc=FRGL

or this:

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...m+Bracket.aspx

Thanks guys - the shimano seems like a low commitment $-wise - will give it a crack.

I put in the shimano on the weekend. The weight difference cf the old one was not worth worrying about. No more creaks or anything, its DREAMY. It does look a tad different, but for the improvement, i don't care much.

In fact its so much better, now I can hear the bearings in my front hub ticking around....