Raleigh/BSA Weekender Help!

[TSP]

Hi all,
I'm fixing up an old BSA Weekender that I've had a while.

I've been reading a bit about these bikes and it seems Raleigh used some odd sizes on some of the parts.

I need a new bottom bracket and a new headset, could anyone advise me on what sizes I need please?

Thank you for any help... I understand this bike is hardly a classic...

 

[keithglos]

Standard Raleigh bikes for about 80 years used 26 threads per inch for the bottom bracket and head set. Others were 24 TPI. Because BSA made a lot of the machine tools, the 24 TPI went almost world wide.

Keith

 

[TSP]

Re:

Hi Keith,

Thank you for your reply.

I'm sorry I'm really flumoxed by road bikes in general... Let alone older ones

Am I reading your reply correctly then and assuming my frame is a 26tpi?

I've got the cups out but the spindle and bearings were shot so I need to replace them. Ideally I'd like a complete bottom bracket but the things I'm reading on-line seem to say it'll be a difficult thing to replace :facepalm:

Thanks to anyone that can help!

 

[keithglos]

Re:

If you have the octagonal head set then it is 26 TPI, some may have had the bottom bracket thread recut, not a brilliant solution.

If the right hand bottom bracket cup was nearly inside the bracket shell, but showing flats which look as if you can unscrew it with a cone spanner then that is 26 TPI.

Keith

 

[BikeBuilder]

Hi,

You don't need to recut the BB. There are a lot of raleigh bikes that have standard 24tpi thread as well. There are a number of identifying features and key bits of information to give a good direction.

You don't mention the year which would help significantly. They are not necessarily 26tpi.

The only foolproof way of being sure on the BB is to get a thread measure. These can be had for about £10 new or you could just take it to your local bike shop for a nominal fee.

On the headset again similar thing as above.

You can get threads BB's but it's the width that you will need to measure which is also one of the identifying features I mention above. Phil woods used to do a 26TPI (at great cost) but he doesn't anymore.

Perfect point of reference for your needs is http://www.sheldonbrown.com/raleigh26.html.

 

[TSP]

Re:

Brilliant thank you. I'll get it measured.

Thanks again