At 09:42 PM 4/29/2005, Otis wrote:
>I have an early 70's Super Course that I've been using as a fixed gear
>beater to run errands on and such. But I've come to like it enough to
>upgrade the parts a bit. The stock headset is junk, and I thought no problem
>I have used NR and Dura Ace English headsets around I could donate to the
>cause but they do not want to thread on. Looks like a little finer pitch,
>and the bearing race nuts I have all seize before they clear the top of the
>steerer. So just what size is this, and is there a decent, affordable
>headset available (needs a 27.0 fork race as well)? Thanks in advance.
>
>Jon Williams
>Grants Pass OR
I think Raleigh's wonderful proprietary 26 TPI threading was used to discourage use of "inferior" non-Raleigh parts.
Some folks just get the BB shell retapped to 24 TPI. Might not be strong enough for a big rider with a fixed gear.
Or, get the shell reamed and tapped for Italian.
Or, $pend big buck$ on a Phil BB with 26 tpi mounting rings. I've heard you can use the 26 tpi Phil rings with older Shimano UN51 and UN-71 cartridge BBs (The ones where the fixed cup is removable.)
You might try finding a framebuilder who will fill your fork threads with silver or brass, and cut new 24tpi threads. Probably be cheaper to replace the fork.
Mark Stonich
Minneapolis Minnesota
http://bikesmithdesign.com
http://mnhpva.org