Replacing an ancient bottom bracket with a modern one

[Andrew_Culture]

This weekend I'm helping a friend build his first SingleSpeed and I think we have everything we need but I'm a bit stuck on one bit.

The frame we're using is a very old 531 (I think) and it has a slightly crunchy bottom bracket which I'd quite like to replace with the more modern BB shown in the photo. Part of the reason for the switch is also that we're fitting a modified Sora chainset and this older BB doesn't have the threaded hole in the middle that I'm used to seeing.

So how easy it is to make this switch? I think I have a tool I can use to remove the current BB (shown in photo) but am I right in thinking I need one of these tools to (here) to fit the new BB?

Is it just a case of popping out one BB (which I assume will fall apart) and slotting in the replacement?

 

[4F]

Correct, do you have the tool you linked to ?

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I have a few days left an an Amazon prime trial so I"m going to order it right now, that way I'll have it by lunchtime tomorrow.

I thought you'd reply, but that was fast!

 

[4F]

Save your money. I am doing the Ipswich park run tomorrow morning at 9 at Christchuch Park. Come and find me and you can borrow mine

 

[4F]

I used the screwdriver and tap method. Works well if you take your time

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Save your money. I am doing the Ipswich park run tomorrow morning at 9 at Christchuch Park. Come and find me and you can borrow mine

Too late sadly. I'm enjoying very slowly building up my toolkit

 

[4F]

No worries, if you are not aware when fitting that BB (UN54 if I am not mistaken from that photo) fit the plastic non drive side first.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

For the old one, do you have an old multitool, the sort made out of a flat bit of metal with various bolt sizes stamped out? One of those should have a hook that engages with the notches. Alternatively use a sacrificial screwdriver as a drift and tap at it, remembering the wrong thread drive side.

I have this one, I did have an older one but it got nicked when some 'erbert nicked everything not bolted down from my bike!

 

[Andrew_Culture]

No worries, if you are not aware when fitting that BB (UN54 if I am not mistaken from that photo) fit the plastic non drive side first.

Ah, duly noted (and the screwdriver hint). I bought this BB from @Scilly Suffolk a long time ago and I can vaguely remember him saying something similar.

I am 'cautiously optimistic' about this build, and Kevin (the local bike doctor) is fully aware that I might need an emergency appointment

 

[4F]

No that won't do it, this was what Adrian was referring to

 

[Andrew_Culture]

No that won't do it, this was what Adrian was referring to

Arg, there was one of those in my dad's garage throughout my entire childhood and I could probably still lay my hands on it if I popped over there now!

 

[4F]

Nice afternoon for a ride to Wickham

 

[Andrew_Culture]

That's the item. Chainwhips have them as well to undo lockrings.

Hmm, is that what the little length of chain at the top is for? Google research needed.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Nice afternoon for a ride to Wickham

If I had a bike that worked! Admittedly I have my singlespeed, but am supposed to be working

 

[Tim Hall]

When the fixed cup on the old one doesn't budge due to years of grime and corrosion, go for the Sheldon Big Bolt method. Here. (Scroll down to Fixed Cup Tools) And I don't think the spanner you shown in your photo is suitable for your old BB.