B***** cotter pins!

[keithglos]

Keep the flat the same angle, and file it so that when fitted the thread is just right through the nut. We used to have 3 sizes of flats, as some cheap cranks would stretch. Bear in mind I was in the 1950s, when bikes were still used for commuting, and were cheaper than walking, and there was no money for new cranks, the old stuff just had to work.

For the final fitting tap it in, firmly, and use the nut just to hold it in, not pull it in. If fitted correctly it does not need riding down the road and retightening.

British manufacturers always fitted cotter pins downwards with the crank to the rear, it was the Americans who decided the opposite. UK users had trouser clips, the americans needed chainguards.
Keith

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

Keep the flat the same angle, and file it so that when fitted the thread is just right through the nut. We used to have 3 sizes of flats, as some cheap cranks would stretch. Bear in mind I was in the 1950s, when bikes were still used for commuting, and were cheaper than walking, and there was no money for new cranks, the old stuff just had to work.

For the final fitting tap it in, firmly, and use the nut just to hold it in, not pull it in. If fitted correctly it does not need riding down the road and retightening.

British manufacturers always fitted cotter pins downwards with the crank to the rear, it was the Americans who decided the opposite. UK users had trouser clips, the americans needed chainguards.
Keith

Thanks Keith. I have travelled back in time in saving this particular old shopper. I fear my next round of questions will centre firmly around wheel building!

 

[Midlife]

Thanks Keith, the TA Criterium with funny shaped axles

http://www.blackbirdsf.org/ta/ref1500.html

Shaun

 

[keithglos]

Thanks Keith. I have travelled back in time in saving this particular old shopper. I fear my next round of questions will centre firmly around wheel building!

I have mentioned before, I bought spokes sometimes over 100 gross at a time.
The amusement of the day was watching the railway delivery man trying tp pick up this small wooden crate. 20 5 gross bundles take up very little space. 15 x 17 G spokes weighed about 1.5 pounds per gross.(144).
Keith

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

I am hopefully picking up some suitable spokes from no less a Retro figure than Mr Knight of Wolverhampton. I had a very interesting chat about bikes and cycling when I saw him the other day.

A real gent with some really interesting thoughts and memories.