Ok So I'm currently stripping my bike down and I'm a bit stuck in a few places...

1) Headset.  I've undone the nut and taken out the bearings.  How do I get the cups of of the head tube on the frame?  Should they be stuck in so solidly?

2) Mk2 Handlebars.  I want to use the handlebars with a BMX stem.  Is the stem welded to the handle bars.  Has anyone got experience of removing it?  Hacksaw?

3) Bent cranks - Noted the scaffolding tube recovery method.

4) bent forks.  Bin or Ebay?

5) Can i take the freewheel out the hub  to make it a fixed gear?

I'm sure I'll have a load more queations.  Im greatful for any answers...thanks

i usually tap the cups out of the headtube, using a longish screwdriver and hammer.  the mk2 handle bars/stem do not come apart but am sure could be modded to take a bmx stem (but check the stem will fit the forks).  there's a set of forks on the bay for less than a tenner posted.  you want to make it 1 speed or fixed wheel ?

Hi .ste,

I've got some BMX forks coming form the states with an extra long steerer that I'm hoping will fit my BMX stem.

I'll try putting a large screwdriver through the tube and tapping the cups down and out.

I was thinking fixed gear with all the latest crazes.  Then I don't need brakes (if I have a massive deathwish).  Do you think I could take the freewheel out of an SA hub and have a fixed gear with gears?  Or is that just silly?

don't think you could have a fixed wheel with the standard sturmey hub, but someone else might know different, no brakes huh !!!

Sturmey Archer made a 3 speed fixed gear hub years ago.  The ASC.   Like in the 50s.  These are rare and expensive.  Seen one person say there £500.
They are maybe going to release a new fixed hub.
http://sunrace-sturmeyarcher.blogspot.com/2008/09/s3x-fixed-gear-3-speed.html

Quote :

weazlepopper wrote : 3) Bent cranks - Noted the scaffolding tube recovery method.

This is the best tool for that kind of job
1. Remove pedal from crank and apply a cloth over the crank-arm to avoid direct contact with the "G" tool.


2. Place the "G" tool on the cloth covered crank-arm.


3. Apply pressure onto the "G" tool, Gloves may be required if hand washing facilities are not available.


4. Remove "G" tool, and remove excessive parts i.e rims, calipers, cables, etc... for other projects.


5. Voilla! Job Done.

Raleigh__Grifter is right, a Raleigh Grifter is the best tool for any job