That's a perfectly legitimate method. The bottom bracket can run on oil or grease. If I'm doing a total tear down, I re-grease the bottom bracket and replace parts as needed. But if you're only doing a partial tear down and don't want to open up the bottom bracket, you can do just as you say.

I use a long, plastic tube and run it down the seat post until it's almost in the bottom bracket. One end is way down in the tube, the other end is sticking out up above the saddle. The tube snakes around the saddle and comes out almost vertical if you do it correctly. I then take an oiler and pump the oil through the tube and into the bottom bracket.

I use WD40 or Kano Kroil to flush, followed by a medium-heavy weight oil, like a 90 weight gear oil or similar. I've also used detergent oils, which will tend to wash away any remaining gunk in the bottom bracket. I think 20 weight is too thin for this purpose, so I go with the heavier oil.

As you say, the oil runs out of the sides of the bottom bracket. I lean the bike for a period of minutes on each side so that I get a healthy amount of oil pooled in both bottom bracket cups. I work on other stuff while the oil runs into the cups.

It sounds like a lot on paper, but the job is under 10 minutes to put fresh oil in the bottom bracket, then maybe 10 minutes per side to lean the bike and run the oil through the bearings.

Just remember it will be a lot messier to store in the following days than a greased bottom bracket. Some oil may continue to drip out until you've ridden the bike a bit.

SOMEBODY BUY THIS!!!

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bi...326562914.html

Vintage Rudge Sports 3 Speed - Tall Frame - DynoHub and head lamp - $89 (Newton, MA)

https://images.craigslist.org/01616_...ok_600x450.jpg

adams at California

condition: fair
make / manufacturer: Rudge
model name / number: Sports
size / dimensions: 23

Vintage Rudge Sports - 3 Speed. Tall 23" black frame.
Top tube to ground is approx 33"
Rear hub says 71, not sure if this is the year bike was made.
Frame is 2030 High Carbon tubing.

Has DynoHub, head lamp, rear lamp, original pump with pull-out hose.
Crank is wonderful "hand" logo.
Also has head badge intact.

Bike is mostly original, but it needs some work.
Rides great.
Chrome has surface rust. Tires don't match.
Seat is black plastic cover over long springs.
Fenders have minor surface rust. Front fender has a dent in the middle top.

Headlamp worked until last week. I believe I pulled a wire when taking out of my truck.
Cotter pins don't look original.

3 speed hub shifts, but it will need adjustment.
Shifter is finicky.
Missing plastic cover on shifter.

Asking $89.

Please respond via email with a phone number so I know you are not a robot.
Located in Newton / Watertown / Waltham line.

If this popped up like 3 weeks ago or in about 2 weeks I would jump
On it :(

SOMEBODY BUY THIS ONE, TOO!!! Christopher was still a saint when this bike was built. He's Mr. Christopher now, demoted in the '80s.

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bi...342288461.html

Lady's Raleigh Sports 3-speed 23" frame - $100 (Brookline)

https://images.craigslist.org/01616_...QH_600x450.jpg

condition: good
make / manufacturer: Raleigh
model name / number: Sports

For sale is a classic English-made lady's Raleigh Sports 3-speed in bronze green. Size is the very hard to find 23", which should fit folks from roughly 5'8" on up (this is a tall bike!). Parts include Sturmey-Archer AW 3-speed rear hub dated 1972, fenders, chain guard, kickstand, rubber-block pedals, front Wald basket, and St. Christopher bell. Sprung saddle isn't original, but it's very comfortable. The frame finish has plenty of scratches and scrapes, and the chrome rims have a fair amount of pitting, but it's overall in good shape. Tires have lots of life left. Mechanically this bike has been completely overhauled, including new bearings and cables, and is ready for riding.
Firm price is $100 cash only, located in Brookline/Coolidge Corner.

^ Hmm, I happen to be the seller of that one!

Buy this one to replace it. Dutch, not English, but it looks like a 3-speed and it's gorgeous!

https://lexington.craigslist.org/bik...318930678.html

Vintage 1974 batavus flying dutchman - $250 (Harrodsburg)

https://images.craigslist.org/01212_...cj_600x450.jpg

Ran the serial # they the manufacturer and found it it was a 1974 yr make and in 1974 the bike sold for 1000$. It's in perfect original conduction.

Please email me any question and I'll answer the best i can.

Feel free to make me an offer

Damn you can see the quality in that one!
@nlerner that’s a fine Raleigh if I had the extra cash :)

I wonder are there any 3 speed guys in western mass?

Who the hell strips a 3-speed then disposes of it?

https://hartford.craigslist.org/bik/...333154560.html

Raleigh Hercules Schwinn Robin Bike Frames TALL BIKE - $5 (Cheshire)

https://images.craigslist.org/00s0s_...He_600x450.jpg

$5 each except for the Raleigh with chainwheel $10 call
show contact info
can be seen in Vernon, Cheshire or somewhere between. Besides the schwinn, these are british 3 speed bike frames. Would be great to make a tall bike! Several others not shown in photos.

https://hartford.craigslist.org/bik/...342161901.html

AMF HERCULES - 3 SPEED - WOMEN'S - $90 (Enfield)

https://images.craigslist.org/00Y0Y_...Jq_600x450.jpg

condition: excellent
make / manufacturer: AMF
model name / number: HERCULES
size / dimensions: 20" FRAME. 26" tires

* 1972 AMF HERCULES
* WOMEN'S 3-SPEED
* TEAL COLOR
* MADE IN ENGLAND
* 20" FRAME (MEDIUM)
* BROOKS SADDLE

Apparently that person or heathens :/ I almost wanna go rescue them even though I’m only 5’6”

I wish I was near Newton, MA.

I’m about 30-40 mins away , I wish I had money lol

Even if I funded you to pick up that Rudge I would still have to ship to Minneapolis, additional costs brings the price out of sensible reach.

I could maybe work with this one for $10
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik...339214995.html

I hear ya there and its too tall for me :(

That posting is deleted :(

WOW! Just WOW! Too far away, and I don't have room for any more projects. :(

I spotted the Rudge when it first appeared. Hard to pass up, but I only have one more bicycle project that I'd like to do. I want to build a like new early 50s Sports. I already have a lot of the parts I need. Still looking for a tall gents pre 55 frame and fork. Unfortunately, people tend not to advertise junkers.

That's a deal for sure, but I am too far away and reluctant to buy another bike. If anyone is interested here is a bit of history on the "Hand".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Hand_of_Ulster

Hard to pass up, indeed. The Rudge is now in my basement. Some interesting features: rear AW hub is marked '71 and has a Raleigh-pattern 36-hole rim. The front dynohub is dated '53 and has a smooth rim. Based on the a bunch of clues, I'm going with 1953, particularly the brazed on pulley guide:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4447/...d2bbea97_c.jpg

And the brakes for double-ended cables (rear has a cable knarp of some sort):

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4452/...74714e0e_c.jpg

Plus, almost every part has "Raleigh Industries" stamped somewhere, which was pretty typical for early '50s. And it came with an inflator/pump, which seems to work and has the 50s Sir Walter logo:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4462/...5d73a2cd_c.jpg

Front lamp lens is also remarkable clear:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4451/...c4747ec1_c.jpg

The likely original grips are largely intact though somewhat mummified:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4501/...c58d3a90_c.jpg

Lots of corrosion on bars, stem, levers, brakes, but very little on the crankset, seat post, and rims. I'd like to swap in a rear rim to match the front, and it probably should be 40-hole (and I have some AW hubs from that era) though I also have a set of EA1 wheels in the bin with a rear hub dated '53, so that might be one possible direction. Lots of options once I have this one cleaned up.

So awesome!!

+1 looking forward to seeing this done!

Most appropriate Neal. Like the EA1 wheels plan. Gonna do the same thing with my 52 Humber.
Also have some Raleigh pattern wheels, early 50's if you want to go that route
.

Ah good. Glad one of us got it! Really good one. I see it has the plain seat tube lug. That puts it pre 55. Also I think I see a gun barrel blue finish on the guide wheel. Another earlier feature. The brazed on guide wheel lug first appears in the 1951 catalog, so your 1953 assessment is a good one.

I so Have a thang for Rudges, I don't know why. I too want an early 50's English 3 speed. Probably has something to do with that Cyclist Special video.

Gotta share this, Its got the look. https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/d...300647058.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00u0u_...hl_600x450.jpg

What do you guys recommend for pedals? One of my
Wald ones is ruined and I can get another set but I wanna see other options

Also I have come to the conclusion that the 64 was rear ended by something due to the rear fender damage along with a few other things. Nothing major but it’s there...lol

There is also a registration number on the Georgia AFB decal
On said fender so I am going to see if I can find the owner if he is still around :)