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thebuddhist

Mid 60's Gitane tandem, what size are the loose ball bearings in the headset? 3/16? 5/32? I neglected to count how many top & bottom (presumably the same)?

Thanks!

verktyg

You didn't save the old ones? Embarassed

Some Gitane tandems had oversize headsets so it's hard to tell what size bearings you need.

Chas.

vanhelmont

I would take a sample bearing, if you still have them (otherwise maybe you can try different sizes in the headset?) and also the bb shaft to a bike shop.

I usually go to an old shop in the inner city. The owner, who is also the wrench, has calipers in his pocket, if not in his hand, and can quickly find common stuff like bearings (but he wouldn't have the best grades, which may be a consideration for your tandem, since bearings in a tandem are subject to more force. You might want to call around and see who has grade 25 bearings like verktyg recommended for the bb.).
He also has boxes of old stuff. I got a Suntour Cyclone derailleur cheap because it lacked the bolt to hold it to the frame, thinking I could use one from my parts box, but it needs an unusually short one. Joe pulled out a box of old rear derailleurs from under the bench, and I think the third one he looked at had an identical bolt. Who knows, you might find a useable bb shaft in somebody's junk.

thebuddhist

I dug them out of the trash. They were 5/32's.

I found 49 of them so I assume it was meant to be 25 top and 25 bottom. Replaced with grade 25's and some wheelbearing grease. Spins pretty nicely.

verktyg

Wheel bearing grease works great. Stays in place for years.

Chas.