What frame is this? Updated info

[ferdy]

I recently acquired this interesting prewar frame, the seller states that head badge said it was a Mead Crusader; still wondering about replacement bottom bracket stuff :

The bottom bracket has threads like a modern three piece crank would have. It's 2 1/2 inches wide and about 1 3/4 in diameter were three piece cranks used way back then? Where might I find one today? ( I know nothing about them. The frame seems lighter than I'd expect and will fit 28 inch wheels. The serial # is 34995 with the # 25 stamped below. The head tube is long: 7 inches. I need to straighten and repair the obvious bend in the down tube, and I could do a complete bottom bracket replacement if I can't find the correct replacement stuff, any thoughts, help or advice will be appreciated.

 

[Phil Fink]

Looks like a Great Western Mfg. La Porte, Indiana built bicycle; I believe that GWM did build for Mead Cycles, Chicago, (but not sure when).

The frame fits Fauber 45mm threaded bottom bracket cups, which take reduced size cones, and special Fauber cranks, with special Fauber chain ring sprockets. I believe that the most challenging pieces to acquire are the odd size threaded cones.

Might look for an alphabet letter prefix before the serial numbers?

Modern replacements might be the easiest way to go, if the frame fits, and a taller fork might be found. Perhaps an economy 28” fork?

There is a thread with the link to the only company in Finland (Velobia?) that sells the adapter. It will only adapt to an obsolescent Italian bottom bracket and crank spindle.

 

[ferdy]

Thank you for the information. I'm not overly fond with the frame. I think replacing the bottom bracket with a modern, standard size is in the near future for it.

 

[Phil Fink]

Not sure if modern will be an option; (unless brazing and welding?).
https://ratrodbikes.com/forum/threads/bottom-bracket-crank-sprocket-fauber-replacement-s.109376/Seems that Fauber is obsolete and scarcely available, and the only adapter will convert to the somewhat obsolescent, yet still available, Italian crankset.
https://ratrodbikes.com/forum/threads/bottom-bracket-conversions.113136/

Not sure of any modern sealed bearings arrangement might be made to work.