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@Soweto888
Sam, my interpretation of Sheldon's bottom bracket advice is this: if you've got a clip or cage that holds less than 11 ball-bearings, then you should DEFINITELY remove it and go with the loose bearings. Reading between the lines, I decided that Sheldon really doesn't like ball-bearing cages at all. :-) So, even though my clip also held 11 bearings, just like yours, I decided that I'd experiment with the loose balls. Like I say, the difference between caged bearings and uncaged bearings is extraordinary. Perhaps my cages were past their best - maybe they were faulty in some way. Whether they were or they weren't, the cranks are definitely spinning more freely because the cages are gone. I'm still dumbfounded by the difference.
Dogs, you solved my the last mechanical problem too. Can't remember what it was, though. Anyway, you're great. :-P
Thanks to everyone who replied. That was an education. These Mechanics and Fixin' threads are great.