Campagnolo BB question

Frank Knox said:

I need to replace the bottom bracket for a Campagnolo Nuovo Record triple
crankset, preferably with a sealed unit. This crank is used on a touring
bike.

What should I buy?

Dave Reckoning said:

Dear Frank, I used a Phill Wood on my Campy outfitted touring bike for
years. They can get you the exact length you need and the proper taper as
well. Their system also allows some adjustment of chainline which let me to
use a slightly shorter spindle and reduce my Q factor. Their stuff works
great and if/when it ever needs service they will send it back in like new
condition.

Dave

Frank Knox said:

I need to replace the bottom bracket for a Campagnolo Nuovo Record triple
crankset, preferably with a sealed unit. This crank is used on a touring
bike.

If it's not badly worn, a rebuild with either Campagnolo's
#2100 retainers ($19.95), Tange's identical fit and quality
#375 retainers ($4.95) or grade 25 loose balls ($1.95) is a
good path.

If it's dead, they are still around but $285. (last made in
1986)

The Sugino Mighty/Superbe equivalent at $100 is similar
premium quality and available in the identical dimensions to
the early model Nuovo Record Triple BB. ( we have 'em)

As that implies, there were two versions, spindles
annoyingly marked the same 68-SS-120 x3 ( 70-SS-120 x3 in
Italian). (There may have been 126mm versions but they
aren't listed in my Campagnolo guide)

Later NR BBs had 3mm more right spindle and wider chainline.
The left side is also bigger (by 1mm). _Some_ spindles are
marked +3 but some aren't. See if yours is 116mm (118
Italian) or 120mm (122 Italian) overall length.

You did not mention the required thread.
Sugino BBs are available in both widths and all 4 threads.

The difficulty is that classic spindles are asymmetric. If
you get enough right side on a modern symmetric spindle, the
overall length gets excessive (124~130mm!) Speaking of
excessive, Campagnolo's top quality mountain bike BB sets
with the neat rubber seals (Euclid, Contax) are still very
available but a wild 132mm overall!

You may be able to use an ACH 115; $29 in BSC or ITA. This
is not an easy BB to move right when needed as you'll need
spacers both underneath the right cup lip and between the
cartridge and a cup. (use the serrated spacer from Athena
series BBs). If you have a few mm to give away between your
chainrings and the chainstay, I'd try that first.

I know that sounds complex. Another way to look at it is
that the rest of the world walked away from Campagnolo's
previous standards (at one time nearly all major crank
makers produced a compatible crank and BB). Now, yours is
unusual.

So the path of least resistance is to get Phil's original
and classic #3 cartridge for NR triples . That's been in
Phil's product range since 1 April, 1971*. It fits perfectly
and, again, is available for all threads ( we have 'em).
None better. $121~$143 (thread?)

*Yes, we share a birthday.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

"A Muzi" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Frank Knox said:

I need to replace the bottom bracket for a Campagnolo Nuovo Record

triple

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

crankset, preferably with a sealed unit. This crank is used on a

touring

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

bike.

If it's not badly worn, a rebuild with either Campagnolo's
#2100 retainers ($19.95), Tange's identical fit and quality
#375 retainers ($4.95) or grade 25 loose balls ($1.95) is a
good path.

If it's dead, they are still around but $285. (last made in
1986)

The Sugino Mighty/Superbe equivalent at $100 is similar
premium quality and available in the identical dimensions to
the early model Nuovo Record Triple BB. ( we have 'em)

As that implies, there were two versions, spindles
annoyingly marked the same 68-SS-120 x3 ( 70-SS-120 x3 in
Italian). (There may have been 126mm versions but they
aren't listed in my Campagnolo guide)

Later NR BBs had 3mm more right spindle and wider chainline.
The left side is also bigger (by 1mm). _Some_ spindles are
marked +3 but some aren't. See if yours is 116mm (118
Italian) or 120mm (122 Italian) overall length.

You did not mention the required thread.
Sugino BBs are available in both widths and all 4 threads.

The difficulty is that classic spindles are asymmetric. If
you get enough right side on a modern symmetric spindle, the
overall length gets excessive (124~130mm!) Speaking of
excessive, Campagnolo's top quality mountain bike BB sets
with the neat rubber seals (Euclid, Contax) are still very
available but a wild 132mm overall!

You may be able to use an ACH 115; $29 in BSC or ITA. This
is not an easy BB to move right when needed as you'll need
spacers both underneath the right cup lip and between the
cartridge and a cup. (use the serrated spacer from Athena
series BBs). If you have a few mm to give away between your
chainrings and the chainstay, I'd try that first.

I know that sounds complex. Another way to look at it is
that the rest of the world walked away from Campagnolo's
previous standards (at one time nearly all major crank
makers produced a compatible crank and BB). Now, yours is
unusual.

So the path of least resistance is to get Phil's original
and classic #3 cartridge for NR triples . That's been in
Phil's product range since 1 April, 1971*. It fits perfectly
and, again, is available for all threads ( we have 'em).
None better. $121~$143 (thread?)

*Yes, we share a birthday.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

I wish there were a cheaper alternative to replace this badly worn bb.
I appreciate your advice.

A Muzi said:

If it's dead, they are still around but $285. (last made in
1986)

I got NOS Record triple spindle and cups (thin cup style)
from bicycleclassics.com for about 1/5 that price.
Maybe this isn't exactly the item Andy had in mind,
but they are still listed on the Bicycle Classics web site.

Tom Ace

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Frank Knox said:

I need to replace the bottom bracket for a Campagnolo Nuovo Record

triple

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

crankset, preferably with a sealed unit. This crank is used on a
touringbike.

(am)>>If it's not badly worn, a rebuild with either Campagnolo's

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

#2100 retainers ($19.95), Tange's identical fit and quality
#375 retainers ($4.95) or grade 25 loose balls ($1.95) is a
good path.

-blah blah blah

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

So the path of least resistance is to get Phil's original
and classic #3 cartridge for NR triples . That's been in
Phil's product range since 1 April, 1971*. It fits perfectly
and, again, is available for all threads ( we have 'em).
None better. $121~$143 (thread?)

Frank Knox said:

I wish there were a cheaper alternative to replace this badly worn bb.

A hundred-ish bucks every twenty five years or so?

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Quoted message said:

A Muzi said:

If it's dead, they are still around but $285. (last made in
1986)

Tom Ace wrote:> I got NOS Record triple spindle and cups
(thin cup style)

Quoted message said:

from bicycleclassics.com for about 1/5 that price.
Maybe this isn't exactly the item Andy had in mind,
but they are still listed on the Bicycle Classics web site.

Yes, if it needn't be new Michael might be a good source.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971