Quick Question for the Campy Experts

Patrick W. said:

My bike is in the shop now for a BB replacement; original group was Chorus
circa 1990/1991, Italian threading. It was an old cup & ball style BB. The
shop called yesterday with the sad news that a new Chorus cartridge-type BB
won't work because the spindle is too short. What are my options? And what
is the correct spindle length for a double setup from that time period?

TIA!

- Patrick W.

Campag make a 102mm which AFAIK is the shortest mainstream BB you can buy.

Patrick W. said:

My bike is in the shop now for a BB replacement; original group was Chorus
circa 1990/1991, Italian threading. It was an old cup & ball style BB. The
shop called yesterday with the sad news that a new Chorus cartridge-type BB
won't work because the spindle is too short. What are my options? And what
is the correct spindle length for a double setup from that time period?

I'm no expert but the current chorus and record BB's are 102mm and the
current centaur, voloce, and others are 111mm. I think a chorus crank
from 1990 uses a 111mm BB. In any case the shop should be able to
measure your old spindle, no?

Jim Smith said:

I'm no expert but the current chorus and record BB's are 102mm and the
current centaur, voloce, and others are 111mm. I think a chorus crank
from 1990 uses a 111mm BB. In any case the shop should be able to
measure your old spindle, no?

Ah...maybe the OP needs a *longer* spindle (it's not quite clear). In
that case, TA make their Axix BB in ISO taper and all kinds of lengths.
It's a lightweight unit with replaceable cartridge bearings, but the
BB shell must be properly tapped and faced because there is no central
sleeve.

For the same reason, it's a good idea to drill and tap the bottom of the
shell for a drain, if this hasn't already been done. M5 is best because
you can use a shortened bottle cage bolt for the plug.

Quoted message said:

Patrick W. said:

My bike is in the shop now for a BB replacement; original group was
Chorus circa 1990/1991, Italian threading. It was an old cup & ball
style BB. The shop called yesterday with the sad news that a new
Chorus cartridge-type BB won't work because the spindle is too short.
What are my options? And what is the correct spindle length for a
double setup from that time period?

Zog The Undeniable said:

Campag make a 102mm which AFAIK is the shortest mainstream BB you can buy.

Yes but he needs longer, 111mm IIRC [?], not shorter.

Try the current 111 Pista BB. There's also the 113 Chorus
Triple (both of those are asymmetric and so may require a
spacer or reversal or both).

Capagnolo also supplies both 111 and 115 in ACH/ACS/CEN.

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

Patrick W. said:

My bike is in the shop now for a BB replacement; original group was Chorus
circa 1990/1991, Italian threading. It was an old cup & ball style BB. The
shop called yesterday with the sad news that a new Chorus cartridge-type BB
won't work because the spindle is too short. What are my options? And what
is the correct spindle length for a double setup from that time period?

I can't recall if it was 111 or 109. Try the current Pista
111 which is asymmetric. May need to flip it over or use a
spacer.

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

Patrick said:

My bike is in the shop now for a BB replacement; original group was Chorus
circa 1990/1991, Italian threading. It was an old cup & ball style BB. The
shop called yesterday with the sad news that a new Chorus cartridge-type BB
won't work because the spindle is too short. What are my options? And what
is the correct spindle length for a double setup from that time period?

Happy St Namesake's Day.

Your crank wants a bottom bracket whose spindle is 111 mm long with
ISO tapers and symmetrical overhangs (or a cartridge bearing unit that
mimics those dimensions). Of current Campagnolo product, the Record
Pista, '05 Centaur and ACH/ACS units with 111 spindles all answer this
description.

The ACH and ACS models are inexpensive but relatively primitive
compared to the triple-bearing design shared by the Record Pista and
'05 Centaur. Scarcely more than half the cost of the Record Pista, the
'05 Centaur will, in my estimation. be the best choice for your crank.

-------------------------------
John Dacey
Business Cycles, Miami, Florida
http://www.businesscycles.com
Since 1983
Our catalog of track equipment: online since 1996
-------------------------------

Zog The Undeniable said:

Patrick W. said:

My bike is in the shop now for a BB replacement; original group was
Chorus circa 1990/1991, Italian threading. It was an old cup & ball
style BB. The shop called yesterday with the sad news that a new
Chorus cartridge-type BB won't work because the spindle is too short.
What are my options? And what is the correct spindle length for a
double setup from that time period?

TIA!

- Patrick W.

Campag make a 102mm which AFAIK is the shortest mainstream BB you can buy.

Since 1995, Record and Chorus is 102mm BUT Daytona/Centaur on down
remained 111mm, which is what is called for for the pre 1995 Record and
Chorus. use the new Centaur triple bearing or any AC-H for your crank.

Your bike shop should know this, shame on them.