Master_Beta

I apologize if this is a stupid question. I am building my first non fixie bike and have a question. I have purchased an old shimano 600 arabesque group for my build and am wondering what the length of my bottom bracket axle should be. Anyone either know the answer or know how I could figure it out without buying several different length axles and seeing which one works. I don't know if you need this information but in case you do the bike is a early 70's Raleigh Super Course and I am cold setting this 122mm spaced bike out to 130mm.

Thanks,
Erik

Charles Wahl

The two 600 EX (2nd generation 600-series) cranksets that I have use 116 mm long spindles with JIS taper. I'm pretty sure that they're symmetrical (right side and left side are the same length from bearings/shell). I'm not a Super Course expert, but there are some Raleigh bikes, especially those that were originally equipped with cottered cranks, that have 26 tpi bottom bracket threading, rather than the BSC-standard 24 tpi. Read about it here.

Master_Beta

Thanks for your reply. Yes this is unfortunately one of those 26 tpi threaded bikes but I have the original BB cups so my thought is (and please correct me if I am wrong) that because I have the cups all I need is a standard spindle at the right length and everything should work out fine. In other words I do not believe that it requires a special spindle just the 26 tpi cups. Right?

tugrul

My 26tpi Super Course also had a 71mm bottom bracket, requiring a spindle with a 55mm center section, rather than the typical 52mm for 68mm bottom brackets.

Master_Beta

Really I was not aware of this! Ok just broke out the digital calipers and it came in at 69.72 so I don't know what that means. What year was yours. I know mine is a carlton and probably early 70's but thats about as far as my super course knowledge goes.

tugrul

Mine is #199540

In my case, I didn't have enough threads left on the adjustable cup to secure the lock ring.

ultraman6970

120 to 130??? darn u are a brave man

116 if i remember well, as for the lenght u can go shorter too, like 112 for example, that is pretty much the lenght of all dura ace stuff. Those old 600 arabesque BBs are pretty rough if you ask me. But a 112 dura ace or even sealed should work as well. From 116 to 112 are 4 mm, it means 2 mm per side. Not critical and probably the chain line will work better too.

Good luck.

Master_Beta

Interesting I guess I will have to wait and see what happens. I think I will start by getting a standard spindle for a 68mm shell and pray that it works. Was it hard for you to find a spindle with a 55mm center section. I don't see any serial number on my bb shell just an x and a 2.

Master_Beta

Thanks for the input. The BB is the only thing that didn't come with my groupset so I am still looking as far as that goes. Plus as previously mentioned I am stuck with the Raleigh cups because of the 26 tpi threading Unfortunately the only sealed option that comes in 26 tpi thread would be phil wood but I am not looking to bust out that much money on a BB. Concerning spacing it is my understanding that 120 to 130 is perfectly fine. After all we are talking about a half a cm on each side. I was initially going to space out to 126 but fell into a good deal on an 8 speed wheelset.

tugrul

I didn't end up getting a 5 series spindle (the 55mm ones).

Mine didn't even have the proper cottered spindle (too short). cudak888 hooked me up with the correct cottered one.

peugeot mongrel

Probably an Italian spindle will work. here The center will be 55 instead of 52. You can find them JIS taper here get one close to the right length and try it. I like that 600 Arabesque. I put an Italian JIS spindle in my Swiss cup, cotter crank Peugeot so I could run fixed on the outside of the spider. Old Peugoet have thin cups and the 55 bearing race in the center worked out fine.

Master_Beta

Thanks peugeot thats good BB knowledge by you.

Master_Beta

Do you think this BB spindle would work for me. It says Italian but only shows a 51.5 middle section

mikeybikes

Could always get a VO threadless bottom bracket in the right length. I have one that fit my Hercules with 26tpi stuff. The BB shell is 71mm wide. Fits just fine.

Master_Beta

Interesting and this option is safe to use?

tugrul

Wrong taper (ISO for Campy vs JIS for your crank). This D-5H spindle is more likely, although the seller says 53mm center section. 5 series is supposed to be 55mm from the references I've seen.

Master_Beta

Thanks again tugrul.

mikeybikes

I have a few hundred miles on mine. Don't see why it wouldn't be safe.

ultraman6970

I would try to re tap that BB shell.

Master_Beta

Yeah I guess your right I guess I am just comforted by things being threaded in place.

Master_Beta

Isn't that difficult and kind of risky? How much does an lbs charge for that.