stupid BB question

[Nottyfruit]

will i be able to fit standard british thread to a vintage 70mm italian BB? the bb and crankset in question is a 2010 record 11 speed. thanks.

[bikerjulio]

No problem, just remember to turn the right side cup clockwise. Let us know how it works out for you.

On the chance that you didn't realize what day this is, I'll answer seriously as well.

No, an english threaded BB will not fit an Italian threaded shell.

However a modern italian threaded BB will fit an old Italian threaded frame just fine. The crankset will fit just fine too.

[bikerjulio]

The only extra point to add to this is that old style square taper BBs were not especially sensitive to the accuracy of either the width or facing of the old steel BB shells. The new external bearing type BBs, like Campy, are quite sensitive to these things. Campy has shell width tolerances which must be met, and the faces must be true.

So an old steel frame shell needs to be checked carefully with calipers, otherwise the crankset may not be happy.

[Nottyfruit]

No problem, just remember to turn the right side cup clockwise. Let us know how it works out for you.

very funny, you almost got me there not realising that it was ACTUALLY!! REALLY!

ok i'll tell you what's happening bikerjulio, the real scenario
i bought a bike last year, to be exact a litespeed liege (the one with 6/4 and 3/2.5 titanium combination and aero downtube) but silly me bought it too big by a couple of sizes. so right now i'm shopping for a new frame and some friends introduced me to steel bikes and vintage ones in particular. i was amazed with the ride, the feel is just sublime. comparatively my litespeed feels like a plank. really harsh. do all steel bikes ride that way? how does the tubing affect the ride like columbus, reynolds, deda and i know within the brands there are so many grades as well. it's a whole new ball game. i'm kind of eyeing a colnago master carbon frame that's on sale. what's your opinion on carbon chain and seat stays on a steel bike?
on the contrary i'm also eyeing a couple of titanium frames too but with 3/2.5 makeup and rounded tubes. will this make a difference to the 6/4 aero downtube? will they ride more like a steel bike. i'm still toying with the idea of ti because they last forever and they're lighter. have you heard of razesa frames? there's one on ebay at the moment.
ok back to the bb question. i've got a set of campag bsa crank, is it just a matter of changing the cups or even the axle is completely different?
i know there are a lot of questions on this one but then you're like an encyclopedia. always appreciate your help. thanks bikerjulio.

[bikerjulio]

With all external cup systems, the cranksets are the same, and differences between english & italian are taken up with the cups.

I also have a BB30 Cannondale with the campy adapter cups. works fine.

As for frame material - yours is one of the commonest questions out there. the most sensible answer is that ride is much more to do with the frame design, and less to do with material used. my favorite bike (and I have them in steel, alloy, carbon and ti), is my updated '95 Merckx Litespeed.



Ti is generally considered similar to steel but without some of the drawbacks like corrosion.

One of my stiffest bikes is a steel Coppi. And even some carbon frames have a reputation for harshness.

Another comfortable frame for me is an older Fuji - all alloy with carbon fork.

Alloy like an older Cannondale can be very stiff, or quite comfortable like a Merckx SC.

sometimes you just don't know until you try.

[Nottyfruit]

yes, you are the man.

With all external cup systems, the cranksets are the same, and differences between english & italian are taken up with the cups.

so i can have one set or cranks and two different cups on a bsa and an italian threaded bike and i can interchange by just removing the crankset and leaving the cups on the 2 bikes. sweet!!!

hmmmm, i honestly felt less chattering on the steel kona kapu on rough roads than i did on the litespeed liege. the steel was so supple.

that's a very nice litespeed merckx. beautiful!! was also hunting for one but ended up with the liege.

thanks bikerjulio