ok. so after some tinkering with the tools i have, here is what i found:
- the left side cup (with brand and thread markings) is adjustable and removable. in order to adjust the tension on the spindle the BB has to be mounted.
- the right side cup seems to be fixed to the shell, or mine is just super tight. the mavic catalog shows the model 602 with a removable right cup, but who knows. what threw me off is that my right cup has holes to accept a pin spanner. the holes appear to be self made and not factory, since they are a bit offset, not at all symmetrical. perhaps this was done in order to thread the bb without the manufacturer's suggested tools (i.e ref 720). using a pin spanner from the left would likely be counter-productive and thus loosen the spindle.
at any rate, i was able to tighten the spindle down. and it is good to know that when the bearings do go, it can be serviced. then it will just be a matter of finding the correct cartridge bearings that fit! gotta love french projects.
