Bicycle Mechanics - Phil Wood BB - symmetrical or asymmetrical??

Hi all, just have a question about what type of Phil Wood BB to get, basically it's for a touring setup, TA Carmina triple crank, 9 speed cassette in the back. I know that I need a 119mm long axle but can anyone tell if I would need a symmetrical or asymmetrical (+5mm on right side) BB? Thanks in advance for any info.

Phil wood BBs have two 'adjustable' cups so you can use it as either symmetrical or asymetrical. You select the correct length and style of spindle then position the cups to give proper chainline and alignment.

+ the axles are press fitted in the bearings, the use of 2 installation tools [on one end]
and some flat washers , and the crank bolt, you can press the axle thru the bearings, at home.

my guess is that if you already know you need a 119mm long spindle/axle, then you don't need the R+5 asymmetrical version. as DCB0 pointed out, the cups also allow you to adjust the entire BB with relative easy 5mm either way. and if you're as handy as fietsbob, you can also move the spindle itself (and Phil sells bare spindles in case you want a 119mm nominal with an R+5, which would be 121.5mm symmetrical spindle).

i love Phil BBs.

CONTACT US

For sales and product questions: sales@philwood.com
For service and technical help: service@philwood.com
We can also be reached by:
phone: (001) 408 298 1540
fax: (001) 408 298 9016
mail: 385 E Taylor St., Ste. 110
San Jose, CA 95112
United States of America

+ the axles are press fitted in the bearings, the use of 2 installation tools [on one end]
and some flat washers , and the crank bolt, you can press the axle thru the bearings, at home.

They rebuild them for a pretty reasonable price, so why would I want to do that?

When my last Phil dies I am going back to shimanos. I have found no real advantage to the BB and have had to service it (clean and repack the bearings) too often.