Originally Posted by
steelisreal19
Ok I finally got the bottom bracket off, that was not simple.
The crank I want to put on is a Shimano 600 off of a 1985 Trek 520, can anyone tell me how long the spindals should be on the new BB?
The Campagnolo BB that came off was 70x113. But for whatever reason I feel like I'm supposed to put on a Shimano UN55 70x110.
Thanks for all the advice everyone!
That length difference is pretty minor. I'd suggest putting the Shimano 600 cranks on the existing BB (if it's not too late) then check chain line:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainline-multi.html
As Sheldon notes, the actual measurement doesn't have to be precise, except that there needs to be at least a millimeter or more clearance between chain rings (and any protruding bolts) and the chainstays/BB lug. If you go much smaller then those dimensions, you could have issues with FD adjustment.
As far as sealed bottom brackets, the expensive Phil Wood and SKF are lovely and will probably last long enough to be included in your will to your grandchildren, but an inexpensive Shimano will probably last plenty long enough for a fraction of the cost. Yes, Phil BB allow very fine adjustments to the chainline (I've used them on several bikes, and the SKF on my "better bike" is quite stiff even in the longest available length), but sufficiently accurate adjustments with Shimano can be accomplished by adding thin spacers between the DS flanges and BB shell.
If you have a bike co-op available, they might have used Shimano sealed BB in several lengths so you could experiment for best fit. Remember that the non-DS crank doesn't have to be exactly symmetrical with the DS as far as crank arm spacing, but you'll probably want at least one centimeter (3/8") clearance between the end of the crank arms and the chainstays.