Originally Posted by
dwing
Correct me if I'm wrong, but, a new 114 that's symetrical won't work. Are the 114 bb's assyemtrical that much to the drive side???
The original spindle length is 114, but, I have it installed offset to the driveside +5.7mm more than the non-drive side which sets the chainline appropriately. Also, there's approx 2mm between small chain ring and stay, so, not a lot of clearance but it shifts very well. The reason I'm going to replace the needle bearings in the original is the BB is that it is adjustable side to side via the cups, so, fine tuning is easily done.
Yes, that is a good observation. For all I know, most are almost symmetrical. At least the Shimano ones.
What's the clearance of the cranks from the chainstays? If they're very close, or if the left one gets closer than the right one, you might do fine with a symmetrical "modern" cartridge BB with a longer axle length.
To put it in other words - I'd not assume that the current setup is an optimal one - that approach has saved me a lot of headache in the past.