Originally Posted by
Hondo6
If you look at the DS cup on that Tange example posted by Schreck83, it has the "S1" marking approx top center indicating Swiss threaded.
Your BB is Shimano. As noted earlier, the CH is definitely a date code (Aug 1978). Shimano was using date codes at that point, and were damn good about putting one on pretty much every item they made (though from what I've seen, typically on only one BB cup in a set). However, unless that indistinct stamp between what appears to be "<52>" and "Shimano" on the DS cup reads S1 your BB doesn't seem to have any S1 marking.
Since you have the BB, there's a very easy test you could perform to eliminate any doubt regarding which type of BB you have. Both French and Swiss BBs use 35mm x 1mm threads. However, a French BB will have RHT on both cups; the Swiss DS cup will be LHT.
If the lockring threads onto both cups, what you have is a French BB. If it won't - and the threads on the DS cup or lockring aren't seriously damaged - it's Swiss.
This is why a thread for identifying Swiss cups is important. I have A Gitane and a Motobécane, so anything with a 35x1 gets my attention for spares. I also look for the “S1” on the cups, which this does not have. It does have however “L” next to the <52>, does this stand for Left? Agreed the CH is a date code, or is it lol!
Yes it is a good tip, trying to thread the lock ring on. My tip is to put your thumb nail in and turn, it tells you where it wants to go, or look right at the first thread, if it goes to the left or right, thats what it is.
I will add a different Swiss cup soon that I have
somewhere……..