Originally Posted by DeafLamb
I could get new French Threaded cups. The problem though is that I use the frame for a fixed gear, and French Threaded BB tend to come loose on the fixed side, which is why they are not used anymore. For some reason this problem was amplified by running the bike as a fixed gear. Probably because of the backpedaling and skipping, not sure though.
Plus the only prices i've seen for French threaded BB parts tend to be a little high for a conversion fixed gear.
-ray
If your cups are coming loose, they have not been properly installed. The BB shell needs to be faced prior to installation. Then, grease up the cup threads, install and t-i-g-h-t-e-n. If they still come loose, clean the cup threads, wrap the cup threads w/teflon tape, regrease and tighten.
One of my personal rides uses a French BB, and it only comes loose when I ask it to.
As far as pricing, as someone else pointed out, you can find good quality Sugino French threaded cups cups for around US$20 a set. The Phil Wood stuff is for the fat wallet set.