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Old 03-01-07, 07:04 AM
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BB Size

Anyone know what type of bottom bracket a late 90's Eddy Merckx Titanium AX would have? English or Italian?

I've got an Octalink BB and they are pretty difficult to find. It's a short one for a double and I'd like to switch to a triple, but the only one's I can find have been Italian thread, but I don't know what I have and really don't want to pull it just to see.

Thank you!
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Old 03-01-07, 10:48 AM
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What's the bb shell width? That could give an indication of whether or not it could be italian. You can measure this with a ruler or a caliper. Also are there any numbers or markings on any of the exposed BB parts?

I'd just pull the unit if I wanted to be 100% sure.
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Old 03-01-07, 11:10 AM
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Look for engraving on the current bottom bracket. Most have the size and threading indicated somewhaer. Look for something like "BC 1.37" which means English or "36 x 24T" which is Italian.
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Old 03-01-07, 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by knobster
I've got an Octalink BB and they are pretty difficult to find.
You ain't looking too hard. They are all over the place 109.5 double, 118 triple.
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Old 03-01-07, 08:08 PM
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Originally Posted by capwater
You ain't looking too hard. They are all over the place 109.5 double, 118 triple.
Guess I'll look harder. Every place I looked either didn't have the English in stock or they only carried the Italian version.
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Old 03-01-07, 08:12 PM
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Originally Posted by HillRider
Look for engraving on the current bottom bracket. Most have the size and threading indicated somewhaer. Look for something like "BC 1.37" which means English or "36 x 24T" which is Italian.
I took the left crank off and it's stamped Shimano 36 x 24... Guess that's Italian then huh?
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Old 03-02-07, 06:08 AM
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Originally Posted by knobster
I took the left crank off and it's stamped Shimano 36 x 24... Guess that's Italian then huh?
Italian Octalink triple, $55: https://tinyurl.com/ypoylw
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Old 03-02-07, 07:04 AM
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Originally Posted by capwater
Italian Octalink triple, $55: https://tinyurl.com/ypoylw
Yep, thanks. Bought it last night. So just another 4-6 weeks and I should have it. Stupid Nashbar shipping...
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Old 03-02-07, 10:09 AM
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Originally Posted by knobster
Yep, thanks. Bought it last night. So just another 4-6 weeks and I should have it. Stupid Nashbar shipping...
They ain't too bad, ship out of OH. About 5 business days to me here in VA. Their alter-ego Performance ships out of Charlotte. They have a nice red phone setup with no shipping charge to your local store.

Glad you got squared away.
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