I have an older frame that I want to build with new parts, but before I go and buy some Campy Record I wanted to find out what my limitations will be. I did a lot of forum searches to find some answers, and I think I got more confused. I know that I will need a BB that matches my cranks but I'd like to get a used set to save some $$, it seems that there are a ton of limitations.

• When I buy a crank set will I then be able to head down to my LBS and have them find a BB that will fit my frame?

• I'm clueless as to what size of BB my frame needs as far as English/Italian, thread sizing and diameter.

Any help will be much appreciated.
Zott

What kind of frame is it?

It's an Aquila that has never been built. The person that I bought it off of said it was Italian and was late 70's. When I posted pics last September I got response that it is late 80's and all I can find on Aquila is Canadian. I'm not sure if bikes were ever built under the Aquila name in Italy, but the Aquila decal has the boot of italy on it and the Columbus decal is in Itailan, "TUBI SPECIALI RINFORZATI". There is an 8 stamped into the BB shell.

Unfortunately I can't find the pictures and my camera is on vacation with out me. I will post them as soon as I can.
Thanks

Entire issue is moot, pick out the crankset first, and then go to your LBS and get yourself hooked up with the proper bb. They should be able to tell you all the specs you need to know.

If you have calipers you can measure the inside diameter of your BB shell. This inside of the thread measurement is slightly smaller than the [outside] thread designation. ~34mm means english (outside 34.8mm = 1.37"). ~35.2mm = Italian (outside = 36mm). Or if you have an English BB to play with, see if you can push it right in. If so, Italian, if not , English. But w/o calipers or old BB to try threading, head to your LBS.

So I tried my English BB and the shell is too small. Sheldon's site does not show any BB that is smaller than an English BB. Any help on what size it might be.

Too small as in way too small, or too small as in maybe chasing (cleaning out and straightening) the threads will allow you to thread in the BB?

Biggest one: the credit limit on your card.