Hello Everyone

I am instaling a Miche Primato BB, the first ever, and I seem (no no not my first BB just my first Miche) to either misplaced any dierections or it never came with any.

my question is quite simple, does it matter which way the cartridge goes in? other than a model and size I see no indication of how to insert it. it is a 107 symetrical spindle so no help there. does this little black O ring looking thing have to one side in particular?

also any idea what I should torque it to? BTW not that is should matter the threading is English

thanks a bunch

I'm not familiar with that particular bb either but convention says you install the spindle (for an older cup-and-cone type) or cartridge so that the engraving on it would read properly from the seated riders viewpoint if the bb shell were transparent. So, from that, it seems the O-ring should go on the drive side as shown in your photos.

I had this exact question when I was installing a Miche Primato bb. A quick email to Miche and they confirmed the bb can go in either way. My advice would be to use some blue thread locker on the threads.

OK thanks for the replies. I sort of thought it was either way but you know the old reliable 'install it so you can read it' idea kept popping into my head. just wanted to double check.

now about that blue locktite.... I do have a some OPI Russian Navy nailpolish, it isa fabulous dark cobalt color will that work?

I built a couple of bikes with them. I found that Loctite was not necessary because the aluminum threads on the rings are cut so that they are a tight fit in the BB shell threads. That may not be the case with every BB, though.

It doesn't really matter which way the cartridge is installed. It's symetrical and the spindle turns both ways.

Oh yessss, dahling, your bike will look FABULOUS!!!

The cartridge in Miche's BB is made in the Czech Republic (or Slovenia), and used by numerous companies. The groove is for a version with a plastic RH cup having a lip which snaps into it. It's also provided with various spindles, some of which are asymmetric and so marks the right side.

Since the Miche BB is symmetric and doesn't use the groove, it doesn't matter which way you put it in. Unless, of course, you're concerned that someone will shine a light down the seat tube and call you a sloppy mechanic.

BTW- these units do not need locktite unless your BB threads are very sloppy, but be sure to grease the overlap between the cartridge and inside of the cups, or there's a good chance that it won't ever come out.