BB Spindle length - better to go longer or shorter?
05-30-22, 09:06 PM
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BB Spindle length - better to go longer or shorter?
Was sort of having this convo in two unrelated threads and figured I'd just start my own for some traction.
Swapping out the BB in my Voyageur (86) for a sealed unit, and the original spindle is 121.5 (asymmetrical). People have recommended both 124 and 127 in modern sizing and I'm really not sure which to go with. 124 loses me about .5mm, but 127 seems a little on the long side. FWIW I'm going with Velo Orange simply because I like supporting them and have only had good experiences.
Thoughts?
Swapping out the BB in my Voyageur (86) for a sealed unit, and the original spindle is 121.5 (asymmetrical). People have recommended both 124 and 127 in modern sizing and I'm really not sure which to go with. 124 loses me about .5mm, but 127 seems a little on the long side. FWIW I'm going with Velo Orange simply because I like supporting them and have only had good experiences.
Thoughts?
05-30-22, 09:17 PM
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I guess the key here is the term asymmetrical. I had a 119 asymmetrical and went for 124 and had no difficulty. I just got lucky I guess.
Better check really close before mounting and make sure you get free returns at Velo.
Of course you know this...
Better check really close before mounting and make sure you get free returns at Velo.
Of course you know this...
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05-31-22, 12:16 AM
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I've got two bikes currently using sealed bb's that are a bit too short, but work with a drive side spacer. Both have chainrings that are a little bit too close to chainstays, but don't touch, yet. When I get around to it, I'll install longer ones, but for now they work fine.
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05-31-22, 04:32 AM
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I tend to go with the shortest spindle I can while maintaining correct chainline. My knees seem to notice small differences in Q Factor and the narrower the better for me.
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05-31-22, 06:28 AM
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I’m no expert and have only done a couple, but my choice is shorter when a “perfect” one is not at hand. My reasoning is that on the inner chainring, most likely it gets most of its use on the innermost larger cogs in back for climbing and such. The outer ring for me would be on the center part of the freewheel..YMMV though.
05-31-22, 06:36 AM
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We should start a bottom bracket loaner program for these scenarios since it’s likely we’ve all been there.
Just thinking out loud…
Just thinking out loud…
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05-31-22, 10:49 AM
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I posted in your other thread where you quoted me before I noticed this thread. I would go 122 with a spacer on the drive side to make up for switching to a symmetric spindle. I think either a 1mm or a 2mm spacer would get you in the right area. If I was you, I would buy one of each just to make sure.
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Andy
Andy
05-31-22, 04:44 PM
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Why not measure the existing drive side spindle end to cup (or better yet, to the paint), and then ask VO to send the one that’s the closest match?
06-01-22, 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by due ruote
Why not measure the existing drive side spindle end to cup (or better yet, to the paint), and then ask VO to send the one that’s the closest match?
