Headpost

I was trying to remove the bottom bracket from an early 70's PX-10 tonight and I couldn't get the fixed cup off. There is what looks like a lockring on this, the drive side, as well--which I'm now thinking might come off clockwise like a "normal" BB? To counter the forces from pedaling? I am completely ignorant about French bikes so, sorry if this is an obvious question. I think I managed not to actually ruin or destroy anything, so that's something. Thanks in advance for any help.

noobinsf 

It's not a lockring, just a groove that identifies it as French thread. That's going to unscrew counter-clockwise (aka, opposite what you'd expect from a fixed cup).

Headpost

Thanks! At least I wasn't trying to turn it the wrong way.

JackJohn

Check the flat sides spacing for the appropriate wrench. Chances are that is a Stronglight cup, implying the use of an impossible-to-find-wrench. If that’s the case you can use a 36mm and file it to have the right fit. An adjustable wrench will hardly work if the cup is well stuck, because of the cup’s thin height and lack of grip, you will need a flat wrench to be held in place with something to prevent sliding, there are many diy tools on this forum showing how to do it.

JohnDThompson 

The homemade Sheldon Brown tool should be able to remove the cup.


But unless you are replacing the entire bottom bracket, why not just clean the cup in place and repack with fresh balls and grease?

Headpost

Funny, there’s another active thread dealing also with the issue of whether a fixed cup needs to come off during a BB overhaul.

In this case I think I will just leave it in place since there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with it besides some dried up old grease and I certainly don’t have the right wrench or tool.

I’m not near the bike but a little more than 36mm sounds right so I’m guessing it is a Stronglight.

Maybe someday it will have to come off, but maybe not.

Thanks again for all the help

SurferRosa

Smart.