i'm almost finished with my project, a repainted 86 Team Miyata that i'm outfitting with a Superbe Pro friction group. i attempted to install the crankarms today, but i've found that the inner 42t ring rubs against the chain stay. i've been unsure about the proper length for the double BB spindle -- i've heard either 109mm or 112mm was the correct size. the BB i have is 109mm. i've heard 109mm and 107mm for the track BB. the one i have would probably be correct for track.

unfortunately i sold my Superbe BB that was 113-114mm or so. i've had two of these, and both looked a little less nice than the Pro. the Superbe Pro I have has black seals on the two cups, and the Superbe BBs did not.

any tips? does anyone have a Superbe Pro friction group and could measure the spindle? anyone willing to sell one of the longer Superbe BBs, or trade for the one i have? i've included a picture of the Superbe BB i sold.

I believe the early 1980's' Superbe/Superbe Pro used 112mm spindles for 68mm shells and 114mm for 70mm shells. Hopefully, someone else can confirm. The other thing to consider is the assymetry on the old spindles. The drive side was usually longer, so if you accidentally put it in backwards there would be rubbing. However, 109mm does sound to short for a spindle of that vintage.

thanks. it's not that the BB was installed backwards, i checked that. the 1987 suntour catalog shows 109mm for Superbe Pro, but this is the later indexed group. the specifications must have changed when the new Superbe Pro was introduced.
https://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/v/...ge+21.jpg.html

the logos on the bottom bracket i have indicate the pre-1986 group, so i'll assume it's a track BB from that period. so i'll be looking for a new BB. anyone have one?

I measured a Suntour Superbe spindle stamped "68". It's from a 1982 Trek 736 that I'm in the process of rebuilding. The spindle measures 113 total and the drive side is slightly longer. Measured from the center of the raised flange to the tip, the drive side is 34mm, the opposite side 31mm. Can post a pic if you want-cheers.

damn, that sounds like exactly what i need. a picture would be nice. thanks.

fwiw-Brian

I just pulled a NOS Superbe Pro BB out that I have and checked it out. It's english threading and my calipers put it at 112mm. I don't think you can put the spindle in backwards because when I pushed the cups, bearings and spindle together it appears the same amount sticks out both sides. I'm not positive but I think you could also use the parts from a Sugino BB also. In answer to your question of "Anyone have one", Yes but here's the story. I am kind of partial to it for it is part of a complete NOS Superbe Pro group that I have that I am using for a build. The thing is though that I need an Italian Superbe Pro BB. I found a guy on this forum that had one but he wanted a pretty penny for it. I'm only hanging on to it in case I need it trade for an Italian Superbe Pro BB. So if anyone is reading this and has an Italian Superbe Pro BB(NOS) reasonably available then its yours for the same price.

well i'll certainly be on the lookout for one. if you let me know about the guy you found and he still has it, I'll see if our definitions of a "pretty penny" coincide. it is the only part left i need, so i'm inclined to spend more on it so i can finally get this bike on the road. if you decide to part with yours, i will be your best friend forever.

He wanted $250, or he'd trade his BB for my BB and hidden spring brakeset, nice offer but I wasn't born yesterday. And yes I still have his name.

i see. that is certainly a very pretty penny.

i'll pass too.

One more thing I'd trade for is if I could get my hands a San Marco Rolls. Not just any Rolls but the 1986 World Championships model that they made. I saw one NOS on ebay around a year ago and regret ever letting it pass for I doubt I'll find another.