Last winter I resurrected an old (92, I think) Fisher Montare and I've been using it as a commuter/beater bike. I managed to find most of the parts that I needed on Ebay. The one part that I couldn't find was a bottom bracket. I fear that I will need one soon.

This is not your average BB. This is the non-threaded type with cartridge bearings that is pressed into the BB shell. The whole assembly is held in place with 2 circlips. I think that I can find the replacement bearings, but I haven't been able to find the BB axle. Anyone have any leads on where I could come up with one? Mine is slightly bent, but still rideable for now. I'd definitely like to replace it if I can find one.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Can you find out who made the cartridge bearings, perhaps the crank manufacturer? I would expect them to use the same spindle as in one of their cartridge BBs, from which you might be able to extract a suitable replacement.

I'm pretty sure that I can get the bearings. It is the spindle that is hard to find. It has definite steps cut into it to keep the bearings and spindle (~127mm) in the proper location in the BB shell. The shell on a Fisher is quite a bit wider than a normal BB shell, around 88mm, I think.

There are definitely Shimano catridge bearing arounds with ~127mm spindles. The Shimano Deore UN25 cartridge has a 127.5mm spindle with old-style square taper endings. Perhaps you can modify it for use in the Montera. Let me know if anyone makes this work. I am thinking of purchasing a old Montera in very good condition, but a new bottom bracket is something you want to be able to buy, and I ride alot. Hopefully the bike I am going to look at this weekend is just pre- the 88mm bottom bracket design which I think is 1991. This bike reportedly has a speckled paint job which is goofy very 1989-90ish fashion. The person I talked to on the phone barely seems to know what the bike looks like --I mean the 1991 is a wierd looking frame. Check it out at: https://www.firstflightbikes.com/1991_Fisher_Montare.htm

Klein used this same system at one time (pre Trek). The bearings can be ordered at your LBS. There should be a 4 digit number on the bearing seal (Klein used # 6003). Bearings have different numbers depending on inside and outside diameters. Also your spindle may not need to be replaced but you can contact Klein (Trek) for parts. You could also try (very carefully) to pry out the bearing seals and clean and repack the bearings. This might get a little more life out of them.

Did you sort this out?

I had the same problem on a 1990 Fisher Montare I am still running. I got a new spindle from Actiontec https://www.actiontec.us/attack.htm. It's not a cheap though as they make the spindles out of hollow titanium but worth it if you like the bike - which I do. You want the spindle with adjustable collars. Bearings are standard available from any bearing retailer. It's easier to fit the new spindle than standard bottom brackets but may need a bit of force to knock the old bearing out if they have been there a while.

yesterday i was browsing the forums (just clicking links to links to links..) and there was this post about such a BB. Of course I can't tell you where that was.. but i clicked the link to the online shop and it wasn't that expensive. I checked my browser history but it wasnt there.... so best advise: use the search and hopefully you find that post.

werent mavic's a no thread bottom bracket probably not what your looking for but worht a look.

I'm guessing that phil wood carries them, as we just ordered and received a bb spindle for a viscount, which uses the same bearing size and circlip, in a 119 mm length. unforunately, the spindle wasn't machined for the clip, so we have to return it! expect to pay a lot for what is essentially a long round cylinder.

I have a Fisher AL-1 that I bought at a garage sale for $75. I'm pretty sure it's a late 80's model. It appears to have the type of BB you described.(although I can't easily get to it at the moment to measure) So maybe look for old beater/broken AL-1's for a second hand replacement.(or at least a straight spindle)