I'm working on two mixtes with Swiss bottom brackets. A '79 Motobecane and '84 Peugeot. I'll be reusing the cups on both bikes. First, I'll be using single chainrings on both bikes so I want shorter axles. Even if I wanted to reuse the originals, the races are pitted.

I figured this would be straightforward as the info on the interwebs indicates all Swiss BBs are 68mm. But, when I compare the axles to the replacement axles my LBS has in stock and with the Superbe and Superbe Pro axles I have on hand, the distance between races is longer.

Where do I find replacement axles for these BBs? I'm looking for something in the 113mm neighborhood

There's a Sutherland's chart showing the dimensions of a wide range of BBs, and I'd think something on there would help. I'll try to dig that up.

Neal

You can download the 7th edition here:

https://icelord.net/bike/sutherland.htm

I don't think the Swissness has anything to do with it. You just need a spindle made for thin cups.

Are you aware of a source?

Just eBay. Some sellers are willing and able to provide measurements.

I'd use the one that's closest in pic and add a spacer under the fixed cup. Or take them to an old time bike store and go through the spindle drawer with then to see what will work.

With a little reading, I've found that apparently I need a type 5 spindle (for a 70mm bottom bracket). As yet, I've found none close to the 113mm I need.


Have you done this? I assume you're suggesting using 2mm worth of spacers?

Here's a decent chart of spindle dimensions. I'd say diameter is more important than length. Too short might not give you enough thread for the lock ring but a millimeter or two too long would be ok. Look for french spindles. They're really similar to Swiss.
https://mountainbikers.hubsystems.com...s/chapter9.pdf

Here are the two cranks I'll be using. The Motobecane is getting this Shimano 600. The Stronglight is going on the Peugeot. I'm not sure which model crank this is, but it's 122 BCD and I assume it is ISO taper.



I think this spindle (70x115 JIS) should work great with the Shimano 600. This bike is going to be setup with a 44t single ring, 14-34 5 speed freewheel and Suntour Vx RD.

The Peugeot will use an IGH or flip-flop hub so chain line is a bit more important to get as close as possible. I'm thinking that this Campagnolo spindle (70x111.5 ISO) should be pretty close to perfect if not a bit too short. What to do. . .

Thoughts?

If you have a 68mm shell, just use an axle designed for a 70mm shell.