yellowdog76

So,
I'm looking to put an adjustable cup and cone bottom bracket together with double T.A. Cyclotouriste crankset onto an 70mm wide Italian threaded shell.

I have a line on a TA 344 spindle...
Question is.. Does this spindle use the typical "thick" cups, or thin ones?

Also, Do I have to find a 344 spindle set for my 70mm wide frame? Or did they just come in one size and the +/-2mm made up for on the adjustable cup side?

Yes, I know I COULD put a cartridge BB on this bike, but I am trying to keep it in period and I don't mind the 3 piece BB.

I do have a 115mm Shimano 3 piece BB, but I really don't like how the taper fits on the crank. I'd prefer to use whatever TA has, or ISO.

Charles Wahl

Stronglight and TA spindles are very "wide track", meaning that the bearing surfaces on the spindle (and cups) are quite a bit farther apart than on most other brands. So, by going Italian, which gets the cups 2 mm farther apart, you've given yourself an advantage, but you still might not find cups by another mfgr that will work. If you had to use Campagnolo cups, I'd start with the thin cups. I wouldn't even bother with Shimano, whose spindles/cups are built to much narrower "track". If I'm not making any sense, then just read up on Bottom Brackets in Sutherland's Handbook for Bicycle Mechanics, 6th Edition -- it's out there on the Internet -- sort of a steep learning curve, but the information is there.

John E

I recommend narrow cups. You should have a pretty good selection among European brands. I am currently running a TA 344 spindle and TA cups on my UO-8, w/ a Sugino aero double -- works like a champ.

fender1

I just won a set of TA cups on ebay. I didn't need the cups, just the lock ring. Now I found a lock ring so I don't need any of it. PM me in a week (when they arrive) or so and if you need them we can work out a quick deal.

yellowdog76

Well, I sort of put this idea on hold. I found a 118 Stronglight with Italian cups on ePay. I will just try this and hopefully the tapers will all behave and my chainline will be about where I want it... I anticipate that this will work fine.