Question about Campy BB Spindle Lengths
10-02-14, 02:19 PM
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Question about Campy BB Spindle Lengths
Hello all,
I'm looking at a possible purchase online right now of a Campagnolo Gran Sport bottom bracket. It's labeled 68-SSG. And it has a 116 mm spindle which seems absurdly long.
Can anyone tell me if this will work with a 120mm frame and this 3320 crankset?
116 seems awfully long for the spindle length to retain a 43,5 mm chain line. I have another Campagnolo BB I just threw on the frame as a test. It's a 114 mm asymmetric spindle and put the chain line at 45 mm which was way too wide for the 5 speed free wheel (the only place it would be straight is on the smallest cogs).
So what gives? Why make the spindle so long? Is it likely intended for a 7-speed?
Also, as a related question, would it be unholy of me to install an asymmetric spindle backwards? I also tested that and there's a good 5 mm of clearance between the chain stays and chain ring and crank arm. It would mean the non-drive side crank arm is sticking out a bit far... but no big deal right? Or am I missing something here?
Either way, that 2nd question is a bit irrelevant for the 116 mm spindle because I'm pretty sure it's symmetrical. In that case, I'm just wondering why two Campagnolo parts from the same group set would yield such a wide chain line.
Thank in advance!
I'm looking at a possible purchase online right now of a Campagnolo Gran Sport bottom bracket. It's labeled 68-SSG. And it has a 116 mm spindle which seems absurdly long.
Can anyone tell me if this will work with a 120mm frame and this 3320 crankset?
116 seems awfully long for the spindle length to retain a 43,5 mm chain line. I have another Campagnolo BB I just threw on the frame as a test. It's a 114 mm asymmetric spindle and put the chain line at 45 mm which was way too wide for the 5 speed free wheel (the only place it would be straight is on the smallest cogs).
So what gives? Why make the spindle so long? Is it likely intended for a 7-speed?
Also, as a related question, would it be unholy of me to install an asymmetric spindle backwards? I also tested that and there's a good 5 mm of clearance between the chain stays and chain ring and crank arm. It would mean the non-drive side crank arm is sticking out a bit far... but no big deal right? Or am I missing something here?
Either way, that 2nd question is a bit irrelevant for the 116 mm spindle because I'm pretty sure it's symmetrical. In that case, I'm just wondering why two Campagnolo parts from the same group set would yield such a wide chain line.
Thank in advance!
10-02-14, 05:59 PM
#2
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According to Sutherlands, a spindle marked 68-SS G would be an Athena spindle
A-B-C lengths, compared to a Gran Sport double
31-54.5-31 SSG (Athena, 116mm)
27-54.5-30 68-SS-120 (old) Record, Gran Sport
The 27 on the Gran Sport is actually the non-drive side, so it might work. The left crank arm will be out 4mm from the Gran Sport spindle, the right (DS) will be out 1mm, which shouldn't matter much. Both are for thin cups (non-rifl*ed)
The Gran Sport spindle was supposedly 112mm total.
A-B-C lengths, compared to a Gran Sport double
31-54.5-31 SSG (Athena, 116mm)
27-54.5-30 68-SS-120 (old) Record, Gran Sport
The 27 on the Gran Sport is actually the non-drive side, so it might work. The left crank arm will be out 4mm from the Gran Sport spindle, the right (DS) will be out 1mm, which shouldn't matter much. Both are for thin cups (non-rifl*ed)
The Gran Sport spindle was supposedly 112mm total.
10-03-14, 12:57 PM
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Ah thank you! That explains it! I've cancelled the order in time. Can't be having an Athena BB mixed into my GS group.
Regarding the 2nd spindle you gave measurements for, with the long side on the non-drive side, does that mean you can use an asymmetrical spindle whichever way you choose? It shouldn't matter right, as long as you have the clearance?
Regarding the 2nd spindle you gave measurements for, with the long side on the non-drive side, does that mean you can use an asymmetrical spindle whichever way you choose? It shouldn't matter right, as long as you have the clearance?
10-03-14, 05:48 PM
#4
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No, the 30mm would go towards the crankset (driveside). Swapping ends, the crankset would be too far inward (might actually hit the chainstay).
10-03-14, 07:00 PM
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Hello all,
I'm looking at a possible purchase online right now of a Campagnolo Gran Sport bottom bracket. It's labeled 68-SSG. And it has a 116 mm spindle which seems absurdly long.
Can anyone tell me if this will work with a 120mm frame and this 3320 crankset?
116 seems awfully long for the spindle length to retain a 43,5 mm chain line. I have another Campagnolo BB I just threw on the frame as a test. It's a 114 mm asymmetric spindle and put the chain line at 45 mm which was way too wide for the 5 speed free wheel (the only place it would be straight is on the smallest cogs).
So what gives? Why make the spindle so long? Is it likely intended for a 7-speed?
Also, as a related question, would it be unholy of me to install an asymmetric spindle backwards? I also tested that and there's a good 5 mm of clearance between the chain stays and chain ring and crank arm. It would mean the non-drive side crank arm is sticking out a bit far... but no big deal right? Or am I missing something here?
Either way, that 2nd question is a bit irrelevant for the 116 mm spindle because I'm pretty sure it's symmetrical. In that case, I'm just wondering why two Campagnolo parts from the same group set would yield such a wide chain line.
Thank in advance!
I'm looking at a possible purchase online right now of a Campagnolo Gran Sport bottom bracket. It's labeled 68-SSG. And it has a 116 mm spindle which seems absurdly long.
Can anyone tell me if this will work with a 120mm frame and this 3320 crankset?
116 seems awfully long for the spindle length to retain a 43,5 mm chain line. I have another Campagnolo BB I just threw on the frame as a test. It's a 114 mm asymmetric spindle and put the chain line at 45 mm which was way too wide for the 5 speed free wheel (the only place it would be straight is on the smallest cogs).
So what gives? Why make the spindle so long? Is it likely intended for a 7-speed?
Also, as a related question, would it be unholy of me to install an asymmetric spindle backwards? I also tested that and there's a good 5 mm of clearance between the chain stays and chain ring and crank arm. It would mean the non-drive side crank arm is sticking out a bit far... but no big deal right? Or am I missing something here?
Either way, that 2nd question is a bit irrelevant for the 116 mm spindle because I'm pretty sure it's symmetrical. In that case, I'm just wondering why two Campagnolo parts from the same group set would yield such a wide chain line.
Thank in advance!
