So I've been riding a converted Astra (french) 10 speed for a few months now. The BB has been shot the whol time, but rideable. Today, I went to find out more about replacing it with a YST threadless BB. No go. The BB shell for french threading is the wrong diameter for a threadless to fit. Poo. So, basically, now I need a new frame, and I'm really bummed about it. This frame is nothing special, but it's my frame. I need an old road bike that can handle 27" wheels (I built the rear three times, and I'm not gonna get a new one!) between 55 and 60 cm. And I'm not gonna pay much. Craigslist! Bike Church!

huh? a french BB is 35mm which is slightly larger in diameter than an iso 1.37" shell.

did you mean shell width? (because french shells are 68mm long too)

sorry man.. I just gave away a swinn worldsport frame too. 58cm. i will keep an eye out...

I dunno. I kinda forget. I was crushed when the wrench told me it wouldn't work.

Thanks Jamtastic. I'm lookin around too. I actually just lost a chance at a nice frame at the Curch becuase someone forget to claim it as theirs. I was going to buy it, but then he told me it was his. Kinda sucked.

Just 'cause the wrench said it won't work doesn't mean he was right. I've replaced French BB's with Mavic chamfered BB's before with no problems.

I don't know how unspecial the frame is, but I think Phil Wood makes French BB rings.

The frame is about as unspecial as it gets. Gaspipe that is built into a bike that is waaaay too big for me. But I still (kind of) love it. She was gonna get new paint this weekend, too! And several wrenches have told me this (I have more than one talking tool in my collection).

The BB threads/cups are toast, or the bearings themselves? 'Cause you can replace the axle and bearings easily.... and you can retap the threads ... and you can find french threaded cups if you are diligent. If you're looking to replace it with a sealed BB, yeah, you're SOL, but other options exist. I got new bearings and a new square tapered axle for my French conversion for $12, which while not being sealed still works fine.

It'll fit just fine. A guy I ride with has a french threaded Peugeot, and after struggling to find a decent spindle for it he bought the YST. No machining required, the original threads are intact and undamaged.

The first one was junk and the bearings packed it in after a couple of weeks, but the replacement is doing fine.

I did find french cups from Harris Cyclery - $50 a pair. No thanks. Interesting about the YST, Blakey. I just got a PM from the guy you ride with. I'll look for a few more opinions. Of course, looking at the frame, I remember that the right seat stay is bent (not to mention the huge-ness of the seat tube). I might just replace it anyway.

That, and the stem is kind long. Plus the **** paint. And better not forget the bent fork tips. Yeah, I think she's gotta go.