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French thread bottom bracket options

by cjdinc
Thu, Jan 28, 2016 14:33
6

I recently purchased an old 1980s French frame (Vitus 999 tubing). I was hoping to put a new Campagnolo Athena groupset on it. Unfortunately, the bottom bracket is a French threaded cup and cone bottom bracket with a square tapered axle measuring 119mm overall (not sure whether it is JIS or ISO?).I really wanted to put a modern groupset on it so I would welcome any suggestions as to what my options are now.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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6 comments

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Dr. Ko | 8 years ago
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The square tapered axle will most likely be ISO. In respect to 118/119 mm lenght, this might fit certain crank sets like a Dura Ace 7410 or a Mavic Starfish. I think I'm running 9 or 10 spd rings with a 9 spd Yumega chain and a 8 spd cassette. I think my bb is a Stronglight. looking for Stronglight I came across this shop they stock some french stuff.

Hope this helps!

Dr. Ko

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matthewn5 | 8 years ago
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If you want Athena 11 speed for the rest, I'd go for a Campagnolo Chorus 10-speed square taper crank from 1999 on (the 'Record Titanium' era). If you can get a French thread BB in 103mm axle length, that should suit the crank. It will look right with 11 speed Athena, and it should work perfectly, as the differences between 10 and 11 speed front cranks are minute. There are plenty of them about; mine cost £30 in near mint condition off Ebay.

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CXR94Di2 | 8 years ago
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Look at this for comparison
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cribsheet-bottombrackets.html

If the bike is special to you then speak to a frame builder to see if they could replace the bottom bracket for something more modern, ignoring cost and repainting!

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Redvee replied to CXR94Di2 | 8 years ago
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CXR94Di2 wrote:

If the bike is special to you then speak to a frame builder to see if they could replace the bottom bracket for something more modern, ignoring cost and repainting!

 

No need to repaint the frame. IIRC you can get the BB shell reamed and sleeved with a 1.37"x24tpi thread. I've had it done by Argos but can't see it on their website now.

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cjdinc | 8 years ago
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Thanks for the suggestion. I would really like to fit something a bit more up market than Claris. I thought about a  10 speed Tiagra double groupset and a Stronglight JIS crank but Stronglight seem to suggest a 103mm JIS BB whereas 103mm BBs seem to be designed for Track Cranksets i.e. a single crank not a double.

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huntswheelers | 8 years ago
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one of these.....118mm but fine.... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/191105554879?adgroupid=13585920426&hlpht=... with a Claris set up should work (may have to go FSA Tempo or similar crank) as many Claris crank are Octalink BB..... Or go with a YST 119mm thread less BB and go from there

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