Another bulletin from the "Riders of French $%#@" CR Team. We are momentarily expecting Dale's capitulation to our nonnegotiable demand that all CR members be forced to acquire at least one vintage French bike.
I've just acquired a TA Cyclotouriste triple crankarm set, 26x42x47. I need some expert advice on the proper bottom bracket. The arms are destined for my '75 PX 10. (getting old is hell, now almost all my bikes are triples.)
1. What is the proper spindle length? 119 mm? 121 mm? Something else?
2. Are there any possible substitutions from another brand that would work? Would a Stronglight spindle work with these arms, or a Nervar or a Shimano? Would (ha, ha!) a Campy triple spindle work? (I ask because I have a set of french Campy BB cups that would fit the frame, leaving me just the spindle to acquire.)
3. The simplest solution is to get a Phil Wood bottom bracket. (Yes, that would be the easy way, but it wouldn't be the French $%#@ Team way.) If I am forced to that extremity, would the Phil spindle be the same length as the answer to #1?
4. Anyone with such a bottom bracket to sell/trade? User quality fine, not a concours restoration. If so, please contact me off list.
Thanks again, group.
Tom Adams, Kansas City.