[CR]Re BB Axle Material

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 18:13:30 -0800
From: "Bainbridge" <gotfleas@earthlink.net>
To: <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Re BB Axle Material

I would be careful with this one. In the 80's at Specialized we were the biggest Campy distributor in the USA and at the same time made our own spindles in Japan. At one point we started to experience fractures in our spindles due to some heat treating problems. Looking at our Campy returns we saw that this was a problem they also experienced on a regular basis. That prompted some rather extensive testing at Stanford to get after the right alloy and heat treat process to make better spindles. I believe Ric Hjertberg was involved and may have some info on this. (side note; If you remember the Avocet ads that promised a bottom bracket that would shame Campy, you might also remember that despite a year of advertising, those BB's never made it to the market. Rumor was that despite their displays at trade shows indicating incredible fatique resistance, they were never able to make spindles that would hold up.)

Sorry that I can't remember which alloy we eventually settled on to solve the problem. But I do have a suggestion. Why don't you simply call Phil Wood? They used to be quite flexible about making special parts and they have a great track record with their BBs. Worst case they might be able to steer you to the correct alloys.

Good luck.

Bryant Bainbridge
Portland, Or