> I'm pretty sure this is the way things work:
>
> The real issue is the crankset and whether it was made before
> 1978 (pre
> CPSC) or 1978 and later. The earlier cranks
> take a shorter spindle, and the markings are 68-ss-120 or
> 70-ss-120 with the
> English spindle being 112mm or so and the Italian
> spindle being 113 or so. Post CSPC cranks need a longer
> spindle (~3mm and
> labled 68-ss or 70-ss) to accommodate the lip on the front
> derailleur
> mandated by the CPSC.
> So new cranks mounted on an old spindle will push on too
> close to the frame,
> old cranks on a new spindle may be slightly too far out,
> although as someone
> mentioned, with old cranks where the tapers are worn that may
> be ok.
>
> None of this has anything to do with rear spacing.
>
> All of this stuff is on the web somewhere...
Jim,
Your comments are all true, but not at all what I was trying
to point out. So let me leave you with this. One day, you
might purchase a spindle marked "68-ss" with the expectation
that it will be the asymmetrical style, 113.5mm long, and
configured for use with thick walled cups. But do not be
surprised if, instead, you have acquired a 1992 Athena spindle,
which is symmetrical, 111mm spindle, that is configured for
thin walled cups.
Cheers,
Fred Rednor - Arlington, Virginia (USA)