Tom Sanders wrote:
>Someone (Mark Agree) was wondering about the proper orientation of it during
>installation.
>
>My question would be why install it at all?
The inside of a bicycle frame is a surprisingly dirty place, even if you have a closed-top seatpost. There are random bits of left-over brazing flux, rust flakes, paint chips and filings floating around in there.
A bottom bracket sleeve keeps these things from contaminating the bearings.
No reputable mechanic would assemble a cup/cone bottom bracket without a sleeve of some sort. That would be totally mono-buttocked.
Back in the day, I used to make 'em out of beer can stock...
Sheldon "Keep The Bearings Clean" Brown
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