In my search for parts for a 1948 Benotto, I'm having trouble finding info on cottered cranksets and bottom brackets. I've checked the archives and Sheldon Brown, but can't find much detail. What were the differences between Italian, English and French, and what are the key specs like spindle diameter and length, bearing race spacing, cotter pin diameters, etc. How much interchangeability is there between Italian, French and English components? I assume BB threading specs are the same as for later tapered sets?
Also, I'm still looking for these parts:
headset, bottom bracket and single steel crankset (all probably Magistroni originally) handlebars (probably ttt originally, quite curved across the tops, fairly deep drop) 4-speed freewheel (Italian threading) steel seatpost (need to check the diameter)
Exact originality is not essential - I would like to get this bike on the road this year, so I'm OK with substituting period-looking parts for now. If I can't find that, I'm going to put some new carbon fiber parts on it.
Just kidding about the plastic parts.
Brian Samson
Vancouver, BC, Canada