I've used Phil BBs with TA and Stronglight cranks since the mid 70s without any problems.
Sheldon Brown's (rip) description is a little easier to work with than the one on the Phil website:
>http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html
The easiest way to determine the correct Phil BB is to get one that is close in size and configuration of the original spindle. For example most classic Stronglight double BB spindles were 118mm, 120mm or 121mm long. The standard TA double spindles were 116.5mm. The right hand drive side extended further out of the BB than the left hand side. I've used these spindles interchangeably for years. It's bike repair not brain surgery! If it works without any problems then all is good!
Used to be you could call the folks at Phil and tell them I need a BB for such and such brand double or triple crankset to use in a whatever style BB. It was that simple. There have been so many BB variations introduced since the late 70s that they are reluctant to make or don't have the info for many recommendations any more.
You have at least 5mm of side to side adjustment with a Phil BB. In reality, the magical chainline numbers given by crank makers usually turn out to be imaginary goals because none of them take into consideration the real location of the center freewheel cog location, rear hub width, frame alignment or misalignment and so on. Besides that chainline was a much bigger issue back in the days of less flexible bushed chains. Modern bushingless chains have a lot more sideways flex.
Adjusting a Phil BB comes down to trial and error to make sure there is enough clearance between the inner chainring and the chainstay also making sure that there is minimal chain rub on the chainrings when the chain is on the innermost or outermost freewheel sprocket. When you torque the crank arm onto the spindle it will usually seat 1-2mm further than in the untightened position.
Chas. Colerich
Oakland, Ca USA
> Has anyone actually used Phil Wood bb's with TA and Stronglight cranks?
> I am wondering how far outward/inward the TA's and Stronglights mate onto the Phils so that I can determine which Phil could be appropriate (best chance of working).
> Thank you.
> Richard Cielec
> Chicago, Illinois; U.S.A.