[CR] 1960s Cinelli b.b., and Campy 74-SSS-120 Z spindle

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing:Falck)

From: <FujiFish1@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2010 00:39:23 EDT
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR] 1960s Cinelli b.b., and Campy 74-SSS-120 Z spindle


The other day I saw (in pieces) a really nicely worked Cinelli SC from about 1963, and the Record b.b. spindle is marked 74-SSS-120 with the famous Z under it. Yes ... that's a triple "SSS"! The Cinelli b.b. shell is indeed 74mm wide, the rear is spaced at 120mm, and the bike is equipped with a standard looking double road crank in 151bcd. I forgot to measure the overall width of the spindle, which I'm sure would help figure out what it is, but if needed, I can make a call. Pretty sure the spindle is original, so the famous "Z" demarcation seems to go back at least to the 60s. Never seen this spindle before, never heard of this spindle before, and the archives seem to have absolutely no record of it being discussed or mentioned on any of the lists.

Since a Pista spindle is marked with only one "P", being designed for a crank with only one chainring, and a Strada spindle is marked with "SS", being designed for a crank with two rings, I'm now wondering if "SSS" could mean that it is designed for a triple crank. Anyone know anything about this thing?

Here's pics of the spindle, and also a couple shots of the b.b. shell (serial number 1556), with oiler plugs above and below: <http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/fujifish1/VintStuf/Parts/Cinelli63Campa gnolo/> Or, TinyURL: http://tinyurl.com/ychd8s8

I'd also like to ask the opinion of any remaining Cinelli experts on list, to say whether or not the b.b. plug screws are original or replacements? Thanks...

Ciao,
Mark Agree
Southfield MI USA