VIntage Campagnolo Bottom Bracket - Where to buy?

1981.

I need to replace the BB in my Gitanes, specs seem a bit odd and I can't find anything on the the 'bay - anyone have any ideas where I could get a Campy BB of the following spec:

118mm Axle Length
BB Shell 68mm
Thread 1.370 x 24 tpi

Any help would be gratefully received, I've given up trawling the auction sites.

NervexProf

Give J D Whisker a call - they have been long time 'campy' specialists.


http://www.hotfroguk.co.uk/Companies/J- ... ing-Cycles

schlepcycling

Try Mercian Cycles http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/

Slow Downcp

If neither of those can help, try http://www.campyoldy.co.uk/

NervexProf

Another possibility..worth a phone call if only to check out likely sources:

http://www.campyoldy.co.uk/index.htm

1981.

Thanks guys, I'll send them all an email/call.

It's a bit of a weird position to be in, was given a vintage frame, complete with vintage Campy groupset to be my first geared bike.

But the BB was seized onto the crank arm - bit of heat and force later I have a farked BB and crank arm but at least it's out of the frame.

Thought it would be cheap to fix-up and use as a hack, now with this BB shell issue its becoming an expensive fix.

So, should I split the bike and components and buy a second hand geared (couple of hundred quid off Ebay).

Or do I man it out, look for any original components and try to fix her up as best I can (bearing in mind I'm getting quickly bored of this project).

NervexProf

1981. wrote:

Thanks guys, I'll send them all an email/call.

It's a bit of a weird position to be in, was given a vintage frame, complete with vintage Campy groupset to be my first geared bike.

But the BB was seized onto the crank arm - bit of heat and force later I have a farked BB and crank arm but at least it's out of the frame.

Thought it would be cheap to fix-up and use as a hack, now with this BB shell issue its becoming an expensive fix.

So, should I split the bike and components and buy a second hand geared (couple of hundred quid off Ebay).

Or do I man it out, look for any original components and try to fix her up as best I can (bearing in mind I'm getting quickly bored of this project).

Much depends on the quality of the frame - pic would help?

I would 'man it out' if the frame is good.
- some of my restorations here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/41489547@N04/

1981.

NervexProf wrote:

Much depends on the quality of the frame - pic would help?

I would 'man it out' if the frame is good.
- some of my restorations here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/41489547@N04/

NervexPrfo - thank you! You're projects have spurned me on to 'man it out' - I'll get some picks of the frame/components this weekend. You've got some lovely bikes in there!

1981.

OK, here's some bad snaps of the frame:

NervexProf

Thanks for the pics 1981 - the frame is highly preservable - some links for you here, covering Gitane, Colombus Cromos tubing - and a pic of Prugnat, short point lugs which appear to have been used on your frame.

Have you considered a refinish, using powder coating? - much more durable being 50 microns thick, rather than the 5 microns normally found on a wet spray finish.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gitane

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Gitane

http://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/columb ... schart.htm


http://www.flickr.com/photos/25373440@N00/261373832/

1981.

Great, good to know it's a go'er with the frame, and thanks for all the links – I love finding out about stuff.

Nigel from Campyoldy is helping me out, and may have a c/set+BB to fit.

It's not from the same groupset, so in the first instance I'm just going to get it on the road - after that I may be into matching collars and cuffs in terms of it's groupset and may even go for a new paintjob.

One of my rides is already powdercoated, and although I like the finish ease of use and toughness, I think I'd go for enamel if it was to be re-done.

Again, though - thanks for all the links and info. Hopefully it won't be that soon before she's on the road.

NervexProf

You have made good progress 1981.

Some decals for Gitane here: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Cyclomondo_ ... itleDesc=1

- and Atlantic Boulevard seem highly rated on the forum for a re-enamel

link here: http://www.atlantic-boulevard.co.uk/

Looking forward to seeing pics of 'her' refurbed and ready to roll!

Best of luck...and stick at it.

1981.

OK, an update - just installed new cranks and spent today overhauling the front & rear derailleurs.

Next up getting the wheels checked.

NervexProf

Looking good, very good.

NervexProf

Looking good, very good.

NervexProf

Looking good, very good.

dennisn

I have a question. Probably a stupid one. Anyway. Campy has only recently gotten away from square taper b/b's. Has their b/b changed over the years? I mean, square taper was used for a good long time. What's the difference between an "early" one and a "later" one? If anything?