Alternative to a TA 314 axle for a fixed gear bike

[marxist_fixie]

I know the ideal for a set of TA Cyclotouriste cranks for a single chainring is a TA 314 axle [111.5mm].....that would be the ideal but what are the alternatives if a TA314 axle cannot be sourced?

The next question is, what is the correct axle width?....in ISO or JIS [if either can be used].

I'd appreciate some guidance on this matter.

 

[fossyant]

Assuming it's JIS, go for a UN54 110mm BB. That's what's in my Fixed.

 

[marxist_fixie]

The question is it JIS?...Looked at this forum, other forums and the internet in general and opinion is divided. Some say ISO...others JIS....others again say TA Cyclotouriste is neither ISO or JIS but a French taper unique to TA and Stronglight.....one person suggested if using ISO, i should use a 111mm BB and if using JIS use a 109mm BB!....bearing in mind the 314 axle is 111.5mm in length.....confusing!!

So, fossyant, i take it, you use a TA cyclotouriste with a single chainring and run it with a UN54 110mm BB? If so, what is the chainline?.....i have a 110mm JIS BB...that would make life simple for me...your cranks are not snagging the frame at all?

 

[fossyant]

Nah, I use something more modern ! - can you 'borrow' a BB from a mate - even an old one. 109-111mm is like 1mm on each side - nothing ! What does Google throw up ?

If you have a 110 mm JIS then give it a go - see if the cranks fit first, and the clearance, and then check the chain line. 1-2mm won't make much difference.

I've got a modern fixed running 110 BB and proper track hubs and cranks - so there is no messing !

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Reading between the lines in Sheldon's BB database it would appear the vintage #314 is neither ISO nor JIS. As Fossyant said the best thing to do is to try with your 110mm JIS, that result might help us derive what works best even if it doesn't.

Fwiw, Shimano's (hence JIS) 107mm and 110mm (there isn't a 109mm actually) square tapered BBs deliver exactly the same chainline - the 107mm is highly asymmetric while the 110mm (110.5mm to be precise) is nearly symmetric.

The pic in Sheldon's shows the #314 is 2mm longer on the drive side, meaning the matching chainset is expecting same, worth keeping at the back of mind, although it might not matter at the end of the day.

 

[marxist_fixie]

To complicate matters even further....my 107mm BB is a Stronglight and the 110mm is a Velo Orange and they are both symmetric i believe....so where does that leave me?

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

To complicate matters even further....my 107mm BB is a Stronglight and the 110mm is a Velo Orange and they are both symmetric i believe....so where does that leave me?

As you know when I said the 107mm is highly asymmetric, I specifically said that is for Shimano square tapered.

It is impossible to say regarding your Stronglight/Velo Orange unless you know the vintage/spec.

If you look at Sheldon's database, it talks about vintage Stronglights (said to be similar to vintage TA's), and newer ones which are supposed to be JIS.

All the current Velo Orange BBs seem to be JIS.

 

[marxist_fixie]

The Stronglight is NOS....but not ancient either....and it is JIS....http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s110p142.....it is i believe a SBBA

....Velo Orange is a current model

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

....Velo Orange is a current model

So why not try this one with the chainset, torque it up, measure the front chainline and see what it is?

 

[fossyant]

Decisions decisions - just try it - no-one said do 150 rpm down a big hill to test it !

 

[marxist_fixie]

OK in the short term i'll give the JIS 110mm bb a go but longer term i want to get a TA bb....now?

Would a 344 axle be a total disaster for the chainline?..I know getting a 314 is best but they are difficult to find.

A 314 axle=111.5mm and a 344 axle=116mm. A total of 4.5mm difference which equates to 2.25mm on the drive side. Could i use a washer to move the sprocket out 2.25mm as a counterbalance to the extra width of the 344 axle? Alternatively, will 2.25mm make that much of a difference? Its just that 344 are much easier to source than the 314 BB/axle......Any opinions on this?