External Bottom Bracket - Numpty Question

[Whatleymeister]

Right, coming straight out with this - Bottom Brackets. I have had a search on here for info and while some threads are helpful, they don't fully explain what I want to know.

Basically I have a '97 Kili Comp frame and (flame me later if you feel the need!) I am building it up with almost entirely modern kit. Now, I want to build it up with race face cranks that have an external bottom bracket but I am getting all confused with the whole chainline thing and spacers etc. The rear wheel will be a 9 speed cassette on a Hope Preo2 EVO hub.

I dont know the bb shell size off hand, but how do I know if I will need spacers or not? Does the hub just take a 9 speed cassette and it will all fit ok?

Can someone point me in the right direction for advice, or please explain it to me in laymans terms so that I can get building!!

Thanks

Dan

 

[Scarfacexxx08]

Yes it will fit fine, you will need to face off the BB shell so it fits flush. As for spacers depending on the size of the shell you will need to run either 2 spacers on the drive side and one on the non drive side if its a 68mm shell and if its a 72mm shell just the one spacer on the drive side (i maybe wrong on what sizes BB shells come in but you get the idea)?

 

[Whatleymeister]

Thanks! All sounds a little too easy really! I have just stumbled accross the Park Tools chainline info which actually seems to be making sense. So, from what I can gather from Park, the chainline from the centre of the BB shell to the outside face of the middle ring (using a triple) whould be 50mm, assuming that the rear end has a 50mm chainline? So space it out accordingly on the drive side and match the non drive to it.

Making a bit more sense, but I reckon I am good for at least one balls up fitting it all

 

[suburbanreuben]

Tis a piece of cake if you have all the right spacers, not only for the BB to frame, but to fit on the crank axle too. Some cranks need them; some don't...
Some are solid, and some are urethane to preload the bearings and stop the,m flapping about.
ISIS bearing dust seals make good spacers!
As long as your pedals are equal either side, you're OK.