FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Bottom Brackets

What size (spindle length) bottom bracket do I need?

First, it is helpful to understand chainline. You’ll also need to know the make and model of the cranks you are using. Then take a look at either this chart or this one. For older crank information you can also visit VeloBase.

If you have a press fit bottom bracket (Merlin, Klein, Fisher, Ritchey, Fat Chance) and need replacement parts, we have spindles and bearings that will work. Merlin takes our PWX93 bearings while all others take our PW003 bearings. We do not have replacement spacers/clips. We also make an outboard bottom bracket that will fit “older” press-fit Klein models.

What is the difference between JIS, JIS low profile, and ISO tapers?

Phil Wood offers all three tapers to try and best meet the needs of our customers who are using square-tapered bottom brackets. An explaination of the different bottom bracket tapers can be found here. In brief, most modern cranks will take the JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) taper, in addition to Campagnolo cranks produced before 1994. After 1994, Campagnolo moved to the ISO (a.k.a. Campy) taper. The less common of the three tapers offered is the JIS low profile, which is used in some specific older-model Dura Ace cranks.

Is it recommended that grease be applied to the axle taper of my Phil Wood bottom bracket before installing cranks?

We recommend that a light film of grease be applied to the taper. This is only a recommendation for Phil Wood bottom brackets, as our taper was designed with grease in mind.

Do I really need to use a thread retaining compound (such as Loctite) on my bottom bracket cups? Can I use grease?

Please use a mild thread retaining compound (242 – blue). Make sure both the frame and the cups are free of grease before applying the thread retaining compound. Be careful not to put any of the thread retaining compound on your frame, as it could damage the paint if left too long.

I have an old Phil Wood bottom bracket, can I buy new threaded cups for it, or do I need a new bottom bracket?

You can simply purchase a new set of cups, as our bottom bracket has not changed since 1971. The same cups and tools will work on our original bottom brackets and our current bottom brackets.

What is an E-type derailleur/bottom bracket? Does Phil Wood make an E-type compatible bottom bracket?

E-type derailleurs connect on the frame at two separate contact points, at the bottom bracket and near the seat tube. Standard derailleurs connect on the seat tube area only. The E-type reaches all the way to the bottom bracket. Phil Wood does make a compatible bottom bracket (part BMRBE) which has a wider drive-side cup and comes equipped with a lockring. The bottom bracket installation procedure is the same as with our standard bottom brackets, and then the front derailleur bracket will slide over the cup and the lockring will be threaded on and tightened down to secure the lower derailleur bracket. In place of the E-type bracket, some have installed a bracket with fittings to mount a chain guard.

HUB DIMENSIONS

The spreadsheet covers wheel specs for hubs produced in 2008/2009. Please make sure your hub measurements are compatible.

Phil Wood hub dimensions (pdf)

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION PDFS

Bottom bracket installation
Outboard bearing replacement tool instructions
Lil’ Phil grease gun instructions
Half-link eccentric installation
Torque specs
Philcentric installation instructions

CONTACT

For sales and product questions: sales@philwood.com
For service and technical help: service@philwood.com
For sponsorship inquiries: sponsorship@philwood.com

phone: (408) 298-1540
fax: (408) 298-9016
mail: 385 E Taylor St., Ste. 110
San Jose, CA 95112