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Removing the fixed cup from a European type bottom bracket assembly.

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cyclingday

I'm the Wiz, and nobody beats me!
I’ve never had much luck, removing the fixed/drive side bearing cup from a European type bottom bracket assembly.
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These thin wrenches are fine for installing the cup, but leave a lot to be desired when trying to remove the cup after many years in the field.
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So, with much frustration, I consulted Mr.Wizard, aka The IPhone, and low and behold, Sheldon Brown comes to the rescue once again.
His solution was quite simple and very effective.
A 5/8” bolt a couple of washers and a 4” piece of water pipe.
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You thread it down, and give it some umph!
And walla!
You’ve just easily removed what was once thought to be impossible.
The fixed cup is usually a reverse thread, so in this case, Righty = Loosey.
That’s critical info, so pay attention!
Early French bikes were different, Righty = Tighty, so you do need to know where your bike was made.
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This frame was made in Chicago, but the bottom bracket component was made in
St. Ettiene, France.
So I did have my doubts, if I was cranking it the right direction, but was soon relieved when I felt the cup give way, and start to unscrew without any damage.
Thank you, Sheldon Brown, for coming up with a simple solution to an otherwise daunting task.
Easy Peasy!
 
I'm glad that Sheldon's bolt and nut tool worked for you. I consider it an inexpensive last-ditch option which sometimes works.

You would be better off with a fixed cup tool like the one that Var makes


Campagnolo and Hozan also make similar tools.
 
Interesting tool, but at $154.00 dollars, it’s hard to see how that could work any better than Sheldon Browns $4.00 dollar option.
Leverage is a big part of it, and that little T handle looks pretty lacking in the leverage department.
I guess I’d have to see it in action.
 
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the two grooves (rings) and eight sides of the cycle's Stronglight fixed bottom bracket cup indicate that it is BSC "English" thread so one turns it clockwise for removal


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