Please note the spindle/axle length is fairly important, because Shimano cranksets (and other brands) generally have different profiles. This is key, because it's the combination of the bottom bracket spindle length and the right-side crank arm profile that will have the greatest impact on chainline. There is not as much information on these older style cup-n-cone bottom brackets, but we believe Shimano's chainline recommendations (for their cup-n-cone bottom brackets) should be consistent with their newer cartridge bottom bracket offerings. Assuming this fact, a chainline of 43.5 mm (measured from the center of the seat tube to the midpoint between the two chainrings on a double crankset) or a chainline of 45.0 mm (measured from the center of the seat tube to the middle chainring on a triple crankset) is considered optimal for a road bike. Alternatively, a chainline of 47.5 mm (measured from the center of the seat tube to the middle chainring on a triple crankset) is considered optimal for a mountain bike. The only other consideration here is that Shimano also specifies that a 50.0 mm chainline may be preferred for a mountain bike when the front derailleur is mounted on an oversized seat tube...pushing the front derailleur further to the right.

Given these parameters, there are probably a number of cranksets that may be compatible with this bottom bracket...although our research indicates that Shimano's 600-Ultegra crankset from 1989 to 1997 (double chainring model FC-6400) is compatible and the intended match to this bottom bracket spindle. This is not a surprise to us, as Shimano's 600-Ultegra groupset from this period was very good quality...and second only to Dura-Ace in the Shimano pecking order. To this point, when we compare this bottom bracket spindle to some of our other cup-n-cone spindle offerings, these appear superior. More specifically, the finish work, especially as it relates to the races, appears to be better...which should improve performance and possibly longevity. We also believe the materials used to manufacture these higher-end cup-n-cone offerings have more favorable strength/stiffness characteristics relative to less expensive cup-n-cone offerings, but we do not have any information to confirm our thoughts...just some limited experience and feedback from colleagues.

Also (and as noted above), the square-tapered spindle ends are compatible with other cranksets, but please check your crankset's spindle/axle length requirements before attempting to use this offering with another crankset...and we can try to help in this regard should you have questions). We emphasize this last point, because chainline has a direct impact on shifting performance, so even though selected crank arms may have the same square-tapered interface, if their spindle/axle length requirements are different from this offering, then there is a strong possibility that shifting performance will suffer...so please pay particular attention to spindle lengths when it comes to purchasing any bottom bracket (or related component pieces).