After Anne's unfortunate experience with a dented BB shell, it would likely be a good idea to throw in a couple of junk cups if the frame is being shipped without BB. You could still run a dowel through the cups for lateral reinforcement.
Steve Barner, Bolton, Vermont
> Here's a bb protection scheme that I've used w/o getting complaints from
\r?\n> recipients: If there is no bb assembly, I cut a length of wood (like
\r?\n> broom handle. You don't throw these away, do you?) 1/2" shorter than
\r?\n> the width of the box. On one end, I use a single sheet rock screw (the
\r?\n> universal wood attachment method) through a plywood piece generally
\r?\n> about 6"*6" (15 x 15 cm), with the attachment point offset so the bb is
\r?\n> close to but not touching the bottom. Slip the rod through, and attache
\r?\n> the other plate. To keep the frame from rattling from side to side,
\r?\n> just use some twine passed around the rod and the bb shell a few times.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> If the bike is being shipped with bb installed, use 1/2" plywood or two
\r?\n> pieces of 1/4" on each side, with hole part way through big enough for
\r?\n> the crank bolt. Use crank bolts to attach.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> Not rocket science, just a little playing with the problem. Of course,
\r?\n> the plywood pieces reinforce the cardboard at the points of contact.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> harvey sachs
\r?\n> mcLean va