Well to partly answer my own question, some further searching did find
instances of "perno" meaning axle or spindle, specifically in bike
jargon.
I even found an online dictionary that translates English cycling jargon
into Italian - for Italians. I'd give the URL but it's an off-topic,
MTB site. Well alright, here it is, just don't tell Dale:
http://spazioinwind.libero.it/
It defines "Spindle" as: Perno, asse (usato in genere per il perno del movimento centrale)
So a perno can definitely be a BB spindle. Still wondering what brand of ultralight kit those instructions came from.
Mark Bulgier Seattle WA USA
> -----Original Message-----
> From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org
[mailto:classicrendezvous-
> bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Mark Bulgier
> Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2007 11:23 PM
> To: Classicrendezvous
> Subject: [CR] Italian translation help, about an ultralight parts kit
> (OMAS?)
>
> The following instructions came with a kit of ultralight replacement
> parts for a Nuovo Record gruppo:
> _________________________________________
>
> AVVERTENZE PER IL MONTAGGIO DEL MATERIALE IN LEGA LEGGERA
> SU BICICLETTE DA CRONOMETRO E/O DA RECORD
>
> Sterzo - Inserire 31 sfere da 1/8.
>
> Movimento - Inserire 13 sfere da 7/32.
>
> Tirare le pedivelle con normali viti in acciaio - poi sostituirle con
> quelle in lega leggera - quando si monta il perno in Titanio.
>
> Non avendo il materiale in lega leggera le stesse caratteristiche
dell'
> acciaio bisogna avere riguardo nel serrare viti, bulloni, ecc.
> _________________________________________
>
> Here's my stab at translating:
>
> WARNINGS FOR THE ASSEMBLY OF THE MATERIAL IN LIGHT ALLOY, ON BICYCLES
> FOR TIME-TRIAL AND/OR RECORD
>
> Headset - Insert 31 1/8" balls.
>
> Bottom bracket bearing - Insert 13 7/32" balls.
>
> Pull the cranks on with normal steel bolts - then replace them with
> those in light alloy - when the Titanium axle is mounted.
>
> Since the light alloy material does not have the same characteristics
> as steel, care must be taken in tightening screws, bolts, etc.
> _________________________________________
>
> Critiques and suggestions by Italian-speakers (native or not) would be
> appreciated.
>
> I am most worried about the definition of "il perno" (in line 9 of
12).
> My dictionary says it can mean "hub" in automotive lingo, but of
course
> these instructions aren't talking about a hub in bicycle terms. I'm
> thinking a hub is, metaphorically at least, the central item in a
> rotating machine contraption, and that could refer to the BB axle in
> this case.
>
> But if so, why would it make any difference for the purpose of this
> sentence, that the perno is Titanio? The instruction to pull the
> cranks
> on with steel bolts, then substitute the aluminum bolts, is simply the
> normal way. I just don't see why it would matter whether the axle is
> steel or Ti - we do it the same either way. That's why I think I'm
> missing something.
>
> Babelfish thought perno meant "hinge" - any sense to that, or is
> Babelfish just being useless as ever?
>
> Next question - does anyone recognize these instructions and/or know
> what brand of ultralight kit they may have come with? At first I
> thought OMAS, but then I thought maybe not, since the OMAS Ti BB uses
> sealed cartridge bearings, not loose 7/32" balls. It would have to be
> a
> brand that had a headset that took 1/8" balls, and that part does
agree
> with the OMAS theory.
>
> I don't have the kit, I just have the instructions. I know the kit
> came
> with aluminum replacements for:
> * NR rear derailleur upper and lower pivot bolts,
> * two-bolt seatpost parts: upper and lower cradles, bolts and barrel
> nuts
> * F & R hub axles (yes I'm pretty sure they're Al, not Ti)
> * conical "nuts" for hub Q-R skewers, possibly with D-rings (not sure)
> * 5 standard chainring bolts/nuts
> * cone for the stem expander - 3T? Cinelli?
>
> All parts were silver (clear) anodized if they are anodized at all -
> not black or any other color.