[CR] Cutout bottom brackets?

(Example: Framebuilders:Norman Taylor)

From: <Stronglight49@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:22:49 EDT
Subject: [CR] Cutout bottom brackets?
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


I have only one bike with large slots cut out of the bottom of the bottom bracket shell. However, I've seen this on many others including some rather recent R. Sachs bikes, so it seems acceptable practice. Never thought to ask before, but I do have several simple and perhaps obvious questions:

Why? ...was this purely for weight reduction? ...my bike also has drilled front & rear Campy dropouts.

When did this begin? ... my bike is from the late half of the 1970s

A good idea? ...Seems like it would invite rust.

When and why did this cease to be popular on production bikes?

Was this favored only on bikes of certain nationalities? ...mine is Italian made.

Only on "Racing" bikes?

I would love to hear anyone's opinions or hear of concrete examples to illustrate time frame.

Bob Hanson, Albuquerque, NM, USA

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