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 105 SC crankset from the early 90's (double chainring model FC-1055) is compatible and the intended match for this bottom bracket. As a result, this offering is one of Shimano's better quality bottom bracket from this period. It's not high-end Ultegra or Dura-Ace quality, but the critical component pieces (including the races), appears to have received some additional finish-work attention, which should improve performance and possibly longevity. It also retains all of the "sealing" features of the higher-end cup-n-cone bottom brackets...including the rubber-like ring inserts that line the inside of each cup to prevent dirt and other elements from entering through the spindle/axle opening...as well as the flexible plastic sleeve that presses against the inside of each cup to form another seal to keep dirt and other elments from getting to the bearings or races from other openings in the frame (i.e., seat tube opening for the saddle, etc).

Also (and as noted above), the square-tapered spindle ends are compatible with other Shimano cranksets, but please check your crankset's spindle/axle length requirements before attempting to use this offering with another Shimano crankset...and we can try to help in this regard should you have questions). We empasize this last point, because chainline has a direct impact on shifting performance, so even though selected Shimano 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.