Middleburn Crank not fitting onto Bottom bracket

Edav97

Devout Dirtbag
Hi all,

I’ve got a Middleburn crank and a 113mm bottom bracket and the drive side does not fit. There’s a washer that it hits before fitting snuggly onto the taper. I’m not quite sure why this is as the crank is recommended for use with a 113mm bottom bracket.

Please see the attached pictures if you can offer any advice!
 

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The washer on the axel needs to be removed - it is a pointless Shimano thing.

You can weaken the washer with an appropriate drill with the other end of the axel in a vice. Work slowly because you don't want to damage the bearing seal. You will then be able to prise off the remaining stupid washer with a screwdriver.

Otherwise, get rid of the whole thing and buy something like a Token, Neco or others that didn't make life difficult.
 
Iirc you can grip the washer in a vice, then turn the axle with spanner and the washer comes off.

I wondered at the time what they were there for - probably just to introduce incompatibility with non- shimano or aftermarket chainsets.
 
The washer on the axel needs to be removed - it is a pointless Shimano thing.

You can weaken the washer with an appropriate drill with the other end of the axel in a vice. Work slowly because you don't want to damage the bearing seal. You will then be able to prise off the remaining stupid washer with a screwdriver.

Otherwise, get rid of the whole thing and buy something like a Token, Neco or others that didn't make life difficult.
Wow so this was much easier than expected. Didn’t even need to take it out of the frame. A gentle pry with a screwdriver and it popped off with no pressure at all!

It does however leave me with two concerns. The crank does in deed fit on now, thought without bolting it in place there is barely a couple millimetres left between the crank and the bottom bracket shell. There is also not much room from the edge of the axle and the crank body making me wonder if it’ll be able to tighten down enough.

Picture explain this far better than I can!
 

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You need a longer BB axle.
I feared. Damn it. I’ve always read 113mm for these cranks. Think it was even recommended on a post I made here.

What would be a more suitable length? I’ve only even read 113. Just paid for this one to be fitted too haha
 
I’ve 2 sets of RS7 running 118mm BB’s on a 73 shell.

I’ve a pair of RS7 on a 68mm shell with a 113.

I’ve also a RS-1 but I’d need to check that one’s length. But I thinks it’s 122.
 
I’ve 2 sets of RS7 running 118mm BB’s on a 73 shell.

I’ve a pair of RS7 on a 68mm shell with a 113.

I’ve also a RS-1 but I’d need to check that one’s length. But I thinks it’s 122.
These are RS7s and the frame is 68mm shell. So I’m really not sure why the 113mm isn’t working.
 
These are RS7s and the frame is 68mm shell. So I’m really not sure why the 113mm isn’t working.

Is it a rider or wall art?

It’s close but will spin. For the sake of a cheap BB just throw another one that’s longer in to give peace of mind if it’s a rider.
 
Is it a rider or wall art?

It’s close but will spin. For the sake of a cheap BB just throw another one that’s longer in to give peace of mind if it’s a rider.
It’s definitely a rider. Planned to be my everyday bike tbh so definitely needs remedying!

it wouldn’t be a new build if it all went to plan

Any recommendations on a suitable length?
 
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