A bottom bracket assembly for a bicycle is comprised of a spindle and at least
two cartridge bearings. The inner races of the cartridge bearings are axially fixed
on the spindle by abutting stop elements. Crank arms attached to the ends of the
spindle axially abut the outer stop elements, thus ensuring the precise and consistent
axial location of the crank arms. Since the inner bearing races are fixed axially,
the outer race of at least one cartridge bearing may be allowed to float in an
axial direction to ensure proper alignment of the inner and outer races and the
greatest possible bearing life for the bottom bracket.