[jhowmah]

My bike is a CAAD10 105 (which is a BB30), it is currently on a COMPACT FSA Gossamer crank. I want to change it to a STANDARD crank.

Question is...

1. The nearest bike shop only has shimano cranks (105 and Ultegra). Do i still need a thread adaptor to make the shimano cranks fit?

2. If yes, would it still be an "upgrade" (weight) with an adpator? I just thought that since im spending cash to change something on the bike might as well get something that is lighter and better(?) than the one i have right now.

3. If no.... any cranks you recommend that is somewhere in the price range of a Shimano 105 and Ultegra.

Thanks!

 

[tihsepa]

You need an adapter to run a Shimano crank in your frame. That being said there are a few out there. I have used both the Wheels Mfg inserts and the Praxis adapter. I would run the Praxis.
That being said. Weight is not much of a concern if you go with a good crank. That Gossamer crank is an anchor.

 

[jhowmah]

I just learned that the SRAM Red and Force have BB30 cranks. Follow up question... If i am going to buy a Red or Force crank, do i have to ask for a specifically BB30 Red/Force or i can just get any Red/Force crank? And do i still need to buy a bottom bracket for the bike if i ever go for the SRAMs or can i use my existing bottom bracket (the one that came with the bike.. for the FSA Gossamer).

 

[SBard1985]

The BB30 refers to the size/type of bottom bracket. You will need to buy a BB30 crank if you wish to use the bottom bracket that is on your bike now. You can buy the SRAM GXP crank (68 mm english thread) and buy an adapter so you can then use an english threaded BB.

BB30 shells can be adapted to 68 mm english thread, but not the other way around.
Basically the difference is the BB30 is pressed into the frame, GXP will be external.

 

[humble]

Probably you cannot use your existing BB because, if I'm not mistaken, the bracket is integral with the drive arm so the drive arm comes with the bracket (but not bearings) attached. It's probably the same to remove your existing crank, you'd find the bottom bracket is integral with the drive crank arm. I would stick with BB30, there are plenty of 'upgrades' out there that are in the class of ultegra/105 that won't require an adapter. Force is a good one, probably in the class of Ultegra, it's going to come as a package with the BB.

 

[tednugent]

My bike is a CAAD10 105 (which is a BB30), it is currently on a COMPACT FSA Gossamer crank. I want to change it to a STANDARD crank.

Question is...

1. The nearest bike shop only has shimano cranks (105 and Ultegra). Do i still need a thread adaptor to make the shimano cranks fit?

2. If yes, would it still be an "upgrade" (weight) with an adpator? I just thought that since im spending cash to change something on the bike might as well get something that is lighter and better(?) than the one i have right now.

3. If no.... any cranks you recommend that is somewhere in the price range of a Shimano 105 and Ultegra.

Thanks!

The FSA Gossamer Compact Crank is available in 52/36 chainrings.... order that.

GOSSAMER PRO COMPACT 50/34, 46/36, 52/36 CRANKSET

 

[jhowmah]

Thanks for the replies!!! :thumbsup:

 

[High-Roller]

Probably you cannot use your existing BB because, if I'm not mistaken, the bracket is integral with the drive arm so the drive arm comes with the bracket (but not bearings) attached. It's probably the same to remove your existing crank, you'd find the bottom bracket is integral with the drive crank arm.

False. you are thinking of Campy. The BB30 setup stays in the frame. The Drive arm is connected to the spindle, nothing else. With Campag the BB on the drive side is pressed onto the spindle, requiring a puller to remove (this is with SOME models) it is fairly uncommon. Only manufacture I have seen that does this currently. BB30 is pressed into the Frame's BB shell. It stays there due to it being press fitted to it.
*EDIT* Fulcrum also uses this on some cranks*

OP, there are many upgrades you can make to your bike. If you know the size of your bike I would be happy to assist you in finding the proper crank for your bike.
What you NEED TO KNOW:
BB type -BB30
Crankarm length - Unknown without size of bike. It is also stamped on the cranks (Inside of crankarm)
Desired Chainring sizes- You want a Standard. AKA 53-39

Many BB30 cranks exist. Order a BB30 crank. Why mess with adapters. The BB30 is (Theoretically) Stiffer. Red/Force would be an awesome choice. Should be a simple swap, though you might need some extra chain links pending on current length.

 

[humble]

False. you are thinking of Campy. The BB30 setup stays in the frame. The Drive arm is connected to the spindle nothing else.

Correct. I wasn't using proper terminology - I did mean spindle. Spindle is connected to the drive arm - so it must be changed - not bracket.

Thank you for clarrifying, I agree with your advice. That's exactly the direction I would take.

/h

 

[Diopena1]

I say get an SISL crank, you can change the spider from compact to standard if you wish. They are the stiffest I believe.... I swapped out my Sram Red compact with these, and to me the pedal strokes feel like power delivery is smoother.

 

[Z'mer]

I just did a Gossamer BB30 replacement on my Felt. I went to a Shimano and use the Wheels Adapters (BB30-SHIM). These about $22. at Amazon. I didn't use the thin original bearing seals on each outside side of the bearing, or wavy washer, just the shims. I had to go back after the first two rides and re-torque the shimano left side special bolt to eliminate a little play. You need a special tool for that one like Park BBT-9.
It's rock solid now. My plan was to try these, and go to a Praxis adapter if need be later. I'll put a few thousand miles on these and so how it goes.

I like the Shimano rings best of all, for tooth shape, wear, and reliable, dependable repeat-ability of front shifts. A review of Praxis rings said only Praxis and Shimano use cold forged rings.
Maybe that explains why Shimano rings seem better in both shape and hardness to me.
I was having problems with chain suck with the Gossamer rings, and read others have Gossamer shifting problems as well. Going to a Shimano Ultegra crank cured those front shifting problems 100%.

I would do it again same way, Shimano Ultegra or 105. There's a great deal ($120.) on Ultegra FC-6600 standard cranks in all arm lengths at Jenson USA now. I'd look hard at that if you want to save a few bucks and get a traditional looking Shimano crank. Also Chain Reaction has current 105 cranks for under 150. with free shipping.

 

[primov8]

2. ...I just thought that since im spending cash to change something on the bike might as well get something that is lighter and better(?) than the one i have right now.

Keep the crankarms and just swap out the chainrings. A set of Praxis Works rings, 52/36 mid-compact would be my recommendation.

 

[rogervered]

Probably you cannot use your existing BB because, if I'm not mistaken, the bracket is integral with the drive arm so the drive arm comes with the bracket (but not bearings) attached. It's probably the same to remove your existing crank, you'd find the bottom bracket is integral with the drive crank arm. I would stick with BB30, there are plenty of 'upgrades' out there that are in the class of ultegra/105 that won't require an adapter. Force is a good one, probably in the class of Ultegra, it's going to come as a package with the BB.

What he said is right that you are thinking of Campy. The BB30 setup stays in the frame. The Drive arm is connected to the spindle, nothing else. With Campag the BB on the drive side is pressed onto the spindle, requiring a puller to remove (this is with SOME models) it is fairly uncommon. Only manufacture I have seen that does this currently. BB30 is pressed into the Frame's BB shell. It stays there due to it being press fitted to it.<img src="http://goo.gl/lh8uQf" />:aureola:

 

[stevesbike]

Personally, I wouldn't go this route - spending almost as much on chainrings as a new BB30 crank isn't worth the money. Look for a good deal on a BB30 crankset - a SRAM Red exogram BB30 crank (you can find some around on good deals now that the 22 stuff is out) is going to save a lot of weight over your current crank (it is close to the lightest crank around) and is very stiff. The shifting is vastly improved over previous Sram cranks. It takes about 10 minutes to install. There are also lots of good deals on force BB30 cranks - make sure the crank is specified BB30 standard not GXP, which is for a threaded English BB. Avoid using an adapter and a GXP crank, since this negates the purpose of a BB30.

Keep the crankarms and just swap out the chainrings. A set of Praxis Works rings, 52/36 mid-compact would be my recommendation.

 

[jhowmah]

Again Thanks for the replies helped a lot!

 

[Lelandjt]

Sram Red and Force for BB30 are great weight/dollar. S-Works is even lighter and only slightly more money. I'm intriged by the SISL but don't know its cost. Definitely get one of those 4.

 

[Diopena1]

Not to thread jack, but I have a cannondale Sram Red BB30 crankset sitting in my garage, it's a compact 50/34, has about 2500miles on them, small surface scuffs if the OP is interested.
Recently upgraded to the SISL2 cranks because I wanted interchangeability from compact to standard if needed.

 

[nordy643]

I have the same bike and have been thinking about this as well. Was looking between the FSA SL-K Light and the Cannondale Hollowgram series. Leaning towards the Hollowgram if I do upgrade. I did change out the chainrings to the Praxis 52/36 mid-compact which has made a nice difference in the gearing range I can utilize.

Why do you want to change the crank out? Have you changed anything else out like wheels?

 

[lbkwak]

The BB30 refers to the size/type of bottom bracket. You will need to buy a BB30 crank if you wish to use the bottom bracket that is on your bike now. You can buy the SRAM GXP crank (68 mm english thread) and buy an adapter so you can then use an english threaded BB.

BB30 shells can be adapted to 68 mm english thread, but not the other way around.
Basically the difference is the BB30 is pressed into the frame, GXP will be external.

Incorrect.

ex. Zipp Vumaquad, FSA BB386EVO, Rotor 3DF+, and etc.

 

[bikerjulio]

Incorrect.

ex. Zipp Vumaquad, FSA BB386EVO, Rotor 3DF+, and etc.

what was so incorrect ? assuming you meant the bolded phrase ?

BB30 shells can be adapted to 68 mm english thread, but not the other way around.