So I’ve been having bottombracket problems for a year now. Replaced the bb30 bearing still creaking. So I just installed a bb30 to 24mm adapter by Elvedes. A friend had a really good shimano crankset lying around which I bought from him.
The installation of the adapter went smoothly. I then slid in the new crankset and….the small chainring is rubbing my frame scratching it. And there is no room for my left crankarm to go.
What am I overlooking. Does anyone have a good idea or suggestion. Thinking of taking my bike to the nearest river, throwing it in and start searching for another hobby…. Thank you all for your advice.
by jandeman73
11 Comments
There is a chance that your frame cannot use that crank. There are limits on chainring size on many gravel/MTB bikes.
What is the frame?
Gravel frame with a road crankset, that combo does not work. You need a gravel crankset that runs the right width for your setup. Also are you sure you got the right bb? I have heard more people with simular issues where the bb ended up being wider than the one they replaced.
>the small chainring is rubbing my frame scratching it.
you are using a 53/39 crankset? bikes have limited clearance at the chainstay. gravel bikes even more so since they have to run wider tires than roadbikes. most gravel frames can’t clear more than 48/31.
>And there is no room for my left crankarm to go.
I assume you used a BB30 adapter in a BB30a frame.
BB30a frames are 5mm wider and need a special asymmetric bottom bracket.
You’re probably running into this problem. Cannondale just had to make things difficult. [Cannondale BB30A and PF30A explained – Kogel Bearings](https://www.kogel.cc/blogs/kbba/cannondale-bb30a-and-pf30a-explained)
Wide.
Gravel drivetrain chain lines are offset by 2.5mm to make room for the wider tyres, so it’s very likely that your frame was not built to be equipped with road components. The safest way to go about this is to check your bike manual for compability before buying components.
If you have a trek checkpoint, the max size chainring your bike will accept is 50/34t because of the offset. BB is wider so you definitely have a fit problem. Cranks and BBs are not universal fits. You need to research compatability .
Creaking bearings can also be just a lubrication issue. Did you receive the correct instructions with the new install?
That’s definitely a bb30a adapter. It’s wider and has one outboard side. Unsure what bike you have but unless it’s a Cannondale road bike that is the incorrect adapter.
Some cranks rub against some frames. Some frames are dimpled in that spot. Some cranks have bolts that protrude more than others. It’s a frustrating problem I also dealt with when trying to fit new cranks on an old bike. I decided on a new frame.
Oh, this is one of the reasons why I got rid of my Topstone…