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BB30 / PF30 Compatibility


andyfev's picture

By andyfev - Posted on 08 July 2014

NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.

I'm considering a custom bike build but can't make sense of the bottom bracket situation. I understand the different types but can't work out if the crank arms are compatible with all BB30 and PF30's? Reason I ask is I can't find a PF30 specific crank. All cranks seem to be BB or GXP (I figure the GXP needs a GXP BB).

I won't be putting the BB in myself but still need to know which cranks to buy... If I can get a custom build within budget (which is gonna be hard).

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andyfev's picture

Ok, so I've managed to answer my own question after I found this forum:

http://forums.mtbr.com/drivetrain-shifters-derai...

Thought I'd share the link incase others wondered too. In summary;

The frame dictates which BB is required whether a 24 or 30 spindle and if BB or PF

A PF frame cannot run a BB bracket and vice versa

Cranks made for a 30 spindle are compatible with either a BB30 or PF30

SRAM is the typical 30 BB manufacturer

crank's picture

There are a number of adapters that allow a PF30 frame to run 24mm Shimano cranks.

bmar560's picture

BB30 and PF30 uses the same cranks, the only difference is that PF30 is pressfit, but the spindle have the same diameter.

Shimano's are 24mm. I was going through the same research before I bought new cranks.
You can run adaptors like these ones http://praxiscycles.com/conversion-bb/ if you want to run Shimano cranks on a BB30/PF30 frame.

I ended up buying XO cranks

andyfev's picture

@bmar560 are the X0 cranks the x01? I've been dreaming about running X01 or XX1 cranks. Question is whether the X01 chain ring can be removed and reinstalled without removing the crank arm? I know the XX1 has this feature but can't find mention of it for the X01... Which probably means it can't Eye-wink

bmar560's picture

The cranks might be the same but the spiders will be different between the X0 and X01.
Not sure about the changing chainring feature.
Removing the driveside of the cranks shouldn't too hard, I'd imagine.

andyfev's picture

Thanks. I'm pretty certain it's only a feature of the Xx1 crank which has a 76BCD spider

pharmaboy's picture

For x01, yes rings can be removed without removing the crank. The xx1 also, but it goes down to a 28t ring, smallest x01 is 30t

As bmar said, bb30 is screw in version of pf30. All cranks are the same. Narrowest Mtb Q factor is with the sram bb30 - down to 156
Note - this is a cannondale invention originally.

GXP fits std BSA bottom brackets, as does shimano, and they are not compatible with each other.

And to confirm bb30 or pf30 means you must have a frame specced as that , though you can choose other options with adaptors.

magicalex's picture

You can't screw in a BB30.
You could screw it up though.

pharmaboy's picture

Lol, fucking standards!

http://wheelsmfg.com/bb30-vs-pf30

Muppet signing off.....

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