Pros: Vast crankset compatibility, open standard, threaded design easy to service and prevent from creaking, same dimensions as PF30 More recently, Cannondale announced a variant of BB30 called BB30A. This uses a shell that’s 5mm wider than the original but it’s an asymmetrical layout that only adds those extra millimetres on the non-driveside. According to Cannondale, this allows for wider bearing spacing and better spindle support (which should improve bearing longevity). An early, unillustrated, pre-war catalogue from the 366 Upper St. days lists the following available models:- "Club" model

First used on the brand’s SuperX ‘cross bike, the standard works in exactly the same way as BB30A, but sees the shell ballooned out to 83mm wide, improving tyre clearance and, supposedly, stiffness. The steeper seat angle makes seated climbing a bit easier. The longest climb on the test loop was a half-mile leg burner with an average gradient of 12% and sections over 25%. When the company was transferred to Holdsworth Cycles a completely new metal headbadge was designed and remained unchanged until the demise of the name.

Our] Hollowgram SiSL2 crank with SpideRing weighs 484g. By comparison, Dura-Ace 9000 weighs around 678g [we recorded 637g in our review – ed]. In addition to weight, another BB30 advantage is stiffness. By increasing the spindle diameter, you increase its resistance to twisting, which is where the bulk of the deflection in a crankset comes from. Roughly 70% of total deflection measured at the pedal comes from axle twist.”

The explosion of standards is not good for consumers or dealers,” Doyne continues. “The bottom line is that bike companies are driving the standards. Threaded systems have very few limitations — they are easily cleaned and repaired at the shop level, and they do not affect the bearing fit.”So I’d not go bigger than 29×2.6in – still a big tyre. The Whyte 529 is also routed for a dropper seatpost, contrary to appearances.

looks like the factory joints I see on ourus-style Oxy-Fuel adapters all the time. Be safe, observeThe cable goes into the down tube (a different grommet is required) and runs internally all the way to the dropper, passing through the frame above the axle. Tidy. It’s fiddlier to get at, should you need to, and the same can be said of the internally routed gear cable and brake hose.

Specialized‘s OSBB system is nearly identical to BB/PF30 but with a few key differences, according to the company’s director of advanced research, Chris D’Aluisio. Covering BB30 in any way, shape, or form would not be complete without mentioning what probably is the number 1 complaint about this standard. With the front wheel further out front, there’s less chance you’ll dive over it. The seat angles of both bikes are steep so the front wheels aren’t so lightly loaded that they’ll snow-plough through turns or lift up on climbs. When squeezing the budget to build a bike to a price, tyres are usually one of the first casualties. Not here. Both bikes use decent all-round tyres from Maxxis: Ardents front and rear for the Voodoo; Ardent front and a faster-rolling Crossmark II rear for the Whyte. In concept, at least, all of the standards we’ve covered are functionally sound. But the realities of relaxing tolerances can create other issues.

Components

If for some reason the threads are really tough and need a thorough cut (could be that tapping was never done on the original install), you may need to apply oil several times. Cervélo introduced the new BBright system on the R5ca, and while it offers some sound engineering advantages, other companies have been slow to adopt it Immediate Media