Bottom Bracket Selection Guide
CAAD 12 Creaking Issues Solved with BBInfinite
My bottom bracket is creaking and I've tried everything to fix it. How does a BBInfinite Bottom Bracket module fix a creaking problem? We fit creaking bottom brackets with proper engineering and precision machining. Watch this brief BBInfinite primer PressFit Perfection to get the lowdown on how we do it while all others fail. I heard that PressFit bikes just creak. Is that true? No, that is completely false information. PressFit bottom brackets offer the potential for the highest level performance possible, thanks to BBInfinite. There is no reason for your PressFit bike to creak, crunch, crack, or make any noises at all. Unless the frame is cracked the bike will be quiet. Can a creaking and popping bottom bracket damage my frame? Yes, it can. A creaking bottom bracket means there's movement between the bottom bracket and the frame. The more a bottom bracket creaks, the more it is moving. This movement over time can wallow out the frame bottom bracket shell openings, enlarging them and elongating them, making them more susceptible to creaking and making it impossible to fit new bottom bracket. Don't freak out, it takes a long time. We've seen only a handful of bikes go in the junk heap due to bottom bracket shell ovalization. Install a BBInfinite module to save your frame, and your sanity. General Bottom Bracket Information Section: How much do the modules weigh? Each module model has its weight published under the product description. Go to the BBInfinite bottom bracket page for the type of bottom bracket you desire and you'll find a series of tabs in the product description area. The "info" tab is open already. The last tab "specifications" is where you'll find the product weight along with it's external dimensions. Do all BBInfinite Modules have bushings in the middle? No. Only modules designed for a 30mm spindle require a bushing due to variances in 30mm crank set design and "set up" from one manufacturer to another. These inconsistencies are mostly in the area of preload adjustment methods that put too much side load on the bearings. These over-preloading situations require the use of a bushing between the inner races of each bearing to ensure proper performance. Shimano DirectFit and Campagnolo DirectFit models do not need a bushing. GXP modules have a short bushing that reduces the bearing diameter on one side, but it is not a full length version found on BBInfinite 30mm crank spindle models. Can I use adaptors with a BBInfinite Module? We'd rather you didn't. Technically, it is possible, but such action departs from the basic principles of BBInfinite engineering methodology. Adaptors cause creaks and bearing alignment problems, and are unnecessary when you can select the proper BBInfinite Module for your frame and crank set for a creak-free, high performance riding experience. How long do the bearings last? It varies. Road applications typically last 8,000-12,000 miles for steel bearings and 8,000-12,000 miles for Ceramitech bearings. MTB applications are entirely dependent upon conditions, especially water exposure. Example: A Category 1 MTB racer can usually go an entire season, racing a full schedule, on a single set of bearings of either type. Ceramitechs are better in wet conditions due to a high degree of corrosion resistance. Will a BBInfinite Module work with my power crank/power meter? Absolutely. We designed them specifically to be compatible with even the somewhat troublesome-to-fit older model SRM cranks. BBInfinite Modules are compatible with all power cranks/power meters. Are BBInfinite Modules compatible with my Rotor Qrings / Osymetric rings? Absolutely. BBInfinite Modules are compatible with all chain rings; be they round, not-so-round, or almost square.
Installation Questions Section: Do I need special tools to install a BBInfinite Module? We supply the special press interface tools (module driver and a standoff bushing) required with any BBInfinite Module purchase. We designed our press interface tools to work with Park Tools HHP-2 or HHP-1 headset presses and our own bike bottom bracket tools. Do I need to use Loctite/retaining compound? If so, which type do you recommend? Yes, we spec a retaining compound. We furnish the required retaining compounds specific to your installation. We send VibraTite 530 with every module, but Loctite 609 or 641 may be substituted. I've recently purchased a BB30A bottom bracket from you to fit a CAAD12. How does the unit interact with the internal cable routing for the front and rear derailleur? The module has the proper relief cutout in the product. Loosen the cable tension to get the snorkel to drop. To loosen to cable tension shift both derailleurs into the big chainrings, then without peddling shift down on the derailleurs. As long as you don't pedal the Derailleurs will be held back by the chain and the cables will slack. Align the module cutout with the frame and install. The snorkel will have room to fit back in the frame and module. Done.
The Cannondale CAAD 12 is a fabulous bike with huge potential for extreme bottom bracket spin performance, that is also extremely silent. It's time to ditch the bearing direct-in-frame BB30A set up for some one-piece BBInfinite precision. So, with this thing opened up now you can really see that the guide protrudes up above the plane where we want it. So, we definitely want this to pop out, and you need to be careful that this little snorkel doesn't get broken or forced. You just kind of want to, you want to angle it out and then pull it free and the cables actually sit down inside this depression; so, it's not a problem. Now that we've got the guide out of the way, it's time to install the bottom bracket. After you read the instructions align these guidelines with the window in the bottom bracket like so. So that these lines correspond with the window. Now that the bottom bracket has cleared the first round, it's loose in the frame until it gets over to the other contact area on the other side. Now you just manually push that over and be very careful to make sure you're not gonna kink these cables. Okay. And then you don't want to catch one and drag it over. You want to get it nice and slide it right over, and then make sure the guide lines are still lined up with the window. just like... that right there. Look at that incredible performance. Your CAAD 12 or Synapse can perform like this too.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.