BB30 conversion using Praxis adapter

Unamed2.0

Hi

I have a creaking CAAD8 BB and it's still creaking away even after multiple LBS visits for bearing replacements, regreasing.

So I've looked through my options and I have been taken with the idea of using a Praxis Works BB30 adapter and a new chainset. Can somebody who knows about this confirm that what I will need is the following:

- Praxis Works BB30 adapter
http://www.praxiscycles.com/product/shimano-conversion-bb/

- A new chainset e.g
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-tiagra-4650-hollowtech-ii-10-spd-compact-chainset/

(this would replace the FSA compact that came with the CAAD8 originally).

Couple of other questions:
- would it be necessary to replace the chain?
- anybody else done the same thing, and for the same reasons? And if so, did it work well.

Thanks.

plodder73

I did exactly that on my Felt. You will need a new chainset but not a chain, or at least I didn't. It worked well got rid of my creaking Bb30.

tim_wand

Be careful. I got an Evo six and wanted to keep my Ultegra 6800 groupset on it. Was determined to get a BB adapter were each half screwed into each other, to eliminate the risk of movement/squeaking between the interfaces.

I initially go at Rotor 30/24 thinking this would do it. The problem was the outer shell diameter was only 42 mm and if you are replacing Press Fitt BB30 then they leave a bottom bracket shell diameter of 46mm to fill.

I eventually got a wheels manufacturing adapter for Press Fit bb30 to shimano 24 and its bloody excellent.

So if you are taking Press Fit BB30 bearings out of your Caad 8 then check the adapter going in has an outer diameter of 46mm not 42. ( this was certainly the case with the EVO six and think the same with all press fit 30 bearings).

If however a Rotor 30/24 will do the job then I ll send you mine for postage.

tim_wand

Okay looks like the one for Press Fit 30 bb includes a sleeve to step down the BB shell from 46mm to 42mm,
Personally I think that adds another interface and possible problems. Have a look at the Wheels Manufacturing one. a little more expensive but is the right size from the off and had great quality bearings.
Mines gone 12 months plus in all weathers without an issue.

phmt

I have a praxis BB30 on my Super Six EVO as do a number of friends and it has completely removed all creaking noise. It's a sound system with little weight gain for the reassurance that the bottom bracket will stay in place. It's also a good quality bit of kit that can be serviced so should last a very long time.

Unamed2.0

Thanks a lot for the comments and advice. Appreciated.

paulmon

I fitted a Praxis adapter to my CAAD10 last year and bought an Ultegra Chainset. Damn think creaked all the time so I removed it, threw it in the bin and sold the chainset. I spoke to Praxis who were helpful but unable to resolve the issue.

Are you sure its the bearing/chainset that is creaking. I experienced a similar issue recently that turned out to be the front wheel but sounded like bottom bracket woes. If you have another bike then go through a process of elimination by swapping bits between the two. Pedals, wheels.

Is the chainset at the correct torque? The bearings are simple things and I have only ever had one set fail in over 3 years. If it is a bearing issue then it could be the frame and if so the praxis wont help.

Unamed2.0

Thanks for the comment.

I am pretty sure it is the chainset/bottom bracket. It creaks on every revolution (more so if I am pushing harder), but if I soak the non-drive side with spray-on lubricant before I go out then the creaking doesn't appear for 15 minutes or so. So I think it must be something down there in the BB area.

The LBS were sure it was not the bearings. They were swapped out and checked - the old bearings were still smooth and fine. Tried some new ones and these then creaked straightaway. So the original ones were put back in with a lot of grease, and it solved the problem ... for 20 miles or so.

I don't really know enough to guess what else it might be (perhaps even a tiny bit of damage to frame at the BB) and it's in hope more than expectation that the Praxis adapter will solve the problem.

perfectmark

I got the OSBB version of the Praxis for my Specialized bike, I got it from Evans and got them to fit it as it was cheaper than getting the tools to do myself. Has removed all creaking for me. I have had it for a few months and my bike still sounds good, where as it only took about 2 months for my bike to start creaking from new with the original fittings.

theotherjake

I fitted the Praxis to my Tarmac and the thing creaked and clicked constantly so I fitted BB30 bearings and Wheels mfg adapters and its been silent ever since. It was fitted exactly as Praxis instructions.

proto

I fitted an FSA BB30 converter to my CAAD10 and it has worked very well. Smear of the included loctite retainer, light interfence fit. Now running SRAM GXP BB/cranks in it and no squeaks or creaks. Cheap too.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/fsa-bb30-conversion-kit/

Unamed2.0

Thanks - I did look at that. I am favouring the Praxis as it would limit the number of interfaces and so less things that could go squeak, but it's interesting to hear that the FSA adapter has worked well.

Can I ask which loctite was used to bond it?

proto

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19681760#p19681760]Unamed2.0[/url] wrote:

Thanks - I did look at that. I am favouring the Praxis as it would limit the number of interfaces and so less things that could go squeak, but it's interesting to hear that the FSA adapter has worked well.

Can I ask which loctite was used to bond it?

A small tube of loctite was included and i used that. I'm assming its a low strength, low temperstre retainer, type.

I used some m12 studding, fat washers and nuts to pull the adaptor into place. Easy enoughto do and I don't anticipate any problems removing it.

Unamed2.0

Right, I'm convinced! FSA adapter it is.

I'm happy with Shimano stuff, but can anyone advise on my choice of actual bottom bracket and chainset?

This Tiagra chainset appeals (cheap):
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-tiagra-4650-hollowtech-ii-10-spd-compact-chainset/

Will it fit with any Shimano 68mm Hollowtech bottom bracket, eg:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-bb-r60-ultegra-6800105-5800-hollowtech-ii/

(My guess is that it will do so but, as may have become clear, I am not really sure what I'm talking about).

There doesn't appear to much price difference between Tiagra and Ultegra bottom brackets (unlike the chainsets), so it looks worthwhile to spend the extra pound or so here.

keef66

Yep, all Shimano HT2 chainsets have 24mm spindles and so are compatible with all HT2 bottom brackets. The newer BBs like the 6800 you mention are a slightly smaller outer diameter than the originals, but that just means you need a different tool to install them. Or if you already have the older size HT2 tool, the 6800 BB should come with a plastic adapter to allow you to use it.