April 29, 2008

Source: Cycling News

Cannondale was accused of needlessly stirring the industry pot when it introduced its BB30 integrated bottom bracket standard years ago. However, much like Manitou and its 74mm post mount brake tabs, Cannondale can now proudly say 'I told you so' as the now-open BB30 bottom bracket and crank standard will be far more widely adopted for 2009.

From a strictly engineering standpoint, BB30 is an easy sell: all other things being equal, it's lighter and stiffer than current external-type bottom bracket systems while also offering reduced pedal stance widths and longer bearing lives thanks to the narrower, but larger diameter, bottom bracket shell.

FSA readily admits that the most dramatic weight savings probably won't come at the high end, though: by its own calculations, the BB30 version of its SL-K Light crankset sheds just 24g. Thankfully, the biggest benefits will likely be found at the mid-range. For example, FSA's standard Gossamer crankset weighs 936g complete but the BB30 version is just 830g.