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PF30A to 24mm cranks – Kogel Provides Options for (even more) BB Standards, Plus Install Tools, and Narrow Wide Pulleys

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Kogel Bearing Ceramic pulley 1x SRAM PF30a pf30 bottom bracket bearing drift set (6)

In the pursuit of frame perfection (or perhaps patent avoidance), manufacturers are still introducing new bottom bracket “standards.” After introducing BB30A a while back, Cannondale is now selling bikes like the 2015 Slice tri bike, and the 2016 SuperSix EVO with PF30A (we’re double checking the models). That A stands for asymmetric and requires a different bottom bracket and either a Cannondale Hollowgram crank or one of the compatible FSA cranks or BB386 cranksets.

If you want to run a Shimano crank though (or any other 24mm spindle), your options are fairly limited. To address the issue, Kogel Bearings is stepping up with another version of their bottom brackets that serve as an adapter and as an improvement over the stock BB…

Kogel Bearing Ceramic pulley 1x SRAM PF30a pf30 bottom bracket bearing drift set (5)

The difference between the PF30A and PF/BB30 is found on the non-drive side of the shell. On ‘A’ bottom brackets, the lip is 5mm thinner which theoretically gives frame manufacturers more material at the BB shell for stiffer BBs or more tire clearance with wider stays. As far as Kogel knows, they say they are one of the only options on the market to run a 24mm crank on a PF30A bike without a bunch of spacers. Like their other bottom brackets, Kogel uses hybrid ceramic bearings in aluminum shells with either Road or CX/Offroad seals. The Road seals offer less drag, but the CX/offroad seals are better at keeping water out of the bearings, naturally. Available for either SRAM or Shimano cranksets, the bottom brackets include a two year warranty and sell for $189.99.

Along with the PF30A conversion BBs, Kogel is also offering a new PF30 to 24mm ‘L’ (low insert) conversion BB that has shorter shoulders inside the shell. This is better for some metal frames with internal Di2 wiring.

Kogel Bearing Ceramic pulley 1x SRAM PF30a pf30 bottom bracket bearing drift set (7)

Kogel Bearing Ceramic pulley 1x SRAM PF30a pf30 bottom bracket bearing drift set (8) Kogel Bearing Ceramic pulley 1x SRAM PF30a pf30 bottom bracket bearing drift set (1)

To go along with those new bottom brackets, you’ll need something to install them. After frustrations with current bearing drifts on the market, Kogel decided it was time to offer their own. Designed around the Park HHP-2, Kogel’s drifts are specific to BB30, PF30, BB86, or BB90 and are sold as a set with two drifts and one frame guide. The frame guide locks into the frame allowing you to install one cup at a time for perfect alignment. The drifts also are designed to press on the cup without pressure on the inner bearing race so as not to damage the bearing. Each of the four sets will sell for $43, and Kogel mentioned they are flexible with the set mixes since conversion bottom brackets will require two different drift/frame guide combinations.

Kogel Bearing Ceramic pulley 1x SRAM PF30a pf30 bottom bracket bearing drift set (3)

Finally, Kogel is bringing their ceramic bearing tech to narrow wide derailleur pulleys with the 12t SRAM compatible set. Built with a grade 3, Abec 5 hybrid ceramic bearing, the 11 speed compatible pulleys are currently available only in the Road seal, but CX/offroad seals are coming. The set of pulleys retails for $110 with blue center caps.

kogel.cc

 

 

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Eric Hansen
Eric Hansen
8 years ago

Pretty much all the SRAM BB30 cranks other than the top level ones only come in BB30A and have for some time.

bart
bart
8 years ago

I believe BB30a is actually a 73mm shell …but the 5 mm is added to the non drive side only…. the lip being thinner that is confusing

skip
skip
8 years ago

I used to think when I die, and find out all those bible thumping Christians are right, and settle into my place in hell, I used to always think it would be a never ending mountain of crappy dept store kids bmx bikes. Four pegs, ruined detanglers, kickstands, all with double flat tires and due tomorrow.

Now I’m opening up to the idea that it could be a neverending paperwork chase for asinine bearing standards. And every time I think I find the part, it changes to something else. FOREVER!!!!

Fish
Fish
8 years ago

The purchase of new bikes is completely dependent on what the BB is for me. There are certain BB’s and frame/bike companies that I will never purchase ever.

Lead Out Sports
8 years ago

Australian Cannondale owners and dealers: PF30A will be available in Australia in early Feb (sorry, not live on-line yet), and BB30A is available and in stock now. Available through all retailers or http://www.lead-out.com.au

We can also help you out if you are in New Zealand, just email us first.

Joey
Joey
8 years ago

Lol, internet biker

Andrew
Andrew
8 years ago

Just installed this BB on two different Cannondale Slice black inc. frames. Seems like a great product to me!

stephen
stephen
8 years ago

There are already too many BB standards, and I’m going to avoid anything without an English threaded BB from now on. I’m guessing that with BB30A now out and being pushed by Cannondale, normal BB30 is going to go away; so much for that being a “standard.” The proliferation of non-compatible BBs, all needing their own special tools and/or bearings is not doing bike shops or riders any favours.

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