1x SRAM road crankset for old Cannondale 3.0 MTB frame

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Feehliks
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2020 12:07 pm

by Feehliks

I have an old Cannondale 3.0 MTB frame from 1990 that I would like to set up with a SRAM 1x crankset.

The frame is actually very close to a road configuration: 68 mm BSA BB, 130 rear drop. Currently it has a 3x crankset, 48/36/24 and CL is 45 mm on the middle ring and 50 mm on the outer ring.

I think I could use a SRAM Force 1 crankset with a decent 8-bolt direct mount chainring. Chainstays are 115 mm wide and the cranks require 2 x 60 mm space according to SRAM specs.

Or do I neet to use an MTB crank, which seems much more expensive (XX1, 8-bolt direct mount)? And for some strange reason it is stated that it would only work with a Quarq powermeter??
  • 2019 Specialized Tarmac SW SL6 Red AXS Zipp 303
    2019 Cervelo P3 II Red AXS 1x Zipp 808
    2017 Cannondale Slate Force CX1 stock
    2012 Specialized Tarmac SL2
    2011 Cervelo P3 - under conversion to single speed/fixie
    2009 Cannondale CAAD9 Ultegra

bikewithnoname
Posts: 1733
Joined: Tue Sep 22, 2009 1:29 pm
Location: Paris

by bikewithnoname

I can't answer your question directly but can confirm a 1x Saint BB crank and BB bolt straight in with no issues.

https://flic.kr/p/FWjk7r
"We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities." Oscar Wilde

by Weenie


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Feehliks
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2020 12:07 pm

by Feehliks

Thank you and very nice revival of that bike. Yeah, Saint has a larger q-factor and chain line. I am looking at a q-factor of approx. 145 mm versus 175 for the Saint. So on each side, the crank would be roughly 15 mm closer to the chainstay. But I also note your frame has the rectangular chainstays that might not be as wide. Thanks!
  • 2019 Specialized Tarmac SW SL6 Red AXS Zipp 303
    2019 Cervelo P3 II Red AXS 1x Zipp 808
    2017 Cannondale Slate Force CX1 stock
    2012 Specialized Tarmac SL2
    2011 Cervelo P3 - under conversion to single speed/fixie
    2009 Cannondale CAAD9 Ultegra

grover
Posts: 1302
Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2004 1:06 pm

by grover

BB shell and chainline will work. Chainring clearance should be ok too given it's 36 in middle and 46 big. The one thing I'd be unsure about is the crankarms hitting the chainstays with such a narrow q factor. My experience is that that era usually clear but only just. It's really hard to know without just installing some cranks and trying it. I'd say go for it.

Feehliks
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2020 12:07 pm

by Feehliks

Yeah, SRAM states that the road cranks have 120 mm (2x 60 mm) space inbetween. The chainstays are 115 mm wide in total, according my measurements. So it will be very tight, but could work! Sadly, I have not found the wider Force cranks in a cranks-only version, that would give me another 2x 2.5 mm.
  • 2019 Specialized Tarmac SW SL6 Red AXS Zipp 303
    2019 Cervelo P3 II Red AXS 1x Zipp 808
    2017 Cannondale Slate Force CX1 stock
    2012 Specialized Tarmac SL2
    2011 Cervelo P3 - under conversion to single speed/fixie
    2009 Cannondale CAAD9 Ultegra

Feehliks
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2020 12:07 pm

by Feehliks

Another question: I would expect that the road cranks and the direct mount chainring have a front chainline between 43 and 45 mm.

Wolftooth states 45 mm (I understand with 6 mm offset).
Gargaruk could result in 2 mm less it seems the chainring in my preferred size (40t) has an 8 mm offset.

Which is preferable?

Actually, let's say I cannot mount the road crank because of the chainstays and would have to revert to a MTB crank. Would the expected 47-49 mm offset actually work with an 130 mm rear hub? It looks like the feasibility of my project depends on whether I can mount a road crank.
  • 2019 Specialized Tarmac SW SL6 Red AXS Zipp 303
    2019 Cervelo P3 II Red AXS 1x Zipp 808
    2017 Cannondale Slate Force CX1 stock
    2012 Specialized Tarmac SL2
    2011 Cervelo P3 - under conversion to single speed/fixie
    2009 Cannondale CAAD9 Ultegra

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



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