Cyclocross - Cranks hitting chainstays on K2 Enemy

Hi all,

I recently bought a used ~2004 (with disk brake tabs) K2 Enemy frame and built it up with Shimano 9-speed components. The crank is a Shimano 105 Octalink double, and the bottom bracket is a Dura Ace 7700 68x109.5mm. The problem I am having is that the crank arms are hitting the chainstays -- just slightly on the left side and more significantly on the drive side. Do I need to use a triple (118mm) bottom bracket? This is a cyclocross frameset, so I am surprised that a double chainset would have interference problems. Any insight would be appreciated!

You didn't test ride the bike?? That bottom bracket should work. 109 is the right length for a double. Are the crank arms straight? How about posting a picture.

Thanks for responding. I'll post a pic tomorrow, had to run out for Thanksgiving dinner.

I discovered the interference issue on my test ride -- as I said, I built up the bike from the bare frame. The crankset is brand new.

Bent frame? Do the wheels sit centered in the frame?

Not even sure you can do this or not, but did you put the bottom bracket in the right way? I've never tried to see if this is even possible, but that would cause your issue.

Also, I did find a couple sites where people were saying they used a 113 spindle length BB. Maybe because it's a cyclocross frame and the chain stays are wider, you need a wider BB.

Maybe because it's a cyclocross frame and the chain stays are wider, you need a wider BB.Bingo. You want more rear tire clearance, you need wider cranks. Luckily, bottom brackets aren't terribly pricey.

Nope, the frame is straight and the BB is installed correctly. I measured the distance between crank arm ends on my road bike with Dura Ace 7700 cranks and it is exactly the same distance as on the 105 cranks, so it appears that the crankset and bottom bracket are fine. However, the distance between the outside of the chainstays is only about 110mm on my road bike, but it is 115+ on the K2, so I think knobster is right, I do need a longer spindle. Unfortunately, it seems my only choice is the 118mm triple BB if I want to use the 105 chainset (which I do).

Yeah, you won't be able to use a road bike BB, but you can use a moutain bike BB. XT is similar quality as Dura Ace. These come in 68x113 which is what you'd need.

Yeah, you won't be able to use a road bike BB, but you can use a moutain bike BB. XT is similar quality as Dura Ace. These come in 68x113 which is what you'd need.

Are you sure about that?

I had the same setup on my used Surly Crosscheck when I got it. Bottom line is that road double cranks need a wider bottom bracket if they are going to work. You can get a 118mm bottom bracket or go with a different setup. I went with a different setup and put the road cranks on my fixed gear.

Only thing I'm not sure about is if you can get them in version 1 of Octalink. Shimano does make MTB BB's at 68x113. Most I've always seen was version 2.

Anyone know if you can use version 1 cranks, like the OP has, with a version 2 bottom bracket? I have these parts and will check to see myself later.

The good news is I think you can still find bb-6500 (the ultegra bb) in the triple length.

This is exactly (http://edinabike.com/page.cfm?PageID=62&action=details&sku=CR0973) what you need. It's 68x112.5 (113), V1 Octalink. XTR so good quality.

Only thing I'm not sure about is if you can get them in version 1 of Octalink. Shimano does make MTB BB's at 68x113. Most I've always seen was version 2.

Anyone know if you can use version 1 cranks, like the OP has, with a version 2 bottom bracket? I have these parts and will check to see myself later.

no, V1 and V2 are not interchangeable. V2 uses deeper, wider, longer splines than V1.

The XTR BB would work _if_ 3mm is enough clearance. You safe bet is the triple BB.

Thanks for the help, everyone. Although the 113mm XTR would probably work, I opted to pick up a 118mm 105 triple just to be safe. Ya learn something new every day!