BAL

Specialized has a means for converting the S-Works integral 30 mm bottom bracket bearing set-up used with their S-Works carbon cranks to a "traditional" external bottom bracket set-up. I have an S-Works Roubaix and am considering changing out the S-Works BB and cranks as I have been having problems with the internal bearings.

Does anyone have a data sheet, tech sheet, and drawings/sketches of the conversion kit?

Does anyone have any experience making this change?

I am interested in the actual details as I consider making a move to changing the BB set-up.

Severian

To the best of my knowledge you *might* be able to do a conversion. On some of the SL and SL2 framesets I've worked on in my shop it appears that they're using their standard S-Works crank cups with a conversion to external BB. I can take a look tomorrow when I get into work if you are very interested I could try to help.

I have not seen, nor have I done a conversion like this, however. If you're having problems with the BB on your Roubaix have you taken it into the shop you bought the bike from? Or did you get it second-had online?



(full disclosure: I work for a shop that sells Specialized bikes, hence the experience)

BAL

I have discussed this with the shop I purchased the bike from new about 2 years ago. They are aware there is the possibility for a conversion but they don't know any details without calling Specialized. I visited with the Specialized rep about 4 months ago and he confirmed there was a conversion; but, he didn't have any details.

Again, I may or may not make the change; but, at this point I am quite interested in the details of what would be involved.

If you had any details, I would appreciate getting them.

HillRider

I'd call or E-mail Specialized directly and ask to speak to someone in Tech Service. Most LBS mechanics haven't had to do this substitution and often the Manufaturer's Rep is just a sales guy, not a technical guru.

BAL

For what it is worth, yesterday at the LBS I saw an '09 Tarmac with SRAM Red BB that used external bearings and right next to it an identical bike with the S-Works crank with the internal bearings.

So, it appears there are options as it comes from Specialized.

Severian

BAL,

That is because Specialized makes two styles of Tarmac Frames in two options, as far as the BB goes, one is the S-Works internal oversized bearing BB shell, the other is threaded for external cups. This is particular to each frame.

Severian

Which does raise an option that I'd like to suggest. Since the bike is only 2 years old and you've been having trouble with the old Specialized cranks. I'd suggest you ask if you can "crash replace" your frameset for one with the external BB shell. I haven't asked my SBU rep if that sort of thing is possible, but the reps are usually empowered to see that specialized customers are happy.

Crash replacement means you're paying a significant discount for a new frameset (which, if you wait a few month, might mean getting an 09 bike). It is NOT a new frameset however. This is assuming there is no conversion part as an option in this case.

tatfiend 

Oh the joys of proprietary size parts! Stuck with ONE source and how long will they keep parts available if they discontinue use of the proprietary design?

Such things as Raleigh's old proprietary threading on frames and Schwinn's undersize stems used on some bikes make the job of repairing or updating them a PITA. The same is true for some of the current proprietary design parts, both now and in the future.

I personally would not buy a bike with a proprietary design or size of bottom bracket or headset if I intended to keep it any length of time. I would expect that it could affect resale value too, at least to knowledgeable buyers.

Severian

How is this useful to the OP? This is an admonishment after the fact.

mcoomer

My '09 S-Works SL2 has threads for external cups. The threads are inserts that can be popped out if I choose to use a BB-30 crankset. Email Specialized for details. That's what I did.

Mike

tatfiend 

You are right, sorry.

I just have a dislike for proprietary non-standard size components and considered my post to be a warning to be taken into consideration by other readers who might be considering a new bike.

Severian

Good point. On that subject... I have yet to test my theory, but I wonder if S-works cranks are compatible with BB30.