Originally Posted by
Campag4life
I don't mean to turn this thread into a SAT...but it is in a sense. Most of the things you have asked and mused about have been addressed in this thread. Sometimes repeatedly...including your last question. The problem is integrating all the concepts discussed...maybe asking too much. BB30...again...isn't just about being able to grow the size of the BB to increase attachment strength of chainstays, seat tube and down tube for greater frame lateral stiffness. Again...BB30 came into being to create a lower weight crank...which is stiffer due to shorter crank spindle and with smaller Q-factor due to moving the bearings back inside the BB shell. As to whether any or all these things matters to the average cyclist...you will have to decide. Each of us is different...some race and others meander...some guys count grams and some can sprint to 40mph and appreciate the stiffness and energy transfter.
Here is a basic question for you...and let's see if you understand the concept. Why would a BB30 crank be lighter than an external bearing crank if a BB30 spindle is larger in diameter?
Fewer parts? [Admittedly, I'm not at all familiar with even standard BBs- I've only ever taken one apart...and that was many years ago, on a department-store bike]
As for my questions being answered- I would not say that the answers proposed thus far are authoritative; If they were- nay, indeed could be; there wouldn't be so much controversy on this subject; everyone would be agreeing; and this thread wouldn't be so long. No?
FWIW, I do appreciate a stiff bike- which is why I have just purchased the aforementioned Klein. [I'm a 190 lb. rider in a hilly locale, and I'm getting where I can put out some decent power.... Never cared for riding a noodle.]