Hey guys... my first time posting but not my first time riding ;) I'm dredging up this thread since I came across it via google as I search for the same exact info as xfimpg was looking for a year ago.
I have a 2011 model (2011 build date) Specialized Roubaix SL3 Pro frame. It currently has Shimano 105 components and cranks. I'm wanting to upgrade to SRAM Force, and I can't get a straight answer on what type of bottom bracket I need. Sadly, I worked as a bike mechanic through highschool (90's) and I feel like I have NO idea what today's bottom bracket lingo is all about. I guess now I know how an auto mechanic who used to work on carburetors feels when he sees modern fuel injected cars.

Anyways... I have studied the specialized tech bulletin (TB0277) and it only adds to the confusion. (not to mention, that bulletin is dated March 2010 and its documenting what BB the 2011 framesets had... how the heck did they know that in advance? lol)

I called specialized twice, got two different answers. One guy said OSBB and the other guy said "order english threaded". I even gave them the serial number, and they weren't sure.

So...does a pic help? here it is...


thankshttp://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=271180

english threaded

i concur.

I dunno what that chart posted is supposed to be for, but it doesn't list any roubaix's as having english threaded BB's which is wrong. I assume it's for S-works models only or something similar.

I have the 2012 Roubaix SL3 Pro. I bought the frameset alone expressly for an english threaded BB. Your 2011 Roubaix Pro is also english threaded BB.
If you look at the pictures, you have an external/outboard bearing crank. The cups you see have convolutes that match a Park BB wrench for removal...std. for Shimano. Btw, you have the best BB for these bikes. The BB30 is a bit hit and miss in terms of noise but Specialized 62mm wide version of PF-30 on their Sworks bikes have been downright awful. There is a work around for the Sworks bikes however for those interested.
Hope that helps.

YES! Thanks guys, I figured someone would be able to look at the picture and nail it. I've heard having the english threaded is a better option.

Ok, so last question - I assume I can use a SRAM Red BB30 type compact crankset with this??

No. You have to use a SRAM Red GXP type crankset.

#$!@ - serious? Got a great deal on a SRAM red groupo, guess I need to sell the BB30 crankset and get the gxp. damn.

Mike is right. You need a GXP style crankset...has a longer spindle to fit bearings located in threaded cups external to the BB shell.
Should be able to flip your BB30 cranks for a GXP style on ebay for close to a wash.

You are still way ahead with a threaded BB in terms of overall maintenance/hassle.
PS: for 2013 there is no threaded BB option for Roubaix or Tarmac Pro framesets...boo on Specialized...also the price went up quite a bit for both $2850 which to me is high and major price jump from 2012.

thanks guys. Ya I'm picking up a Red kit tonight, lightly used, for $800 (bb30 cranks, levers, brakes, front/rear der's, 11-26 cogs.) I figure I can get almost breakeven as you said on the cranks. Just need to then pick up the english threaded BB, chain and cables.

i got the 2011 roubaix used with Shimano 105 for $2000, the guy got the frame as a warranty replacement for a cracked Tarmac...go figure, but its not the first time I've heard Spec. giving out the 2011 SL3 Pro as a warranty replacement, they must have over mfg those things.

cheers

Bringing this thread back to life -

Just picked up a barely used 2013 Roubaix Elite that probably didn't have 100 miles on it. It has the full Ultegra set on it.

I'm a SRAM Red guy, love it or hate it, it's what I'm used to and I want to swap all the components out, but what crank is used on this thing now? BB30? GXP? I read the threads and I'm more confused than ever.

I've changed out every component on a bike over the years except the crankset so I'm a little intimidated and want to make sure I pick up the right one.

Any advice or warnings?

Although the Specialized site says the 2013 Roubaix Elite comes with a threaded BB, which would indicate GXP, take a picture of the BB and post it to get a definitive answer instead of a bunch of conjecture.

+1 Your best option OP...take a pic.

The Elite has the threaded Shimano Hollowtech II bottom bracket/crank system. So you need to get the SRAM Red GXP crankset and bb. Only the Pro and S-Works Roubaix have an "oversized" BB that will fit BB30

Here is a picture of the non-business end, does this tell enough? It looks different from my Cannondale Supersix which is definitely BB30 (as stickered everywhere around it!) Is this enough detail or should I get the other side/angle?

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=314331

Yup...tells enough. The convolutes you see are for a spanner wrench that fits around 'threaded cups'. The way you can tell is, press in cups require no convolutes to rotate the cups off as they press straight into the BB with BB/PF 30.

So you need the tool...Park sells a cheap spanner to remove the cups. If you remove the cups, make sure you rotate them in the correct direction:

English Thread BB:
Driveside cup: Left Hand thread
LHS cup: Right Hand conventional thread.

Gotcha - so like pedals they tighten in the direction of movement so you aren't constantly trying to work them loose?

Thanks so much guys, like I said, the whole crank and BB is witchcraft to me, everything else on the bike like the forks and headsets I've been through enough to feel comfortable but I've never tried to swap cranks. I'll check Amazon for the right park tool, are cups like these a somewhat standard size?

Generally they are pretty std in the Shimano/Sram/FSA family.
If you have any question about how to service a Shimano crank, the web is great resource...youtube and Park website in particular.
You can also download Shimano's service manual PDF. Shimano cranks are excellent to set up because of mechanical preload...no wave washer.
Important to get the preload right but with external bearings...less critical than BB/PF30.