I'm installing a SRAM S300 1.1 48t Courier Crankset w/ GXP Bottom Bracket on my Surly Steamroller frame and the drive side of the crank doesn't snug into the bottom bracket all the way and has a gap of about 1/4". Tightening the non-drive side doesn't snug it in either. Is this normal for this crankset? I'm really hesitant to tap (hammer gently) the drive side to get it to seat deeper but as it is, the chainline seems way off.

Anyone with any experience with this crankset who could comment would be greatly appreciated.

jed

I posted this question here because I figured several people in this forum area would be familiar with this specific singlespeed crank. If I have inappropriately posted this to the wrong area (maybe the bike mechanics section would be better--who knows), I greatly, greatly apologize.

I vaguely remember this being an issue for me and the instructions saying to completely remove the crank and start again. Did you try this?

I uninstalled and then reinstalled and fiddle with it for over 1/2 hour with no success. I'll wait awhile and see if anyone else has any info and if not, I'll try tapping the crank lightly with a rubber mallot and see what happens.

My SRAM Force install, with a GXP BB, came with spacers. They went in between the crank arms and the bearing cups.

Also make sure to grease the non drive side spindle, it may not be seating all the way.

The S300 or at least mine, didn't come with any spacers. I'll make sure the non drive side spindle is seating in all the way though the sticking point seems to be on the drive side--thanks!

Once again, I will say that you are not supposed to use spacers with the S300 and Omnium cranksets/BBs. Ever.

This. ^

I have a feeling your spindle just isn't seating itself all the way. Needs moar grease.

The NDS bolt can be a little tricky sometimes too because it may hit a spot where it will feel like you can't tighten it any more, even though you still can.

same thing happened to me when i installed my s300's. The NDS bolt can be tricky i had to start over a few times.

Don't force it tho. That soft NDS bolt can be damaged pretty easily if you really get after it. Also, you can damage the splines on the NDS crank if it's not lining up right w/ the splines on the spindle. Lots of grease, and some patience should do ya.

The machined bearing surface just inside of the spider, where the drive side of the spindle makes contact w/ the inside of the drive side bb cup bearing can be tight. They've made the tolerances tight to avoid play on that side. Sometimes it takes a couple of light taps with a rubber mallet to get the drive side crank / bb spindle assembly to slide all the way into the bb.

Thanks for all the advice. I got home from volunteering at my local community bike workshop all day (spent my time working on refurbishing/overhauling a 1970's Schwinn Breeze--for its age, it is in incredible shape) and re-tackled the crank/BB.

Did all that was suggested: re-cleaned, re-greased and tapped lightly with a rubber mallet a few times. I am happy with how it is seated and hopefully everything will be fine. Won't be getting my tires for about a week, will give a ride then and let everyone know how it feels.

Thanks again,

jed