I had a few quick questions about Cannondale's Hollogram crankset and the whole BB30 bottom bracket thing. I am going to be buying a new SystemSix framset soon as a result of a really appealing team deal on the frames. However, I wanted to get the framset with the Hollogram Si SL crankset that everybody on here seems to be raving about. I like the atypical look of the cranks, and from a performace standpoint, they seem tough to beat! I am not sure if I will have the money to get the cranks up front, so compatiability is the big issue as far as putting them on at a later date.

If I were to put my old Ultegra cranks on for a short period of time, will I still be able to use the BB30 configuration that the Hollograms need (are Cannondale's cranks the only cranks that don't use a "Standard" configuration?)?

How is the the standard bottom bracket different from the BB30 with the exception of size?

Also, how much do the Hollogram Si SL's run for with the bottom bracket and ceramic bearings?

What type of lead time should I expect if I have to order them in from Cdale?

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cannondale is the original creator of the BB30 standard, but I believe Specialized and a few others are starting to use it now with their own variations of cranks.

To use your Ultegra cranks you'll need an insert in the BB shell to give you the correct diameter and threads for the Ultegra BB. Once this adapter is installed some say it's difficult to pull out, especially on carbon frames (the System6 has an aluminum BB shell fortunately).

The BB30 standard is a threadless shell that the BB30 bearings press into and are held together by a large hollow single bolt that also holds the crank arms onto the BB spindle.

For quicker turn around and cost savings for purchase, you'd do better buying a complete System6 bike and selling off the components as complete bikes with hollowgramSL are available, but just a frame and the cranks - very long lead time as I understand.

What type of lead time should I expect if I have to order them in from Cdale?

mmmmm I ordered my cranks in February. I'm still waiting.:mad2:

Save the frustration, buy and entire bike..

Jim,

I ordered mine on Mar 08 and just received the SL crank last Friday, please have your LBS to expedite the order.