I have a 2018 Cannondale Synapse Di2 and wish to update the crankset (or chainset) to something more aesthetically pleasing. I am looking at the Praxis Zayante (175mm and 34/50 rings) but will entertain other reasonably priced alternatives. The Cannondale uses an asymmetric BB30a bottom bracket shell, which makes the choice somewhat limited, I believe. Suggestions?
1 Like
You can use almost any modern crankset with the appropriate bottom bracket. I’d strongly consider Shimano Ultegra as their chainrings offer the best shifting. One reason to avoid Praxis is for their use of a unique bolt circle for their road chainrings. You’d be locked into exactly that model of chainring.
2 Likes
I’m with Gregory. Nothing beats performance of the original Shimano chainrings. I personally dislike Praxis, the chainrings are poor quality and their 28/30 spindle is basically enlarged GXP standard which is a design with a poor bearing life as one of the bearings takes majority of the load.
12 sp shimano works great with 11sp groupsets and I personally find the new 105 cranks very nixe.
2 Likes
Another vote for a Shimano crank or a Cannondale Si SL2 would look good
3 Likes
What they said - just put a Shimano one in there.
If you’re going to do that, it’s worth taking the opportunity to upgrade your BB to a thread-together one.
It’s worth confirming that your bike is definitely BB30a (bearing presses directly into the frame, 42mm aperture) rather than PF30a (bearing sits inside a cup which presses into the frame, 46mm aperture) before you buy anything. Cannondale like to randomly print BB30 on the bottom of bikes which are not in fact BB30
. You can then get yourself a suitable nice thread-together unit from someone like Hope or Wheels Mfg, which will give you a nice wide bearing stance, and reduce the wear and tear on the frame itself - going forward, you can just change the bearings in the BB, rather than the whole thing.
1 Like
You can also use a Rotor crankset with either Rotor or Shimano chain rings.
2 Likes
Except you can no longer buy replacement SpiderRings for Si SL2 cranksets. Ask me how I know…
The upside is I bought a cheap spider from AliExpress and am now running Shimano chainrings
1 Like
SiSl2 cranksets are also no longer made and only available in questionable used condition. Ask me how I know. . .
I do love the look of SpideRings though.
2 Likes
Yes; what I’ve found has looked pretty sketchy… And I agree, they look sweet. I’ll probably take the majority advice and get Shimano Ultegra…
As mentioned by others, you will need to replace the bottom bracket since you will be going from a 30mm crank spindle to a 24mm crank spindle (unless you use bearing adapters, which are less than ideal), you may as well get a thread-together BB to reduce the chances of creaking like the one here. The added benefit of going with Ultegra is it will match the rest of your groupset and they are readily available.
1 Like
Yes, I am aware of the difference, and thank you for the link. I was thinking of upgrading to an Enduro bb. Thoughts about it v the Wheels MFG?
As a reputable bearing manufacturer, I’m sure Enduro bottom brackets are as dependable as Wheels Manufacturing. I’m only partial to Wheels Manufacturing because I have their BB tools. You can’t go wrong with either of them.
1 Like
Best upgrade for Shimano equipped cannondale roadies is their 10-arm hollowgram spider chain ring and you can couple it to si cranks. If you find it, make sure it’s an original part.
I have a SiSL2 crankset in nice shape with stages power meter (172.5 50/34) just collecting dust in my closet right now. Upgraded my 2018 supersix to AXS so I have no need for it.
LMK if you are interested, I would be happy to send pics and let it go to a good home very inexpensively.
1 Like
DM sent. Or at least I think I did.
Love that an SISL2 crankset looking for a home has been connected with someone on the hunt. If that doesn’t happen I’m another voice saying just put a Shimano crankset on there. Shifting will be the best with that.
Bbinfinite make a beautiful bottom bracket to go from PF30a to Shimano. The design ensures bearings well aligned and preloaded. My experience has been good and I’d recommended considering it. Just find a shop that knows what they’re doing to install it.
1 Like
Received and replied!
1 Like
Aliexpress spiders ftw!
1 Like