Hi all, I’m thinking of upgrading groupset but keeping my (very light) Hollowgram SISL2 cranks. How can I know whether it’d work with a SRAM 12 speed chain, or even a Campagnolo 13 speed? Thanks in advance.
The only definite way to know is to try it. There are three potential issues, chainline, chain compatibilty with the existing rings, and chainwheel spacing.
The stock chainline is most likely to be 43.5mm for 11 speeds or less, but for AXS it’s 45mm, and for Campag 13 it’s IIRC wider again. Depending on what BB shell you have this may be adjustable with spacers, and/or by using a different length spindle. With a narrower than expected chainline it’s possible that 1) the FD might run out of trimmable range, and or 2) that there might be noise in some of the smallest cogs due to the angle and narrower spacing. Or it may all be good…
The stock (Spiderings?) are most likely not going to be ideal. SRAM AXS chains use larger diameter rollers which aren’t theoretically compatible with normal rings, but some people have used for instance Shimano rings with no issues. The Campag 13 speed chains are narrower internally and won’t run on normal rings. FWIW, some people have got away with using AXS chains on Ekar (1x), so maybe that might work(?), but SR 13 isn’t exactly cheap so I wouldn’t be experimenting too much.
The chainwheel spacing is likely to be different somehow too, which may or may not matter.
There are various spiders available for Cannondale cranks, which may or may not help with the above issues. If it was me and I was going to go to AXS, I’d give it a try if I had all the parts on hand. With SR 13 there are more potential incompatibilities, and way less aftermarket resources. “Do you feel lucky, punk?”
If your frame has rim brakes, then SR13 isn’t an option, and very few recent frames are compatible with BB30 cranks.
This is mega, thanks so much for the detailed answer.