How to Convert a Crankset From BB30 to XTR

Going from the SRAM BB30 crankset over to Shimano's XTR is a two-step process: first remove the SRAM BB30 and bottom bracket, and then install the Shimano XTR bottom bracket and cranks. The Shimano XTR components are considered the highest on the company's component hierarchy. XTR is made for rough mountain bike riding, able to withstand the abuse of backcountry riding.

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle work stand
  • Crank puller
  • 5mm and 8mm Allen wrenches
  • Bottom bracket tool
  • Shimano bottom bracket bearing cup adapters
  • Torque wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the bike in the work stand and shift the chain up onto the largest chain ring and the smallest gear of the back cluster. Pull the chain off the chain rings.

    • 2

      Insert an 8mm Allen wrench into the crank center bolt. Place another 8mm wrench on the opposite side, in the hex screw. Turn in opposite directions on the hex wrenches to unscrew the bolts. Use the crank remover to pull the cranks off the spindle.

    • 3

      Insert the bottom bracket tool into the small slots for the tool's grip on the drivetrain side of the bike (where the chain and gears are). Turn counterclockwise and pull the bottom bracket out of the bicycle frame.

    • 4

      Clean out the inside of the bike's bottom bracket hole with a rag.

    • 5

      Insert the Shimano XTR bottom bracket into the bike frame. Use the bottom bracket tool and turn the bottom bracket clockwise to tighten it into the frame. Place the adapter cups on the ends of the bottom bracket, on both sides of the bike.

    • 6

      Slide the XTR cranks over the bottom bracket spindle. Tighten the XTR cranks into the spindle-bottom bracket using the 8mm hex wrenches. Tighten the XTR chain rings using the 5mm hex wrench to ensure that the chain rings are tight on the cranks. Thread the chain up and over the chain rings.