5Cycling

GXP vs. BB30 Crankset – What’s the Difference?

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One of the bike parts that happen to take the most hammering is the crankset.

Basically, they are designed to withstand tough conditions. Nevertheless, not all cranksets out there are strong enough for rough riding. It all depends on how you intend to use the bike.

If you are looking for a good crankset for your road bike, the SRAM NX GPX Crankset or TRUVATIV Crankset would be a good pick for you. But, which of these cranksets should you choose?

We will be discussing their comparisons in this GPX vs. BB30 crankset review article.

Let’s get it started.

GXP Crankset vs BB30 Crankset

GXP Crankset or BB30 Crankset

These two cranksets are both incredible units to have, and their performance is also assured.

They are worth purchasing, but it is important to understand the difference between them, so you have an easy time choosing between them.

Dimensions

The size of the crankset is one of the things that people consider when choosing.

If you are keen, you will notice that the GXP crankset comes smaller in size at 12 by 7 by 7 inches.

Conversely, the BB30 crankset measures 17.91 by 13.39 by 10.43 inches.
The BB30 crankset is also heavier than GXP crankset by 91grams.

Chainring

In terms of the chainrings, the GXP comes with an X-SYNC chainring that is coupled with CNC-machined teeth.

It’s also designed to prevent the chain from flying off into the ether while keeping it turning over.

The thick teeth are machined to interact seamlessly with the outer and inner chain links. This is meant to offer you a powerful and smooth pedaling.

On the other hand, the BB30 crankset offers you a Glide R chainring that is aligned to pick up rivets to the chain pivots pins. It also assures you of double shift opportunities.

Cost

The cost of the crankset might not be such a big deal to most people out there.

However, you might want to consider the price of the crankset if you are on a tight budget.

Most riders out there consider that the GXP Crankset is the ideal budget-friendly option if you compare the two.

Both the cranksets come with a sturdy aluminum construction that assures you of a lightweight and durable unit.

They’d both be a good pick for road biking; at the same time, they perform well when climbing or going down steep terrain as well.

GXP Crankset

The SRAM NX 1x GPX Crankset comes with some amazing features and specs, which make it an incredible unit to have on your bike.

In terms of its size, this unit measures 12 by 7 by 7 inches, and it weighs around 780g.

It might be lightweight, but the crankset can perfectly take a beating. Furthermore, this crankset comes with a sturdy aluminum construction to easily withstand the rough riding conditions.

There’s also an X-SYNC chainring that is almost similar to the high-end offerings of the SRAM series.

This is then coupled with the CNC-machined teeth that can easily alternate between the wide and narrow.

In turn, this will keep the chain turning over while preventing it from flying off into the ether.

The X-SYNC chainring features individual teeth that are machined to seamlessly interact with the inner and outer link of the chain.

As a result, you can be sure of enjoying a smooth and powerful pedaling whether you are climbing or going down steep terrain.

Keep in mind that this crankset is perfectly compatible with the SRAM GXP bottom brackets.Basically, it will work with all the SRAM 1x drivetrains.

Another aspect worth mentioning about this crankset is the price point. Many bikers have labeled it the best budget-friendly option if you want a reliable crankset for your road bike without spending too much.

However, one issue that you should be aware of is that the bolt on the non-chain ringside can get loose if you don’t re-torque it. Other than that, this is a very reliable crankset to have for your bike.

PROS

  • Sturdy aluminum construction
  • Lightweight design for easy handling
  • Works with all SRAM GXP bottom brackets and 1x drivetrains
  • X-SYNC chainring comes with a teeth design to offer smooth and powerful pedaling
  • Friendly price point

CONS

  • The bolt-on the non-chain ringside can get loose if you don’t re-torque it

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BB30 Crankset

The TRUVATIV BB30 Crankset comes in with a larger size than the previous product. It might also be slightly heavier but still belongs in the lightweight category.

Like the GXP crankset, this one is also made of sturdy, forged aluminum construction.

In other words, you will be getting a crankset that is both strong and lightweight.

Specifically, this unit weighs 871g, and it measures 17.91 by 13.39 by 10.43 inches.

Along with the forged aluminum construction, the crankset features a detachable spider.

Also, there is a hidden bolt design featuring Glide R chainrings. Here, the chainrings will be aligned to pick up rivets to the chain pivot pins. As a result, you can enjoy double shift opportunities.

The crankset also comes with a hidden bolt design. This discreet bolt design gives it an appealing look while preventing the bolt from getting loose.

Even though this crankset doesn’t come with the BB30 bottom bracket, it does have a replacement crank that is available in 2×10, 3×10, and 3×9 configurations.

The crankset features forged aluminum crank arms that are stiff and durable too.The X-Glide assures you of super-fast front shifting.

Furthermore, the crankset combines the SRAM Force 22 carbon arms and aluminum spider with the 1×11 MTB technologies.

The SRAM XX1 is made for max chain control, and the individual teeth are thick and CNC-machined precisely.

This allows them to support the inner and outer links of the chain without a problem.

Also, this crankset comes with a standard with a 32T direct mounting ring.

PROS

  • Forged aluminum construction
  • Flawless shifting with strong and lightweight aluminum crank arm transfers power fluidity
  • Optimized for performance with SRAMchains
  • X-Glide for incredibly fast front shifting
  • Stiff and durable forged aluminum crank arms

CONS

  • Slightly costlier than the GXP crankset

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Frequently Asked Questions

What crank length should I choose?

Ideally, you should stick with the crank length that you are currently using.

However, you can contact a professional bike fitter if you think the current crank length is not right for you.

How do I know when to stop turning the crank bolt when installing the crankset?

You should tighten the non-drive crank arm bolt until it bottoms fully.
If you don’t do so, it can make the crank arm to be loose when you are riding.
Once you tighten the bolt completely, it will physically stop turning.

Will I need a longer chain?

No, you won’t need a longer chain if you are replacing your current round chainring with a Q-ring of the same tooth count.

Can I use electric gears with a Q-Ring on my bike?

Shifting happens to work well on electronic front derailleurs as the shift is kept consistent.

When should I replace the crankset?

If there is a change in the teeth shapes and skipping under loads, it could be a sign that your crankset needs to be replaced.

Ideally, change the crankset if the chain keeps skipping on worn cogs.

Conclusion

With this GPX vs. BB30 crankset review, you can tell the difference between the two and decide which crankset you should go for.

Make sure you understand what each unit offers you and if it will fit on your bike.