When SRAM first introduced the DUB crankset, it was meant to simplify and standardize bottom bracket and crankset fittings across their range of mountain bikes. While it certainly standardized things, we’re not so sure it simplified the process of removing a bottom bracket. Removing a SRAM DUB crankset still takes some patience and the right tools if you want to get it done correctly.

To remove a SRAM DUB crankset, you’ll need a torque wrench with an 8mm bit, an RT-1 Park Tool and a hammer, or a BBT-79 Park Tool, depending on which bottom bracket you have. Additionally, you’ll need a 2mm hex wrench to loosen the preload lockring. Once you have your tools ready, you can loosen and remove all of the crankset’s individual parts.

In this guide, we will provide a deep dive into everything you should know about the SRAM DUB crankset. We’ll share some background information about this new innovation and give a step-by-step explanation of how to remove SRAM DUB crankset.

What is the SRAM DUB Crankset?

The SRAM DUB crankset was first introduced in 2018 as a bottom bracket and crankset interface system that would work across all of SRAM’s mountain bike groupsets. The “DUB” in its name stands for “Durable Unified Bottom Bracket”. When SRAM first released the new crankset, the DUB was designed to create a more durable, easier to install and remove bottom bracket.

The SRAM DUB crankset is compatible with all of SRAM’s mountain bike groupsets, including the XX1, X01, GX, NX, and SX. It’s also compatible with SRAM’s road groupsets, RED and FORCE. The DUB crankset is available in both BB30 press fit standards and BSA English threading standards.

The SRAM DUB crankset simplifies bottom bracket installation by using a single-tool installation. The bottom bracket is installed using a uniform, bottom bracket tool, and the crank arms are installed using 54 Newton-meters of torque. As long as you have the right tools, you can quickly and easily learn how to remove the interface in a matter of minutes.

How to Remove SRAM DUB Crankset

In this guide, we’ll explain how to remove SRAM DUB crankset in both BSA threaded and BB30 press fit standards. Both standards require the appropriate bicycle tools, otherwise, you’ll struggle to remove the brackets without damaging your bicycle’s frame. Follow these steps to the letter to prevent scratches or chips.

Step 1 – How to Prepare the Crank and Bottom Brackets

Stabilize your bike – Flip your bicycle upside down and rest it on its handlebars, giving you easy access to the crankarms and bottom bracket. If you’re worried about damaging the seat or handlebars, you can lay the bike on its side or position blocks under the wheels to hold it in place.
Clean the crankset – Clearing away any built-up mud or grime will make it easier to find the connections, some of which are quite small.
Spin the crankarms – Turn the non-drive-side crank arm until it’s facing downward.

Step 2 – How to Remove SRAM DUB Crankset Crankarms

Locate the preload lockring – Before you can remove the crankarms, you’ll first have to loosen the preload lockring. The ring sits between the bottom bracket and the arm itself.
Loosen the preload lockring – With the non-drive-side crankarm positioned downward, you should see a small hex head slightly off to the right of the lockring. Using a 2mm hex wrench, loosen the bolt enough that the lockring can turn.
Turn the lockring – Twist the lockring counterclockwise until it’s flush up against the crankarm and cannot turn anymore.
Loosen the crankarms – Move over to the drive-side crankarm and locate the 8mm hex head bolt holding the crankarm in place. Using an 8mm hex Allen key and a torque wrench, loosen and remove this bolt to free up the crank arm. You’ll need 54 Newton-meters of torque to break the link so we recommend using a sturdy torque wrench to get the job done.
Remove the crankarm – As you unthread the bolt holding the drive-side crankarm in place, the entire assembly should come apart. Remove any spacers and keep them in a safe place for later. Using a rubber mallet, tap the non-drive-side crank arm through the bracket and pull it out of place, freeing up the bracket.

The non-drive-side crankarm is built into the spindle as a single unit. Set it aside with the spacers and drive-side crankarm for assembly in the future.

Step 3 – How to Remove SRAM DUB Crankset Bottom Brackets

For this step, you’ll first have to identify which style of bottom bracket your bike uses. You can easily identify a press fit bottom bracket by inspecting the inside of the bracket. If it’s completely smooth and fitted to your bike’s frame, it’s a press fit. If not, you’re looking at a threaded bracket. We will explain how to remove both styles individually:

How to Remove SRAM DUB Crankset Press Fit Bottom Brackets

To remove a press fit bottom bracket, you’ll need an RT-1 Park Tool. The RT-1 is a specialized bottom bracket removal tool designed to pop a press-fit bracket from the frame of a bicycle. To use an RT-1 Park Tool, you’ll also need a hammer or a rubber mallet to give the tool a sturdy smack. Follow these steps to get the job done:

Insert the RT-1 Park Tool – An RT-1 Park Tool has two sides—a solid side and an open side split into four prongs. Slide the solid side into the bracket, pulling it through until the four prongs pop into place behind the press fit bracket. You should hear it ping as soon as it’s in position.
Tap the tool – Gently tap the tool with your hammer or mallet to make sure it’s firmly in place.
Firmly strike the tool – With a single strong blow, strike the solid end of your RT-1 Park Tool using a hammer or mallet. The tool should drive the press fit bracket out from your bike’s frame. If not, strike the tool again until the bracket comes loose.
Remove the bracket – Once the bracket has shifted out of place, it should come free using just your hands.
Clean the frame – There will likely be some built-up grease and dirt left behind from the bracket. Use soapy water or some rubbing alcohol to clean up the frame before you install a new bottom bracket.

If you do not have an RT-1 Park Tool, we do not recommend attempting to remove the bracket by hand. These brackets are tightly fitted into the frame and attempting to remove them without the right tool will damage your bicycle.

How to Remove SRAM DUB Crankset Threaded Bottom Brackets

To remove threaded SRAM DUB bottom brackets, you’ll need a BBT-79 Park Tool. This tool is specifically designed to interface with SRAM DUB crankset brackets and makes the job far easier than doing it by hand. Nevertheless, if you do not have a Park Tool, you can pry the brackets loose using a flathead screwdriver, a hammer, and lockable needle-nosed pliers.

Position the BBT-79 Park Tool – This tool features a 12-spline interface that locks into the bottom bracket, allowing you to create enough torque to unthread a locked-in bracket. Place the tool over the bracket head and giggle it around until your feel it lock into place.
Twist the bracket – Turn your Park Tool clockwise until you break the connection and unthread the bracket.
Use common household tools – If you don’t have a Park Tool, clamp a pair of lockable needle-nosed pliers onto the bracket’s external interface. Be sure the pliers are firmly in place before you attempt to turn them. If they won’t budge, use a hammer or mallet to tap the pliers until the connection breaks. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to turn the bracket until it fully unthreads.
Clean the frame – There will likely be some built-up grease and dirt left behind from the bracket. Use soapy water or some rubbing alcohol to clean up the frame before you install a new bottom bracket.

If you try to remove a threaded SRAM DUB crankset bracket with a BBT-79 Park Tool, be careful to avoid scratching or denting your bike’s frame. If you resort to using a hammer or mallet, be gentle as you tap the set of pliers. Using too much force can strip the bracket and crack your frame.