Road Cycling - Difference between FSA MegaExo & regular FSA crank ?

I have ordered the FSA Energy compact crank which is going to be swapped for the Ultegra double that comes with my new bike, a Felt F65 that should be in (I hope) next week or so....Now I am hearing about the FSA MegaExo gossamer compact....w/outboard bearings.....???
Can someone please explain to this idiot what the difference is and if I should have my LBS return the crank for the MegaExo version....I imagine I'll get whacked a restocking fee for the other crank too.... :rolleyes:

It's the bottom bracket.

The standard crank is designed to be used with an ISIS style BB. The MegaExo utilizes an integrated outboard bearing design similar to the design on the new Dura Ace and Ultegra 10 speed versions. The outboard design allows the use of larger bearings, thus making them supposedly more durable, among other things.

This outboard design appears to be the way the manufacturers are leading - Shimano and FSA certainly. While ISIS and Octalink still have a foothold and are considered very good, the general consensus is that this newer system could be better.

55/Rad

I have ordered the FSA Energy compact crank which is going to be swapped for the Ultegra double that comes with my new bike, a Felt F65 that should be in (I hope) next week or so....Now I am hearing about the FSA MegaExo gossamer compact....w/outboard bearings.....???
Can someone please explain to this idiot what the difference is and if I should have my LBS return the crank for the MegaExo version....I imagine I'll get whacked a restocking fee for the other crank too.... :rolleyes:It's the difference between the regular cartridge BB and crank arms,and an outboard bearing and integratedcrank spindle cranks. The new fad. Promoted as stiffer,but only a benefit you you think you can flex normal cranks and spindles. The bearings might last longer than in a cartridge with a large diameter spindle,but I duno that it's been proven .

.........the general consensus is that this newer system could be better.

55/RadIt's new , and that alone will be enough to cause many to ditch perfectly good stuff and jump on the new bandwaagon.

It's new , and that alone will be enough to cause many to ditch perfectly good stuff and jump on the new bandwaagon.
Gotta agree with this. While it's not always worth it to replace perfectly good components for the sake of something new, it'd be silly not to consider this technology if you are building up a new bike or need to replace the crank anyway.

I recently purchased 2 FSA MegaExo cranks. One for a new build and the other cause I upgraded from Ultegra 9 to 10 and wanted to go with a compact.

55/Rad

Here are a couple small articles straight from the FSA website.

MegaExo vs. ISIS (http://www.fullspeedahead.com/fly.aspx?layout=tech&cid=79)

MegaExo FAQ (http://www.fullspeedahead.com/fly.aspx?layout=tech&cid=79)

Ok....I've read all the stuff....but no one's really stated equivocally whether or not it's worth sending my as yet unused FSA Energy back, taking the hit for the restocking fee, and reordering the Gossamer MegaExo compact or not.....

It appears that the jury is still out as to the cost vs. benefits of Mega Exo ??


Rad,
I would also be interested in hearing more about your "break in" period with the compact in general....I haven't ridden a compact before, this one will be my first...sounds like the only shifting downside is double or triple rear shifting when shifting front chainrings ?? Do you really miss the 53-11 ?? The gear not the guy.... ;)
What else am I not thinking of ??

Well, since it's new stuff, I don't know if anyone can say that. Rad has one coming, and I've got a Gossamer Compact with MegaExo coming for my fixed gear/single speed...so I'll get back to you. It might all be a wash, but the concept of outboard bearings and a stiffer spindle appeals to me, and it wasn't much more than the price of the standard ISIS Gossamer, so what the heck!

I don't think anyone can state it with full conviction. It's like the newest latest greatest anything compared to last years model. They both are good - just different. Keep the Energy with the ISIS - it's a great system.

55/Rad

Well, if weight is a concern to you in any way, I think the Energy setup is a little lighter than the Gossamer mega setup. Also, I know I was able to get mine for a little less money than the Gossamer, since the Gossamer is new.

If you are using the original Ultegra BB with the Energy crank w/octalink, then I would say stick with the Energy, because you're able to use your original BB. If you get the Mega, you are paying not only for cranks, but for a new BB with it as well.

All this of course, is based on cost, weight, and your personal desire for the Bling factor.

I would rate the following:

Weight- Energy
Cost- Energy
BLING- MegaExo

It might all be a wash, but the concept of outboard bearings and a stiffer spindle appeals to me,...... Because you can unequivocally say your were flexing the other stuff? Or you just forgot to wear your hype filter?

Rad, I would also be interested in hearing more about your "break in" period with the compact in general....I haven't ridden a compact before, this one will be my first...sounds like the only shifting downside is double or triple rear shifting when shifting front chainrings ?? Do you really miss the 53-11 ?? The gear not the guy....
I never had a 53-11. All my former cassettes were 12's. I've had exactly 2 rides on the compact - 50/34 with 11/23 cassette - since I got it dialed in earlier this week. I love it. There is a learning curve as far as intuitively knowing what gear combo you are in relative to the amount of effort, and knowing when to shift chainrings without cross chaining. No big deal though - it'll come with more experience.

55/Rad

Because you can unequivocally say your were flexing the other stuff? Or you just forgot to wear your hype filter?

Wow, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed...is that you, Retrogrouch? I needed a new crank, and as I said, the concept appealed to me. I made no claims. The price difference was negligible. Is that OK by you? Speaking of filters, is there a killfile for this forum? :rolleyes:

I notice the FSA site doesn't list the weight of the Gossamer Mega Exo crank whereas they have the weight of the Energy crank @ 585 grams.......

Yes the Energy with a Platinum Pro BB is about 800g with the crank arm bolts.
I believe the Gossamer megaExo is closer to 820g or a little more. Not sure exactly, but it does way a little more than an Energy compact setup. It is also a little more expensive. It really all depends on how bad you want the Bling factor.

I went through this whole debate with myself when I was buying components for my wifes new bike. I eventually settled on the Energy compact. Then after I placed the order, my seller informed me he didn't have it in 170mm, and had the Gossamer and also offered me a Carbon Pro Elite compact for $80 more the original Energy compact. That turned out to be only $40 more than a Gossamer MegaExo. So, I took it. Now, I have a much lighter compact coming for just a few bucks more than a Gossamer. Oh, and it's CARBON. :D

Wow, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed...is that you, Retrogrouch? Speaking of filters, is there a killfile for this forum? :rolleyes:Just trolling....But I do have campy hi flange hubs, cup and ball BB, friction downtube shifters ,6 speeds, and lots of cool old suntour stuff.But the Retros won't let me in the club cuz I also have Ti, CF and record 10 speed junk. Try using the ignore button,but you could miss out on lots of good material.Time for a ride.Maybe a good day for the retro bike ....eh... ;)

Yes the Energy with a Platinum Pro BB is about 800g with the crank arm bolts.
I believe the Gossamer megaExo is closer to 820g or a little more. Not sure exactly, but it does way a little more than an Energy compact setup. It is also a little more expensive. It really all depends on how bad you want the Bling factor.

I went through this whole debate with myself when I was buying components for my wifes new bike. I eventually settled on the Energy compact. Then after I placed the order, my seller informed me he didn't have it in 170mm, and had the Gossamer and also offered me a Carbon Pro Elite compact for $80 more the original Energy compact. That turned out to be only $40 more than a Gossamer MegaExo. So, I took it. Now, I have a much lighter compact coming for just a few bucks more than a Gossamer. Oh, and it's CARBON. :D


Still not sure what I'm going to do.....have a couple days before I pull the trigger....any other manufacturers doing anything with BB design ???? Is MegaExo a big deal or just a blip on the radar ????
A year from now will I care ???? :rolleyes:

One for a new build and the other cause I upgraded from Ultegra 9 to 10 and wanted to go with a compact.

55/Rad

RAD,

I know this has been beat to death, but how do you like your compact? I just ordered the FSA Carbon Pro Elite Compact which I think I will like a lot, because we have no flats and I am getting into more climbing.

Just wondered...

Sorry RAD,

I made my last post before I read everything. :cry:

RAD,

I know this has been beat to death, but how do you like your compact? I just ordered the FSA Carbon Pro Elite Compact which I think I will like a lot, because we have no flats and I am getting into more climbing. Just wondered...
See my post above - that about says it all. I need to ride it more to provide a more in-depth analysis. Maybe in a week or 2.

55/Rad

See my post above - that about says it all. I need to ride it more to provide a more in-depth analysis. Maybe in a week or 2.

55/Rad


Well we're all kind of impatient and jealous so can you go for a quick ride and give us all some more feeback ??????
Nothing fancy, two pages worth, single spaced....don't forget spellcheck....
I'm sure there's some pearls of compact knowledge you left out of your previous posts.. :D :D :D

Well we're all kind of impatient and jealous so can you go for a quick ride and give us all some more feeback ??????
Nothing fancy, two pages worth, single spaced....don't forget spellcheck....
I'm sure there's some pearls of compact knowledge you left out of your previous posts..
:p

Well we're all kind of impatient and jealous so can you go for a quick ride and give us all some more feeback ??????
Nothing fancy, two pages worth, single spaced....don't forget spellcheck....
I'm sure there's some pearls of compact knowledge you left out of your previous posts.. :D :D :D

Boy those guys in the NE really get funny when there snowed in don't they. :lol:

....But I do have campy hi flange hubs, cup and ball BB, friction downtube shifters ,6 speeds, and lots of cool old suntour stuff.

All 6 speeds?! Really, you should have a fiver. All that talk reminds me of my old Peugeot. I really don't miss it.

And some of us thought they didn't have a sense of humor. :D

Since I promised, here is my quick review fo the FSA Gossamer MegaExo crankset. Installation was quick and relatively easy, or at least eaiser than a regular BB. The only hitch is you must have a tool for the outboard cups, but luckily the Shimano wrench is the same (Park Tool # BBT-9 (http://parktool.com/tools/BBT_9.shtml)), so I was able to get one at my local LBS since the retailer who sent it didn't put one in...anyway, after the initial safety check and short ride, I then took to the bike path and reefed on the cranks pretty good. Maybe it was my imagination, but it did feel stiffer. BUT, that shouldn't be too tough to accomplish since the unit I was replacing is an older square BB with lower grade cranks. A neutral party at the LBS thought it would really stiffen up the drivetrain though. I also like the looks too, and servicing is a bit simplified, if needed.


http://img215.exs.cx/img215/9923/bottombrackethole9zj.th.jpg (http://img215.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img215&image=bottombrackethole9zj.jpg)

http://img215.exs.cx/img215/1739/closeup2zm.th.jpg (http://img215.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img215&image=closeup2zm.jpg)

http://img215.exs.cx/img215/7056/fsamegaexobottombracket7lu.th.jpg (http://img215.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img215&image=fsamegaexobottombracket7lu.jpg)

http://img215.exs.cx/img215/1729/nonsidedrive8og.th.jpg (http://img215.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img215&image=nonsidedrive8og.jpg)

Pardon the shameless self promotion - I have a brand new in the box K-Force (170mm) crankset up on ebay for $389.

probably should have posted that in the buy/sell/trade forum, ya know? After all, you did just dredge up a 2 month old thread to post that.