theconfession

Well, after about 6 solid races, 4 of which were extremely muddy and wet, my MegaExo BB went out (drive side). I pulled the BB out and pulled the bearing cover off and found a cartridge full of mud, water, and sand. Seals must be crap on these FSAs. I don't think I want to bother with attempting to clean and re-grease the bearing cartridge only to be doing this in a couple of weeks again...

Any recommendations for an affordable--sub $100--external BB that has decent seals and take the rigors of cross? I'm thinking of getting the Ultegra 6700 BB; any experience with these?

BTW, I roll with a FSA Gossamer crankset.

M_S

The shimano units are nice and inexpensive. Don't get a RaceFace, whatever you do.

Andy_K 

My MegaExo lasted much longer than that -- about 5000 miles and 18 races, many very muddy -- but when it went out, I replaced it with a Dura-Ace 7900, which oddly was cheaper than the FSA.

I think the Shimanos are only compatible with non-carbon FSA cranks, FWIW.

RiPHRaPH

I am having the same issues with my FSA unit as well. No matter what level of maintanence you do it always come back around to this.

crocodilefundy

are you using a pressure washer? the seals on some of the BB's are pretty flimsy plastic. mine are doing fine with no major issues. just avoid spraying them directly with a pressure washer.

theconfession

I just use a garden hose to wash off the bike. No pressure washing. Unfortunately there's no way really avoiding hosing the BB itself in order to clean off what had to be a inch worth of mud--perhaps I need a lesson in bike washing. You're right about the seals being flimsy. I wasn't very impressed when I was taking the seals out to inspect the bearings.

I've decided to go for the 7900 BB, so we'll see how this one fairs

MileHighMark

I killed an FSA external BB on my MTB w/o much effort. Popped the drive-side seal, and there was virtually no grease remaining, and the bearing barely rolled/turned.

Find an inexpensive Shimano BB and toss the FSA unit.