JoeOxfordCT

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....

55/Rad

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

sydney

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 .

sydney

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

55/Rad

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

formulaben

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

MegaExo vs. ISIS

MegaExo FAQ

JoeOxfordCT

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 ??

formulaben

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!

55/Rad

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

Patriot

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

sydney

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

55/Rad

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

formulaben

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?

JoeOxfordCT

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.......

Patriot

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.

sydney

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...

JoeOxfordCT

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 ????

gabiker

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...

gabiker

Sorry RAD,

I made my last post before I read everything.

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

JoeOxfordCT

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..

55/Rad

gabiker

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

formulaben

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

Patriot

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