Shortsocks

So I decided to take the plunge on some FSA Carbon Track cranks.

I wanted to try something new. I already ride sugino 75's pretty much exclusively.

I looked around for a while and found a used pair, in excellent condition, on CL. I got them fairly cheap in a 165mm. Just the crankarms not the entire set.

The problem I was facing was that most of the reviews and articles I read stated that most ISIS BB's suck. And the people at one of my LBS's ,which is close to the velo, said to stay away from most of the FSA's.

So there I go on my journey.
I asked around at my local vela and other LBS and found out that it was a pretty rounded opinion to NOT get the FSA's.

Then I found a ISIS 185 BB. I didn't even know zipp made a BB. I picked it up new locally from a friend of a friend, and installed it with my FSA carbon cranks. ( the guy had gotten them with is Zipp Crankset and then somehow lost his crank set)

THIS BB'S is nice!!!

Super super smooth. In fact from riding two 75 BB's I would say that they are smoother. I'm really surprised. Even the owner Of my LBS was surprised. She took it out for a ride and was pleasantly shocked. I've been riding them for not too long but I hope it lasts smoothly. As for the FSA crank arms.... They seem 100% fine. They are attached to a new sugino ZEN racing 49T ring. Strange though. My other zen racing chainrings don't have Asian writing on them. This one does. It's kinda like a MARK OF A ***** on my bike.

Here's the only thing I could find written about the ZIPP ISIS 185 BB:

"The ZIPP 300 Carbon Cranks can also be ordered with Zipp's 185 Bottom Bracket. The Zipp 185 Bottom Bracket is the result of years of research into making a better BB, and after careful work with Zipp's bearing supplier, Zipp has created the ultimate ISIS compatible BB. The 185 BB uses 6A1/4V titanium and a proprietary heat treating process after machining to create a super light spindle, which rides inside two twin-row bearings. Titanium allows the spindle to be the standard 21.5mm diameter within the bearings, but nearly 23mm diameter between the bearings, thus making for a stiffer spindle than lightweight steel spindles that use a reduced diameter between the bearings.

The spindle is then TiCN coated to stop galvanic corrosion and eliminate the need to use special anti-seize lubricants, while increasing the fatigue life of the part. The bearings are a whopping 14mm wide (compared with 12mm for standard double row bearing) meaning that they better distribute forces for a reduced ball load, and add considerable bending stiffness to the spindle as 28 of the 76mm between the crank arms is actually constrained within the bearings! These ultra-precision bearings were designed and manufactured specifically for Zipp in Germany to the highest standards and use custom formulated waterproof grease to ensure that your BB will roll as smooth."

--- overall very happy with the combination.

I wish there were more Zipp BB's out there. Hopefully this will last because ISIS BB's have a bad reputation. But several guys/gals use zipp crank sets with zipp BB's ay my velo. And they haven't had any problems.

So. There it is. A long ass post. Maybe it will be helpful to someone.

Socks

xkillemallx16

Read the whole thing. Glad your fsa cranks worked out - you got damn lucky with finding just the bottom bracket.

Shortsocks

I know!! I'm really lucky. This type of stuff never happens to me. I guess patience paid off this time.
From what I understand those BB's are hard to come by.

Sucks though- wish ZIPP would sell more of them instead of making you buy the entire crank set.

I guess you can buy the VUMA ZIPP Weaponry , ceramic, bout 120 bucks but I can't find the ISIS ZIPP 185 weaponry anywhere.

socks

Socks

xkillemallx16

I'm the only one that responded? This is actually pretty interesting..

I probably wouldn't pay 120 for a bb. But the chainline is perfect and everything?

Shortsocks

The chain line from what I can see seems perfect.
17T Eai gold medal cog to a 49T zen racing. Seems pretty straight and arrow. It's just so damn flawless its scary. Keep on waiting for the ball to drop and something messes up.

Also. I tried this new lube at the shop. My chain is now super quiet. Going to buy some of this lube tomm. Seems that every type I've used sucks and my rig sounds like a tractor. (Izumi super tough) but now, crazy silent.

Socks

Soil_Sampler

xtra durable...

dookie

that zipp is just a rebranded stronglight twister, and 2x the price. nice BB, yes. double-row bearings help it overcome the isis tiny-bearing design flaw. next time, get the stronglight.

i like the crank bros isis BBs as well.

might have to check out the skf next time i need one.

Shortsocks

Really? Well isn't that insane. I'm really enjoying it right now. Good to know that this one fixed the bearing flaw. I'll take a look at the stronglight and the skf too.

But I'm telling ya, this thing is SMOOOOOOTH!

It's crazy hard to believe.

Socks