bottom bracket compatibility

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11-05-15 | 11:34 AM

jfarwell

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Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 99

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bottom bracket compatibility

Has anyone tried installing Shimano 6800 bottom brackets with FSA SLK Light tandem cranksets? Our FSA brackets appear to be shot after relatively few miles, and our experience with Shimano bottom brackets has been much better (over 30,000 kilometers on a pair of Octolink BBs on one of our earlier tandems). Although I really like our Chris King headsets and hubs, I am not sure I want to spend the extra money on the BBs. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Joe

11-06-15 | 12:48 AM

Chris_W

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Joined: May 2007

Posts: 2,354

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From: Switzerland

Bikes: road+, gravel, commuter/tourer, tandem, e-cargo, folder

AFAIK, Shimano BBs will work with most FSA cranks, but not with those with "Light" in the name because those need slightly narrower bearings. However, I've never been 100% sure about this.

11-06-15 | 12:33 PM

Carbonfiberboy

just another gosling

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 20,577

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From: Everett, WA

Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004

Our FSA BB bearings went out within a year. Our LBS replaced them with better bearings. Been fine since. Recommended. Also ditch the FSA rings when they get worn or stop shifting nicely, which won't be long. Replace with Shimano rings.

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11-08-15 | 09:13 PM

chojn1

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Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 298

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From: Sugar Land, TX

Bikes: Eriksen Tandem, DIY CF Tandem, Aluminum Tandem, Lightspeed, Cervelo, Specialized, Trek

That FSA crankset has a tapered and slightly larger spindle (24.2mm) than the Shimano 24 mm bearings. You still can make it fit with some sandpaper and a little elbow greese.
CJ