Cheap chainsets found, now how easy is it to change it?

Home:Ballyhoura

So guys, I'm thinking of building up a cheap TT bike and I found some cheap FSA Chainsets on CRC (many seen on this page) that would be perfect for the job I think at 80% off! For around €70 I don't think I could go wrong, and might even uprgade the stock bontrager one on my Trek winter/training bike!

However, my question is this! Which one of them would you recommend? I am not familiar with FSA as a brand (I know they are pretty good aren't they?) or how the model names compare etc...would there be anything wrong with these because they are selling them off? There are so many to choose from and they all seem like such good value I just want to buy them right now but I know I shouldn't. I must work out which one is most suited to my needs. I definitely wouldn't need a compact or a triple so reccomend me the best standard double chainset. Also, if it was easy enough to swap out chainsets, I wouldn't mind if you would recommend me the best compact for when I'd go on trips to super mountainous terrain!

Next question this leads me onto! How easy is it to replace chainsets? Like what tools are required etc and is it possible to just swap one out for the other without making any other adjustments etc or is it more difficult than that? Would I need a new BB to match or something (obviously I would for the new TT bike but what about the current bikes I have which I may upgrae, would the current BBs be OK or do you need a FSA BB like these? Dura-Ace on one and a stock Bontrager Race on the other?) I know there are different types and styles but I presume the general basic idea is much the same is it? I already have this yoke for Shimano Hollowtech hollowtech crank installer/remover. Do you need a BB tool or something else aswell (this or this? What about a crank extractor for the Bontrager on the Trek?

As you can see, I am completely lost but need to find out soon before the offer is gone or they get sold out! (Don't all go run off and buy them now and leave me with none! Haha ) I really would appreciate any advice and help you could offer me! I would go to the lbs for the job but would like to know how to do it myself if I could for future! I already did a google search with not much help found, only this very interesting article where apparently the legendary blorg was seeking advice on the same topic!. Haha, if you read this and have gone through the process yourself since, could you please let me know how you get on! Cheers

Home:Ballyhoura

OK, narrowed it down to three: this, this and this based on a 170mm crank length standard double crankset/chainset.

Is FSA compatable with Shimano stuff? And do they come with bottom brackets or would I have to buy this or this? Which one?

I think they are cheap because they are old models is that it? Anybody know which is the least oldest? Just give me the name of the one you would go for, that is the best of the three! I just want to get one of them and benefit from the sale! Cheers

Morgan

The first two use an ISIS bottom bracket - not included. Factor in at least €30 for one of those.

I'd go for the last one - Team Issue Mega Exo. It's an external BB chainset which comes with a BB. Most manufacturers have moved to external bearings now, mostly for fashion reasons, but it'll mean replacements are easier to find.

Home:Ballyhoura

Morgan wrote: »

The first two use an ISIS bottom bracket - not included. Factor in at least €30 for one of those.

I'd go for the last one - Team Issue Mega Exo. It's an external BB chainset which comes with a BB. Most manufacturers have moved to external bearings now, mostly for fashion reasons, but it'll mean replacements are easier to find.

Anyone else have anything to say before I make the purchase? It still is good value right at €80 isn't it? I presume it would work with an Orbea Orca, a Trek 1.5 or full carbon Dolan TT frame (or Ribble/Pro-Lite TT frame)? The reason I ask this is because when buying bottom brackets there is a huge range of sizes available to suit your frame but this one includes the BB with it, is it some sort of universal fit system for this one? Finally, it is compatible with Shimano components isn't it? If so, would it be 10-Speed or 9-Speed or what? Again, the reason I ask is because they were selling the SLK Carbon Compact in individual 9-speed and 10-speed models!

EDIT: Looks here like it actually still is good value (€275 there!) and is Shimano 9/10 speed & Campagnolo 10 speed compatable

Oh, and that FSA Team Issue MegaExo Bottom Bracket - BB8060 is included with it is it? Does the "oversize cartridge bearings" mean the bike I put it on has to have an oversized BB area or what? Does this limit it's compatibility with certain frames etc? The reason I ask is it will probably be put on a cheap frame, possible not carbon but I don't know yet! Cheers

blorg

Morgan wrote: »

I'd go for the last one - Team Issue Mega Exo. It's an external BB chainset which comes with a BB. Most manufacturers have moved to external bearings now, mostly for fashion reasons, but it'll mean replacements are easier to find.

External bearings have significant stiffness/weight benefit and there is no real downside on a road bike (I believe there can be dirt ingress issues with MTB?)

Home:Ballyhoura

blorg wrote: »

External bearings have significant stiffness/weight benefit and there is no real downside on a road bike (I believe there can be dirt ingress issues with MTB?)

Ok, so when looking for my new TT frame do I have to look for anything in particular because this crankset has extrnal bearings? Also, will it work on my Trek 1.5 or is that a whole different style crankset? (It looks most like the centre picture on Sheldon Brown's page here!) I presume it will work on the Orca cause the Dura Ace thats on it at the moments seems to be of a similar style - like see here!

CheGuedara

....and that's the chainset on the Dolan upgraded! Cheers for the heads up Home:Ballyhoura! (this really could be moved to the 'I should have left the credit card at home' thread)

Home:Ballyhoura

CheGuedara wrote: »

....and that's the chainset on the Dolan upgraded! Cheers for the heads up Home:Ballyhoura! (this really could be moved to the 'I should have left the credit card at home' thread)

Which one did you go for?

CheGuedara

Went for the the team issue w. mega exo bb.

Have (soon to be had) a compact on the bike and was getting pi$$ed off at spinning out on sprints etc. - grand and helpful if facing into steep steep stuff but I'm willing to run an 11-25 instead of 11-23 to get around that instead now

blorg

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

Ok, so when looking for my new TT frame do I have to look for anything in particular because this crankset has extrnal bearings? Also, will it work on my Trek 1.5 or is that a whole different style crankset? (It looks most like the centre picture on Sheldon Brown's page here!) I presume it will work on the Orca cause the Dura Ace thats on it at the moments seems to be of a similar style - like see here!

Almost all modern cranksets have integrated spindles and use external bearings, the only exception is the track. You need to get BB cups that fit the crankset, they are not interchangable, e.g. Shimano cups with Shimano, Campy with Campy etc. There MAY be a certain amount of compatibility between Shimano and some other cups such as FSA but you would need to check this out carefully. Truvativ/SRAM GXP are definitely different.

Home:Ballyhoura

CheGuedara wrote: »

Went for the the team issue w. mega exo bb.

Have (soon to be had) a compact on the bike and was getting pi$$ed off at spinning out on sprints etc. - grand and helpful if facing into steep steep stuff but I'm willing to run an 11-25 instead of 11-23 to get around that instead now

I have that in my basket right now along with a load of other stuff totaling €260 (including these apparently free brakes!....haha, as you said, probably more suited to the "I should have left the credit card at home" thread!)

Just wait until I start buying stuff for my new TT build, it's going to be scary alright but not as bad as I had expected if I can find bargains like this for most things! Wish me luck, cheers!

Home:Ballyhoura

blorg wrote: »

You need to get BB cups that fit the crankset

OK, I'm nearly done here! Could you just please link to anything on the interweb that would be similar to what I need to buy. I presume these BB cups don't come with the Crankset so preferably on CRC if you can so I can buy it all together! Would there be different sizes to suit my BB size and English/Italian threads etc. (As you can see, I've been trying to read up on this stuff online but it's probably only confusing me even more! Haha)

Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it! Cheers

penexpers

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

OK, I'm nearly done here! Could you just please link to anything on the interweb that would be similar to what I need to buy. I presume these BB cups don't come with the Crankset so preferably on CRC if you can so I can buy it all together! Would there be different sizes to suit my BB size and English/Italian threads etc. (As you can see, I've been trying to read up on this stuff online but it's probably only confusing me even more! Haha)

Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it! Cheers

For the bottom bracket, you need to make sure the shell size is correct (the shell size is 68mm on most of my bikes for example) and that the threading is correct (English/Italian). Also you need to make sure the spindle length is correct (I think,maybe someone else can clear this up).

Home:Ballyhoura

penexpers wrote: »

For the bottom bracket, you need to make sure the shell size is correct (the shell size is 68mm on most of my bikes for example) and that the threading is correct (English/Italian). Also you need to make sure the spindle length is correct (I think,maybe someone else can clear this up).

Make sure the shells size and spindle length is correct?!?! What, do I have to do this before I go and buy the chainset or when I am buying the BB cups for my bike (these are separate to the crankset are they, and not included in the package is it?)

mfdc

I don't think shell size and spindle length apply to external bearing BB systems - once you get the thread right you're golden. As far as I know the BB cups come with a set of spacers allowing them to be fit to a 68mm shell or a 73mm shell so that's a non issue, and as there is no BB spindle for the cranks to attach to there's no spindle length to worry about.

See here for HollowTech install info, which is functionally identical to the other external bearing systems so it applies to MegaExo too - http://www.bikemagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/3914

Home:Ballyhoura

mfdc wrote: »

I don't think shell size and spindle length apply to external bearing BB systems - once you get the thread right you're golden. As far as I know the BB cups come with a set of spacers allowing them to be fit to a 68mm shell or a 73mm shell so that's a non issue, and as there is no BB spindle for the cranks to attach to there's no spindle length to worry about.

See here for HollowTech install info, which is functionally identical to the other external bearing systems so it applies to MegaExo too - http://www.bikemagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/3914

OK, I just ordered it there! Thanks very much for probably the most helpful post so far, not bad for a newbie to the boards! Cheers

I will let you know how I get on!

peterako

Too good to be true

From CRC today:

Hi

We have just been informed by our stock control that the above item has been advertised at the incorrect price on the website . Therefore we have cancelled the order you have placed with us for this item.
This is being updated so if you still want the Shimano Sora Brake 3300 Front Brake Only please place a new order.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.



Kind Regards
(name removed)
Customer Service Advisor

Home:Ballyhoura

peterako wrote: »

Too good to be true

From CRC today:

Hi

We have just been informed by our stock control that the above item has been advertised at the incorrect price on the website . Therefore we have cancelled the order you have placed with us for this item.
This is being updated so if you still want the Shimano Sora Brake 3300 Front Brake Only please place a new order.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.



Kind Regards
(name removed)
Customer Service Advisor

Ya...got the same message alright! I just hope they didn't cancel my whole order including the crankset! Haha, twas worth a try anyway! Hehe

ednwireland

god its only 9 euro ffs

CheGuedara

Chainset arrived in the post today - a nice piece of kit for 78 yoyos and feels pretty light too.

*puts fettling hat on*

Now to fit it...

penexpers

Nice. I am still telling myself I have no use for a carbon chainset. It's still working (just about).

ednwireland

penexpers wrote: »

Nice. I am still telling myself I have no use for a carbon chainset. It's still working (just about).

+1

DirkVoodoo

What length Crank did you get Che? I'm thinking I could get away with 170mm cranks, my current ones are 172.5mm.

CheGuedara

Got the 175mm myself - normally run 172.5mm but figure the extra 2.5mm wont hurt me given my height (6'1) and probably will lend a little extra torque.

Here's something to erode the remaining resolve of those sitting on the fence

DirkVoodoo

According to t'internets, riding a 54cm bike and being in the inseam of 29-32 inches group, I can get away with 170mm cranks.

Damn you Che, you owe me a lot of energy gels after this one! That photo looks great.

I'll resist a bit longer...

Statler

If anyone's still thinking about buying this I've got one available, link below... Very, very nice crankset, had some issues installing the BB cups, which inevitably led to me cracking one of the plastic seals, long story short there's no BB cups with it but the Crankset is perfect, brand new.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055683030

Home:Ballyhoura

Quick response needed, anyone please!

Hi guys, is this FSA SLK Compact one compatible with Campagnolo 10 speed? Also, does it include a BB (I presume it is the original standard type, not that new external bearings MegaExo type I got on my other chainset, is it?). If not, what BB would be suitable for it on CRC? Cheers

EDIT: Would I be able to buy the MegaExo BB like this one (is it the right one?) if it wasn't included, or is this crankset designed differently to include the MegaExo BB (not fond of the price on it though), or is it just the exact same as the cheap one, just €158.88 extra to include a BB which costs €30 on it's own? I'm confused!!! HELP ME PLEASE

CheGuedara

AFAIK the S10 designation is shimano 10 spd friendly, campag unfriendly. You don't need to buy a BB with mega exo - they come with one and the first one is ISIS so you would need to get this (108mm it looks like). Still less than half the price of the second chainset.The difference is pretty much the external BB & thru axle design - the first is still a nice chainset

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

Quick response needed, anyone please!

Hi guys, is this FSA SLK Compact one compatible with Campagnolo 10 speed? Also, does it include a BB (I presume it is the original standard type, not that new external bearings MegaExo type I got on my other chainset, is it?). If not, what BB would be suitable for it on CRC? Cheers

EDIT: Would I be able to buy the MegaExo BB like this one (is it the right one?) if it wasn't included, or is this crankset designed differently to include the MegaExo BB (not fond of the price on it though), or is it just the exact same as the cheap one, just €158.88 extra to include a BB which costs €30 on it's own? I'm confused!!! HELP ME PLEASE