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FSA Gossamer Crankset / BB - Is it that bad?

by Stephanos
Mon, Sep 30, 2013 16:12
6

Hey guys,

I have found a new job in London so I will be moving there from Cyprus next week. My ride here in Cyprus is a Giant TCR full Ultegra from 2007 (aluminium frame). I am looking into buying a bike for my Sunday rides as well as commuting sometimes (about 11-12km round trip) and I think the 2014 Defy 0 will do the job. A bit more relaxed that the TCR's geometry but still quite fun to ride.

Problem is, it comes with an FSA Gossamer crankset and FSA bottom bracket. Is that so bad? I keep hearing that shifting is not as smooth as with an Ultegra or even 105 crankset. Should I bother about this? Is it worth upgrading to Shimano components? Or should I save £200 and go for Defy 1 with 105 groupset (crankset is Shimano R565)?

Thanks,

Stephanos

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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6 comments

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Jack Osbourne snr | 11 years ago
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The chainsets are perfectly acceptable.

The bottom brackets are very short lived, but work fine for a few months until you get the telltale click or grind of a knackered bearing. I think they use toilet paper as bearing seals.

Don't even consider repair by replacing the bearings. It's both cheaper and more effective to replace with whatever Shimano Hollowtech II bracket suits your budget. I replaced mine with an Ultegra one from CRC for £17. There is no issue with compatibility.

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Stephanos | 11 years ago
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Thank you so much guys. I'll let you know what happens 1

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jason.timothy.jones | 11 years ago
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I have a full 105 set on one bike, and a mix,n,match on my Boardman Hybrid, the Boardman has the FSA Gossamer chainset, Microshift Front Mech, 105 cassette, SRAM rear mech (WTH was CB thinking right?) and to be honest both set ups work just as well as each other, except for the front mech, it is a little stiffer than the 105, but its not a huge problem (as its the front mech)

I would go as far to say that it would take some doing to see any performance difference between the FSA and the 105 Chain set. As for as the BB, lets consider whats its role in the setup is, all it does is hold the cranks in position and allows free and easy rotation, and the FSA does this without any bumps or clunks.

The gossamer has been appearing on quite a few bikes recently, either to keep prices down, or profits up (probably the latter) but in my opinion its a decent set

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MattT53 | 11 years ago
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They shift OK and you can always change the rings if you're a real front shift connoisseur. However they're pretty hefty units (or at least they were a few years ago) and the BB is fashioned from the hands of satan himself.

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Stephanos | 11 years ago
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Thanks for your reply stefness. It's good to hear from people who've actually used the gear. Btw I've seen the 2013 Defy 0 online for less than a grant. Tempting.

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stefness | 11 years ago
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My SRM is an FSA gossamer and I've never had any problems with shifting, either with an Ultegra or a Force mech. I have found shifting quality is about the mech and the chain more than the chainset. You'd probably be better off getting the bike with the FSA chainset and putting on a Dura Ace 7900 chain.

The FSA BB is fine but you'll find it'll wear out after not too long, but then it's simple to replace.

Good luck with your move!

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