FSA Ceramic MegaExo bottom bracket...?

Triathlon Forum
1

I was checking out the “what they really ride on tour” post that linked to an article on Cycling News. One of the items that caught my eye was the mention of the fact that many teams were using the FSA Ceramic MegaExo bottom bracket in place of the usual Dura Ace external bottom bracket. Then, I found this article on the subject…

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/?id=2006/reviews/FSA_MegaExo

Here are a few quotes from the article…

“However, even when they are working properly, it turns out that contemporary external-type bottom brackets typically produce a surprising amount of drag. Independent lab measurements by Bike Testing, Inc. have pegged that figure at as much as nearly 4% of total power output.”

“Independent lab testing by Bike Testing, Inc. confirms FSA’s marketing claims almost exactly. As compared to that 4% figure we gave you earlier, FSA’s Ceramic MegaExo bottom bracket eats up only about 0.5%. At the average pitiful 100W output that most of us kick out on a typical road ride, FSA’s ceramic BB buys you four free watts. If you’re a top ProTour rider spewing out 500W on a climb… well, you do the math. Pow, instant wattage increase.”

So, assuming these figures are correct, how much time savings are we talking about over a 40K time trial for a typical triathlete riding ~22mph?

Another thing that jumped out at me was the following…

“Finally, ceramic bearings are much more durable than standard stainless steel ones. Silicon nitride is an exceptionally hard material so most contaminants (diamond powder notably excluded; stay away from metallography labs!) that manage to sneak their way inside are simply pulverized into nothingness with no chance to pit the balls themselves. Moreover, silicon nitride doesn’t react with water so that stint in the alligator-infested waters during your next La Ruta de los Conquistadores isn’t likely to do much harm… to your ceramic bearings, that is.”

So, for the $190 MSRP, we’re looking at not only a power savings, but also increased longevity/durability. Sounds good to me. So, I’m curious…

Has anyone tried it? Results?

Thanks.

Steve

2

That article in cycling news was critisized by many as being a bit of a sales pitch, but who really knows?

You can replace the regular bearings in your BBB with ceramic for less $$. But you’ll also have to also buy a special tool.

http://edinabike.com/page.cfm?PageID=62&action=details&sku=BB4437

I also believe that ABI has a complete ceramic BB at about half the cost of the FSA.

3

Thanks for the link. But, by the time you buy the two needed tools, you’re looking at ~$225 total (compared to the ~$170 they sell the FSA unit for), though. I do wonder how the two compare.

I couldn’t find the complete unit you mentioned.

Steve

4

Funny you should mention ths Steve. I am building my P3C for IMmoo, Steelhead, Superfrog and IMWA right now. I’m using an FSA hollow carbon, compact (52/38) crankset with the red ceramic bearing BB. I rode one and, well, I won’t make an idiot out of myself publicly by saying I could feel the difference but… I bought one.

I have no way of quantifying any improvement- if there is one- but it sure feels good.

5

Check this out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/FSA-MegaExo-Bottom-Bracket-with-ABI-Ceramic-Bearings_W0QQitemZ150140713481QQihZ005QQcategoryZ58097QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
.

6

Here’s another option

Excel sports is replacing standard bearings in a Dura Ace BB with ceramic and selling for $169. I’m not convinced that it really makes a difference, but I would buy this before an FSA.

http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Dura-Ace+Ceramic+BB+Cups+7800&vendorCode=SHIM&major=1&minor=6

7

I retorfitted my FSA Mexa Exo bottom brackets with bearing from these guys but they also offer a complete Shimano 10 or FSA Mega Exo compatible ceramic bottom bracket for $140: http://www.velocarbon.com/bb.html
.

8

I decided to upgrade my bottom bracket to the FSA Ceramic after I felt the difference between an ultegra and the ceramic. Yes, without a chain and turning the cranksets by hand I could feel a difference. What really made me decide was the fact that the Ceramic BB had about 1000 miles on it and the Ultegra had less then 150 miles. I dove into the ceramic upgrades head first and decided to replace the bearings in my race wheels as well as my derailier pulleys (which I am still not sure why ;P).

9

Thanks. The e-Bay seller in cerveloguy’s link is selling the same thing for $109.

Steve

10

do they have ceramic upgrades for Hed 3’s yet?

G

11

not really.

I think if you look closely, you’ll see that the one on Ebay is an FSA bb, the one from Excel is a Dura Ace.

-David

12

Look at that seller’s other auctions. He does Dura Ace BBs with Enduro bearings for $109, just like I said.

Steve

13

you’re right, this guy is selling a DA version in a different auction at the link below.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dura-Ace-7800-Bottom-Bracket-with-ABI-Ceramic-Bearings_W0QQitemZ150142554427QQihZ005QQcategoryZ58097QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

14

Maybe this is why BMC’s fared crank is based around a campy crank using the internal type BB. I do wonder if the external BB’s have caused more problems than they have solved - in increased friction - wider Q factor.

15

I upgraded to the ceramic FSA Mega Exo BB . I don’t know about the 4% difference, I think that number was from a study where they replaced ALL stainless steel ball bearings on a bike with ceramic ones, (not just the BB).

There is one tangible difference - I tried spinning the crank with no chain on before and after the switch: With a light flick the Ultegra went about 3 rounds, with the ceramic it now spins about 10 revolutions. It actually feels much lighter when pedaling backwards too. I take that as evidence for less resistance in the drivetrain.

On the other hand I have heard of anyone win a race by free spinning the crank or pedaling backwards.

I have this gut feeling that with the kinds of loads we normally put on the BB the difference is minimal, but at least I have peace of mind that I am racing on one of the smoothest BB’s out there.

16

As someone pointed out to me when I got over-excited about this… it seems unlikely that it’s could be a 3.5% saving over all output wattages… (in fact clearly isn’t given that your number of free-rotate revolutions tripled.)… it’s presumably pretty close to a constant W saving, regardless of power output… so the real question is 3.5% of what? 10W?? 100W?? 400W??

Probably won’t stop me from getting it at some point though.

17

I’m using an FSA hollow carbon, compact (52/38) crankset with the red ceramic bearing BB.

Isn’t 52/38 standard 130 BCD sizing? I know you can put a 52t on a compact (Monty does it) but I thought you had to go with a 34 or 36 if you’re running 110 BCD…am I mistaken or just confused?
(FTR losing 10 lbs will net MUCH more benefit than buying ceramic anything)

18

If I lost 10lbs I would be slower on all terrain within 200 miles of me
.

19

for me, 10 pounds was and still is just the begining :smiley:

But I did have extra money in my toy budget this year :smiley:
.

20

Not sure about Shimano, but FSA makes 38 tooth inner chain rings in 110BCD that gives users the option of running 50/34, 50/36, and 50/38 - think they also have a 52 tooth outer chain ring in 110 BCD but have never seen one offered for sale.