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Submitted by
MadCyclist
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: December 4, 2010
Strengths: It's easy to install, and the cosmetics. I do think it's cool looking!Weaknesses: The flimsy chainrings, the bottom bracket isn't the smoothest, and it's a tad heavy.Bottom Line: I recently bought this FSA Gossamer megaexo compact as a "take off" part to use with my fully rebuilt '94 Trek 1200. I've only used it for a week and so far I'm quite dissatisfied with it's performance, the weakest point being the chain rings. I can actually see the big ring flexing and bending when I upshift to the big ring. This is bad. This is also and issue when climbing or sprinting. The chain also struggles when shifting, and the other day the chain fell off and got stuck between the rings when downshifting. I never had this issue with the old Shimano RX100 crankset that I replaced it with. This is really bad considering I'm not a huge rider at 160 lbs. I can just see myself snapping the chain ring within a few months! Also the bottom bracket isn't the greatest, as it doesn't spin very smoothly. I'm not surprised about the crappy performance though, based on all the bad reviews I have read. Why did I buy it you ask? Because it was cheap, and wanted to experiment with compact gearing. I like the gearing but not the crankset. I'm considering a SRAM Rival or maybe a Shimano R700 as it's replacement. All I have to say is avoid this crappy crank set, there are better ones out there for the same price.
Favorite Ride: hills & tailwinds! And anywhere with minimal traffic
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At: Bike shop
Similar Products Used: Shimano RX100 (this early '90s square-taper lower end crank that the Gossamer replaced worked way better)
Bike Setup: '94 aluminum Trek 1200, Shimano Ultegra 6600 shifters, derailers, 105 (5600) 12-27 cassette, Mavic Open Pro rims with Ultegra hubs, Connex whipperman chain, 105 (5500) brakes, Profile Design Quill stem, FSA Gossamer compact, blah blah blah etc...
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Submitted by
MattMan Ramirez
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: June 19, 2009
Strengths: Lighter and Stiffer than the Shimano Compact. Also works with Shimano BB. Super easy install and maintenance.
Weaknesses: Not as light as the full carbon FSA.Bottom Line: Replaced my ticking and creaking Shimano Compact cranks with a nice Gossamer compact. I am using a Dura Ace BB with the cranks and not the supplied BB. No problems at all. No creaks or ticks what so ever from these. I have just over 200 miles on them and they are nothing but quiet.
Similar Products Used: Shimano Compact
Bike Setup: 09 Specialized Roubaix Elite, 105 drive train. Forte aero deep dish aero wheels
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Submitted by
idleuser
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: April 19, 2007
Strengths: - Price (came on my bike though)
- OK stiffness
- Plain and simple looksWeaknesses: - Weight
- MegaExo bottom bracket isn't the smoothestBottom Line: The crankset that I am reviewing is the MegaExo version with the outboard bearings. I've ridden approximately 600 miles on them and I am a weekend rider. I ride on generally flat terrain without much hills or climbing so the non-compact version is what I am reviewing. The crankset itself is plain and simple. Black with white branding (sand blasted onto the crank arms). As far as the chainrings go, I have no complaints since I'm never out of the 53T ring. But the couple times I have down-shifted/up-shifted there weren't any problems. Because I never ride out of the 53T ring I can't comment on the chainring's durability. The bottom bracket itself seems to work pretty well without much flex. It's stable when I sprint off of stop signs, etc and no creaking to be heard. Smoothness is OK, it's not as great as Octalink or the like as it gets about 1 revolution when the bike is static and I spin the crank backwards.
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Submitted by
cthomas
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: January 23, 2005
Strengths: Compact gearing. Light. Inexpensive. Octalink.Weaknesses: Not as stiff. Doesn't have the killer looks of the FSA Carbon or Energy cranksets (if you are that vain...I am).Bottom Line: Wanted to try a compact crankset but not put too much money into it in case I did not like it. I found the Gossamer Compact on eBay in an Octalink splined version, so this was an easy purchase.
First, I love the compact. It is pretty hilly where I live, and I have always fought (and suffered as a result) putting a triple on my bike. The 50/34 gearing is fabulous.
Overall the Gossamer is solid and reliable, but not flashy. Sort of like buying the black adonized 105 cranks. Did not feel anywhere as stiff as my Ultegra or D/A cranks, and not even close to the FSA Energy cranks I eventually purchased. I now have the Gossamer cranks on my 2nd bike.
Still, if you are looking for an inexpensive way to get compact gearing (especially using your current Octalink BB) this is a good value.
Favorite Ride: Anywhere
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At: eBay
Similar Products Used: FSA Energy Compact, Shimano Ultegra and D/A, Campy.
Bike Setup: Custom Seven Alaris, D/A, Velomax wheels.
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Reviews 1 - 4 (4 Reviews Total)
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