The decline of European manufacturing and the rise of the BSO

[bikeworkshop]

We usually laugh at hub and bb quality of bikes destined to be sold online.
An "XT groupset" frequently includes a disposable fsa chainset with bb bearings you wouldn't bother fitting from new, and matching peppergrinder headset you can't even get decent bearings for if you wanted

 

[Takingabreak]

We usually laugh at hub and bb quality of bikes destined to be sold online.
An "XT groupset" frequently includes a disposable fsa chainset with bb bearings you wouldn't bother fitting from new, and matching peppergrinder headset you can't even get decent bearings for if you wanted

So FSA chainset = NBSO?

N standing for nearly

 

[Gtpulse]

I have a good mate who rides anything . It does not matter how cheap and heavy it is . He did coast to coast on a bike could best describe as scaffolding poles with bits attached. He Rode up the hill from Robins Hood bay without stopping , i have never seen him struggle, what ever he rides. It really pisses me off .

I also have a friend who I could describe exactly the same! His bike isn’t a BSO but it’s very close. I’ve done maintenance for him every now and then, usually when something has failed. I noticed grumbly rear wheel bearings about 10 rides ago and he’s still running it as it was a hub replacement last time and I think he wants to see it actually fail!

 

[bikeworkshop]

So FSA chainset = NBSO?

N standing for nearly

FSA makes some nice stuff im sure, but the OE kit (we see loads of) is just tat.
Had a customer needing an inner ring, I had to buy it from Germany for like £8! Pointless incompatibility combined with Useless spare parts supply. Might as well have riveted chainrings.

I also have a friend who I could describe exactly the same! His bike isn’t a BSO but it’s very close. I’ve done maintenance for him every now and then, usually when something has failed. I noticed grumbly rear wheel bearings about 10 rides ago and he’s still running it as it was a hub replacement last time and I think he wants to see it actually fail!

Perfect candidate for finding him a bargain quality piece!
If you can get a guy who properly uses a bike onto something 1/2 decent, he will be well chuffed.