Overview and Specifications of WheelTop's Affordable Electronic Groupset "EDS"
This article summarizes the features and specifications of the budget-friendly electronic groupset "EDS" newly released by the Chinese manufacturer WheelTop.
Posted at: Feb 13, 2022
FSA cranks are often chosen as standard equipment for complete bikes. Here is a summary of their grades and why they are often rated low.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
The grades of FSA components are as follows
The most common complete bike are GOSSAMER, OMEGA, and VERO, which are mainly used as cost cutters for complete bike, mainly for brakes and front cranksets.
Some people may think of FSA as GOSSAMER, but many users who bought such complete bikes upgrade to Shimano cranks, so you can often find GOSSAMER, OMEGA, and VERO cranks and brakes in the used market.
On the other hand, the higher series such as K-FORCE and SL-K are less common components because they are rarely used in complete bikes (Shimano is often chosen because they do not cut costs), but they are expensive components costing several hundred dollars for a crankset.
As pointed out earlier, FSA cranks are often chosen as a cost cutter for complete bike, and in order to cut cost, it is necessary to choose lower grade.
FSA’s OMEGA crank is the third grade from the bottom, so its performance is not equal to the third grade from the top, Shimano 105.
So, why don’t we use FSA’s higher grade crank? FSA’s cranks also cost several hundred dollars for the higher grade, so it would be better to choose Shimano.
The result is a complete bike with full 105 and ULTEGRA components costing around $3000 (a few hundred dollars more than a model with FSA cranks).
The three major component manufacturers, Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM, develop all drivetrain components themselves, but other third party brands such as FSA only sell components that can be used with Shimano and Campa.
Therefore, it is only natural that the performance of their components will be lower than that of the three major component manufacturers who strictly design their own drivetrains.
However, since users know (or upgrade to know) Shimano’s performance, it is inevitable that they will evaluate Shimano’s performance as inferior to theirs.
There is a tendency in many online reviews that “FSA cranks are no good, you should upgrade to Shimano immediately”, but it does not mean that FSA cranks are necessarily poor in performance.
First of all, it would be unreasonable to expect a third party FSA crankset to perform as well as a completely stock Shimano crankset. Basically, the best compatibility and cost performance between components is between stock components that are designed at the same time.
Secondly, many of the reviewers who say that FSA cranks are not good are reviewing lower grade FSA cranks.
For example, FSA’s OMEGA crank is sold at 104 Euro on the official site, but if you upgrade it to Shimano 105 crank whose price is around $150, the price is almost 30% higher, so it is natural to feel the difference in performance.
Of course, there are some reviews of FSA cranks that give lower reviews to K-FORCE, SL-K, etc., but we don’t know what kind of situation they are in (whether they are properly maintained or not, compatibility of componentry is maintained, etc.).
Also, we should deduct the fact that reviews on the Internet are basically bad reviews (people who can use the product normally do not dare or need to review it).
I have written about the cause of low evaluation of FSA cranks, but nevertheless, it is certain that Shimano cranks are high quality and not that expensive, and they are very cost effective. In this sense, it is right to say that “Shimano is better.
However, it does not mean that “Shimano is better = FSA is worse”. In fact, there are many cases where FSA cranks are not a problem, so why don’t you choose one without making a general decision and considering the cost?
Sponsored Link
Understanding bicycle crank sets
The crankset is an important part of a bicycle. The crankset itself is expensive and cannot be removed without special tools, so it is not an easily accessible customization, but it is also a part that has a large impact on your riding.
PCD compatibility chart for cranks and chainrings
We have compiled a PCD compatibility chart to use as a guide when replacing the chainring on your crank.
Essential Special Tools for Installing and Servicing Shimano Hollowtech 2
Hollowtech 2" is the standard adopted by the latest Shimano front cranks. We have compiled a list of special tools required for installation and maintenance of "Hollowtech 2", which is unavoidable when upgrading to higher grade front cranks.
Shimano Crank Length Lineup and How to Find the Best Crank Length
Crank length is a small difference, but it makes a big difference in riding style. In this article, we summarize Shimano's crank length lineup for road cranks and how to find the best crank length.
Summary of FSA cranks, grades and ratings
FSA cranks are often chosen as standard equipment for complete bikes. Here is a summary of their grades and why they are often rated low.
Q Factor: Measurement, Determination, and Adjustment
Q-factor is an important factor for improving pedaling efficiency. we summarize what Q-factor is, how to measure it, how to determine the proper value, and how to adjust it.
Overview and Specifications of WheelTop's Affordable Electronic Groupset "EDS"
This article summarizes the features and specifications of the budget-friendly electronic groupset "EDS" newly released by the Chinese manufacturer WheelTop.
What Is Shimano Shadow RD? Features and Benefits
What is Shimano’s Shadow RD used in their latest rear derailleurs? This article explains its features and the benefits of choosing Shadow RD.
[MTB / Hybrid Bike] Hydraulic Brake Manufacturers for Flat Bars
An overview of manufacturers that produce hydraulic brakes for flat-bar MTB and hybrid bikes, along with their key features. Also includes tips on how to choose the right flat-bar hydraulic brake brand.
Shimano Chain Compatibility for Road, MTB, and Hybrid Bikes
An overview of Shimano chain compatibility across road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Includes guidance on how to choose the right chain for your drivetrain.
Shimano ESSA Lineup and Compatibility with Existing 8-Speed Parts
An overview of Shimano's newly released 8-speed component group "ESSA" and its compatibility with existing 8-speed parts.
SRAM Cassette Compatibility Guide
Compatibility guide for SRAM cassettes used in road and MTB bikes. Find matching drivetrains and wheels easily.
Compatibility Guide for SRAM MTB Components
A detailed explanation of compatibility between SRAM MTB components. This guide outlines which parts can be used together and which combinations are not compatible.
Road and MTB Sprockets Compatibility Overview
A guide to the compatibility between road and MTB sprockets, explaining whether they can be used together with different components.
Types of Shimano Di2 Tools and Their Compatibility
A guide to the essential Shimano Di2-specific tools, especially the "plug tools" used for connecting components, and their compatibility with various Di2 parts.
Shimano CUES Cassette Compatibility Guide
A detailed guide to the compatibility of Shimano CUES series cassettes. Includes an overview of compatible rear derailleurs, chains, and wheels.
Shimano Hydraulic Brake Hose and Connector Standards Guide
An explanation of the differences between Shimano’s hydraulic brake hoses BH90 and BH59, the types of connecting bolts, and how to choose the right hose for your brake system—including key points to watch out for.
[By Manufacturer] Types, Features, Pros and Cons of Hydraulic Brake Oils
This article explains the types of hydraulic oils used in bicycle hydraulic brakes, their characteristics, and the brake oil types used by each manufacturer.
Types and Compatibility of Shimano Di2 Batteries
The Di2 battery is the core of the Shimano Di2 system, influencing the overall system layout. This article explains the different types and their compatibility.
Shimano Di2 Wire Types and Compatibility
Overview of Shimano Di2 electric wire types and their compatibility with Di2 components.
How to Identify Shimano Di2 Generations
Explains the generational differences in Shimano Di2 components and their compatibility. Includes a list of component series and their corresponding generations.
In-Depth Guide to Shimano 12-Speed Cassette Compatibility
A detailed explanation of the key compatibility factors when using Shimano's 12-speed cassettes—specifically the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain, which differ significantly from previous 11-speed systems.
Perfect Guide to Shimano 11-Speed Cassette Compatibility
A detailed explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 11-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
Perfect Guide to Shimano 10-Speed Cassette Compatibility
A detailed explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 10-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
In-Depth Guide to Shimano 9-Speed Cassette Compatibility
A comprehensive explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 9-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
What Is a BOOST Crank? Differences from Standard MTB Cranks and How to Choose
This article explains what a BOOST crank is, how it differs from conventional MTB cranks, and provides guidance on selection across different manufacturers.