The other day, I was at the local high-zoot shop and he had a partially built Merckx there (new Moltini lugged steel retro frame). It had FRM brakes, cranks, and external bb - nothing else yet. Since it had the bb/cranks mounted, I gave them a spin. I couldn't believe how much drag the bb had - not worth $50 IMHO. They were smooth, just slow.

Is it me or is there more friction in the newer designs with all those seals and large bearings. I'm still on old-school square taper bb's and love the old cone and ball bearing designs. On my track bike for example, I'm running an old Dura Ace pista bb axle with Campy Nuovo Record cups and bearings and it's smooth as hell. For really important events, I can run lighter grease or even oil for that super-smooth drivetrain. I can't imagine any weight savings or increased stiffness justifies the increased friction.

there is nothing wrong with a first classic bsa square tappered bottom bracket
the thing is that if u want a ponsy crank the choise of getting one is getting a little bit smaller by the day
mind you there are enough propper cranks left to choose from

i just think that my full dure ace 10 speed bike will look out of the picture with a old school crank

oops pressed some wrong buttons:

anyway

did you face the bracket?
bearings always need to break in

All of the external BB i have installed have LOTS of drag to begin with. They seem to have a much more dramatic break in period. But given a little time they will become nice and smooth.

Then you should try Campy Record UT, you will be amazed at how smooth it feels, nowhere near the DA I had before.

I'll second that. the ultra-torque feels like butter.

stiff, light butter that is.

stiff, light, carbon, expensive, italian-made butter.

Aw man, your making me hungry!

the FRM crank uses a high quality 2RS sealed bearing, it take a bit of braking in. besides the drag when spinning isnt important. the drag with load is!