FSA is launching an upgrade of the K-Force WE groupset: K-Force WE 12S. The drivetrain is brought up to the current state of road bike technology with a 12-speed setup to keep pace with the three major manufacturers Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo.
Wide range of translations
There is a wide range of gear ratios. The crank goes up to 46/30 teeth for gravel bikes, which should be compatible with cassettes with 11-25, 11-28 and 11-32 teeth. FSA claims that the new 12-speed cassette is 13 per cent lighter than the previous model - despite the additional sprocket. A weight of 195 grams is stated for the cassette with 11-32 teeth.
FSA offers all the drivetrain and brake components for the K-Force WE 12S itself. The disc brakes are available in 160 and 140 millimetres (6-hole or centre lock).
Competitive weight
The system of the electric shifting group is similar to that of Shimano. The rear derailleur and front derailleur, which are connected to a central 1100 mAH battery, receive shifting commands wirelessly. The levers are shifted using a rocker switch and the disc brakes of the FSA groupset are hydraulic.
FSA states that the front derailleur can perform a shift in 70 milliseconds. The total weight of the groupset is said to be 2390 grams. This means that the electric drivetrain from FSA could easily keep up with other top products. Prices for the K-Force WE 12S have not yet been announced.
The crank: K-Force Team Edition BB386EVO
- Lengths: 165, 167.5, 170, 172.5 and 175 mm
- Chainrings: 54/40, 50/34, 46/30
- Weight: 544 grams (54/40)
The shift levers of the K-Force WE 12S
- Material: Carbon
- Power source: Replaceable CR3032 button batteries
- Weight: 405 grams (per pair)
The front derailleur
- Switching time: 70 milliseconds
- Weight: 159 grammes
The battery
- Rechargeable (only with FSA charger)
- Capacity: 1100 mAH
- Weight: not specified
The rear derailleur of the K-Force WE 12S
- Maximum intake: 32 teeth
- Weight: 240 grammes
The cassette of the K-Force WE 12S
- One-piece construction, black anodised titanium sprockets
- Gear ratios: 11-25, 11-28, 11-32 teeth
- Weight: 195 grams (11-32 teeth)
The disc brakes of the FSA K-Force WE
- Sizes: 160 and 140 millimetres
- 6-hole or centre lock
- Weight (6-hole): 125 grams (160 millimetres) / 103 grams (140 millimetres)
The 12-speed chain of the FSA Group
- 5.6 millimetres wide
- 12-way compatible
- Weight (manufacturer's specification): 250 grammes
Jens Klötzer
Editor
