Cyclingnews has the support of the audience.We may earn affiliate commissions when you purchase through links on our website.That’s why you can trust us.
It’s been over four years since FSA launched its 11-speed K-Force WE (Wireless Electronic) groupset, and less than two years after its disc brake version.But today, the company is announcing that it’s going to 12-speed with a K-Force WE 12 disc brake groupset.Naturally, it wants to build on previous generations and compete directly with the 12-speed electronic road bike groupsets from the Big Three – Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo.
But that’s not all.The kit was released at the same time as the brand’s slew of products, spanning road, mountain, gravel and e-bikes.
Described by the FSA as an “updated drivetrain,” most K-Force WE 12 components are very similar to the current 11-speed components, but in addition to the upgrade to 12 sprockets, there are some design and finishing tweaks to improve functionality and aesthetics.
The WE kit features wireless shifters that transmit shift commands to the control module on top of the front derailleur.Both derailleurs are physically connected to a battery mounted on the seat tube, which means the kit is not completely wireless, but is referred to by many as semi-wireless.
Aside from new, more subtle graphics, the body of the shift lever, the kinked brake lever and the shift button carry over the existing, critically acclaimed ergonomics and look largely unchanged on the outside.The same goes for the disc calipers, while the shifter retains its compact master cylinder, range adjustment for compound lever blades, top-mounted exhaust ports and CR2032 coin cell battery-powered wireless transmission.
The claimed weight of each shifter and caliper (including brake hose and oil) is 405 grams, 33 grams and 47 grams heavier, respectively, than the company’s claimed weight of the 11-speed WE Disc left and right shifters.The previous weights had no brake pads, but the weights offered for the new calipers don’t mention them.
The new rear derailleur appears to differ from the 11-speed version only in finish and weight, with new stealth graphics and an extra 24 grams.It still has a maximum load capacity of 32 tons and FSA’s jogging compound pulley, and probably still has no return spring, operating more like a robotic arm than a traditional parallelogram rear mechanism.
The front derailleur remains the brain of the operation, as it receives wireless signals from the shifter and controls the entire shifting elements of the system.
It fits a standard brazed mount, retains its automatic fine-tuning, and has a claimed 70ms shift time.Unlike the 11-speed version’s 16-tooth maximum sprocket capacity, the 12-speed model has 16-19 teeth.Aside from the understated “12″ graphics, its tall, oversized body looks identical, but the steel frame has been refined and the obvious screws on the rear end are no longer visible.The claimed weight has been reduced from 162 grams to 159 grams.
FSA paired the new WE 12-speed groupset with its K-Force Team Edition BB386 Evo crankset.It’s more aesthetically pleasing than earlier K-Force cranks, featuring hollow 3K carbon composite cranks and one-piece direct-mount CNC AL7075 chainrings.
FSA claims the black anodized, sandblasted chainrings are compatible with 11- and 12-speed Shimano, SRAM and FSA drivetrains.The BB386 EVO axles are 30mm diameter alloy with a range of FSA bottom brackets ensuring wide compatibility.
Available crank lengths are 165mm, 167.5mm, 170mm, 172.5mm and 175mm, and chainrings are available in 54/40, 50/34, 46/30 combinations.Claimed 54/40 ring weight is 544 grams.
The biggest visual change to FSA’s K-Force WE kit is its additional sprocket.The flywheel is still constructed of a one-piece cast, heat-treated carrier, and the largest sprocket is electroless nickel plated.The smaller sprocket is titanium and the cassette is available in 11-25, 11-28 and 11-32 sizes.FSA claims its new 11-32 12-speed cassette weighs 195 grams, which is significantly lighter than the previous 11-speed 11-28 cassette at 257 grams.
Described by the FSA as quiet and efficient, the K-Force chain features hollow pins, a 5.6mm width and a nickel-plated finish, and is said to weigh 250 grams with 116 links, compared to 246 grams for the previous 114 links.
K-Force WE rotors feature a two-piece rotor design with a forged aluminum carrier, milled stainless steel ring and rounded edges for center lock or six-bolt hubs, 160mm or 140mm diameter.Their claimed weight has increased from 100g and 120g at 140mm and 160mm respectively to 103g and 125g.
Elsewhere, a 1100 mAh battery mounted on the inner seat tube powers the two derailleurs via an attached wire, and should provide similar or improved usage time between charges.The original WE system needed to be turned on via a button on the front derailleur before use, and went into standby mode after a period of inactivity.Previously charged by replacing the front derailleur cable with a charger.Although the battery and wiring appear to be unchanged, there is currently no information on this process or expected battery life.
Also announced today is FSA’s new power meter, based on a cold-forged AL6061/T6 aluminum crankset with MegaExo 24mm or BB386 EVO axles.The chainring is AL7075 aluminum stamping and is available in a variety of 10, 11 and 12 speeds to fit Shimano, SRAM and FSA drivetrains, although FSA says it’s optimized for 11 and 12 speeds.
Crank lengths vary from 145mm to 175mm, with 5mm jumps in addition to 167.5mm and 172.5mm.It’s polished anodized black and has a claimed weight of 793 grams in a 46/30, 170mm configuration.
The power measurement system is a truly international affair, using Japanese strain gauges, calibrated by German torque transducers.It offers virtual left/right balance, is compatible with Zwift via BLE 5.0, has ANT transmission, is IPX7 waterproof, and has automatic temperature compensation.The power meter has a claimed battery life of 450 hours using a single CR2450 coin cell and is said to be accurate to +/- 1%.The expected retail price of all this is just 385 euros.
The new FSA system or E-System is a rear hub electric auxiliary motor with a potential total power of 504wH, plus an integrated bike control unit and smartphone app.Focused on flexibility and integration, FSA’s 252Wh battery is designed for downtube mounting, and an additional 252Wh battery can be installed into the bottle cage to double the range.The top tube button controls the system, and the charging port is located just above the bottom bracket housing.
The battery powers a 43Nm in-wheel motor, which FSA chose for its ability to slot into almost any frame, regardless of size.It weighs 2.4kg and is said to have very low friction at speeds over 25km/h.There’s a quick-response integrated torque sensor, remote dealer diagnostics, and FSA claims good water resistance, long bearing life and easy maintenance.There are five levels of assistance, and an FSA app compatible with iOS and Android devices that enables riders to record their ride data, display battery status and display turn-by-turn GPS navigation.
At speeds over 25 km/h (32 km/h in the U.S.), the hub motors shut down, allowing the rider to continue pedaling with minimal residual friction, providing a natural ride feel.FSA’s E-System is also compatible with Garmin’s E-bike Remote, which can remotely operate your bike’s assist functions, as well as your Garmin Edge, and may be a third option for another ANT+ connection.
After the trial you will be charged £4.99 €7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime.Or sign up for a year for £49 £79 €59
Cyclingnews is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher.Visit our company website(opens in a new tab).
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA.all rights reserved.England and Wales company registration number 2008885.