The latest incarnation of FSA’s K-Force Light crankset combines hollow carbon crank arms with an integrated BB30-compatible aluminium axle. BB30 bottom brackets are bigger, and theoretically stiffer. The aim of the design is to reduce weight while maintaining rigidity, which it does by using hollow crank arms reinforced by an I-beam bonded down the centre of each arm.
The design works too, with the 698g crankset standing up really well to the highest pedal loads, so that when sprinting or climbing it doesn’t feel like any of your effort is going to waste. The burly all-carbon arms and chunky machined FSA chainrings – 50 and 34 teeth – combine to create snappy shifting, except when changing gear under load, when it feels slightly delayed compared with Shimano Dura-Ace.
Ceramic bearings are held in place by red anodised bearing caps and spin smoothly, helping to minimise losses due to bearing friction. A Q-factor – the horizontal distance between your pedals – of just 145mm is great for those seeking a narrow pedalling stance, and is an often overlooked benefit of opting for the BB30 bottom bracket standard.
While the asking price is high, the K-Force Light is a stiff and fairly lightweight option for those after a BB30 crankset, and the snappy shifting and two-tone graphics are worth the extra weight of the chunky chainrings.