The new FSA K-Force WE groupset now clicks to 12 speed, and forgoes the rim brake options altogether, something unexpected for the Italian Taiwanese component manufacturer but crucial to rival the big three of the shifting world.
FSA WE-12 speed groupset — What’s new?
When FSA launched the K-Force WE 11-spd groupset, the cycling world didn’t know what to think; a company rarely challenged the big three and lived to tell the tale. On the other hand, if anyone has the resources to do it, FSA was a good bet. After thoroughly reviewing and training on the first iteration of the FSA WE 11-spd groupset, I can firmly say this group has promise. Now, that promise comes in 12-speed form.
New K-Force crankset
The new FSA K-Force WE crankset is slightly different from the previous iteration. The design team seems to have dropped the bright red WE logo and opted for a more subdued graphics package. The crankset is more like the modular cranksets that FSA uses for its mountain bike and gravel offerings. With 3K hollow carbon fiber arms and a 30mm (BB386Evo) alloy spindle.
The nice thing about having the modular package is the ability to quickly change chainrings without needing a specific BCD for compact or standard. This method also allows FSA to craft CNC machined chainrings, similar to the gravel offerings they currently have.
The crankset will offer chainrings in 50/34, 54/40-tooth, and sub-compact 46/30-tooth options. With crank arm sizes ranging from 165, 167.5, 170, 172.5, and 175mm, with a 544g claimed weight for 170, 54/40t crankset.
New K-Force 12-speed cassette
The cassette on the previous version of the WE group was a standout, crafted from cast and heat-treated titanium mounted to a matte carbon fiber spider. The finished product is lightweight and eye-catching. It’s no surprise the design stuck around, FSA claims the new cassette to be 13% lighter than its predecessor, which is hard to believe with the extra cog, but we’ll have to wait and see when the groupset arrives.
The K-Force 12-speed cassette will arrive in 11-25, 11-28t, and 11-32t, with a claimed weight of 195g for the 11-32t cassette.
FSA K-Force WE shifters and brake calipers
From what we can see, the shifters and brake calipers didn’t go through much of a revamp, which is a good thing. The ergonomics are excellent, and the shifter buttons are easy to access. There is no mention if they are still offering a smaller compact shifter size option like the WE 11-spd, but we’ll have to wait and see.
The shifters still operate wirelessly from the derailleur system, use CR2032 batteries for power, and have a weight of 405g per pair.
FSA K-Force WE Front Derailuer
The central hub for most of the shifting for the WE group was the front derailleur, which seems to have changed slightly. The front derailleur now only controls its shifting, not that of the rear as well like the previous version. FSA claims the new WE front derailleur shifts in 70ms, but the visuals have not changed.
The front derailleur is still the powerhouse, operating from the same central battery as the rear, and used for shifting adjustments and power. The braze-on style front derailleur works with 54/40t, 52/39t, 50/34t, and 46/30t configurations and has a claimed weight of 159g.
FSA K-Force WE Rear Derailuer
The FSA K-Force WE rear derailleur receives an electronics update and an updated sensor that delivers more accurate shifting.
Now bypassing the front derailleur for shifting orders; the rear derailleur now receives signals directly from the shifters, rather than everything coming off the front derailleur, like the previous generation.
FSA K-Force WE Rotors and chains
The FSA WE rotors seem to have gotten a cosmetic make-over and now offer a center lock version of the previously 6-bolt-only designs. The rotors, from our experience, are on par with the top in the braking world, coming in 160mm (125g) and 140mm (103g).
Missing from the equation is the rim brake options; it seems that FSA feels that disc brakes are the only way to go forward.
There is not much information on the new FSA WE 12-spd chain other than its 5.6mm width and claimed weight: 250g for 116 links. From our review experience with the previous version of the FSA, WE 11-spd chain, it’s reminiscent of a KMC and employs the KMC quick link.
FSA WE battery and wires
We can see that battery, wires, and charging ports for the new FSA WE 12-spd are the same, with a 1,100mAh capacity and propriety FSA WE charger.
Price and availability
The K-Force WE 12S groupset weighs in at 2,390g and costs €4,280, with a target release to the public at the end of 2022.
