There are a lot of options out there for gearing lately. To keep up with the change, FSA is joining brands like SRAM and Raceface that offer a modular crankset system that will allow you to run multiple set ups. From what we’ve seen and from what FSA tells us, the gravel bike category is going to continue to grow in a big way. Regardless of build level, FSA will be ready…
While the K-Force Light Modular Adventure crankset is technically a 2018 spec, it was being shown along with my17 product. Like the SL-K Modular Adventure crank, it uses a big ring that doubles as the spider. The big ring is then removable from the crank to allow for 2x or 1x gearing. Using their BB386 spindle, the cranks will fit nearly every BB standard with FSA’s adapter bottom brackets.
Additionally, FSA has a ton of options for 2x gravel cranksets as well as 1x road cranksets with 4 and 5 bolt spiders. Many of them will continues the use of an asymmetric 94mm BCD which FSA mentioned is actually used so that it allows the use of a smaller chainring. For the smallest sizes compatible, the bolts are lined up so they fall in line with chainring teeth which allows a slightly smaller chainring to be utilized.
Mountain bike cranksets also get the modular treatment which may be even more important when it comes to dirt. Not only does the modular nature allow for 1x or 2x options, but it also allows for the same crank to be Boost or non-boost chainline by simply moving a spacer. When asked what standard the chainrings used to mount to the cranks FSA said they were “very similar” to another standard out there. Then we noticed the Cannondale lockring tool on display… Mountain bike cranks will be available in both 30 and 24mm spindles depending on the model.
Going along with the modular cranks, FSA is now offering a line of steel MegaTooth chainrings along with the current aluminum. FSA mentioned that originally steel chainrings were seen as sort of cheap by the consumer but now that durability of 1x rings is a concern there seems to be enough demand for high performance steel rings. The Comet 1x rings are available in 26-38t and since the FSA cranks seem to be using the Cannondale spider interface, it should stand to reason that the rings are cross compatible.
It’s not gravel or modular, but technically you could call track cranks 1x specific. One of the last cranks new to the line up is a non series Track crank with a BB386evo spindle and chainrings from 45-53t.
