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TPE16: FSA gets Modular with new cranks for MTB, Gravel, and Road, plus steel Comet 1x chainrings

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taipei 2016 fsa modular cranks steel narrow wide chainrings extra light triathlon hydraion-24

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…

taipei 2016 fsa modular cranks steel narrow wide chainrings extra light triathlon hydraion-26

taipei 2016 fsa modular cranks steel narrow wide chainrings extra light triathlon hydraion-27 taipei 2016 fsa modular cranks steel narrow wide chainrings extra light triathlon hydraion-25

taipei 2016 fsa modular cranks steel narrow wide chainrings extra light triathlon hydraion-28taipei 2016 fsa modular cranks steel narrow wide chainrings extra light triathlon hydraion-15

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.

taipei 2016 fsa modular cranks steel narrow wide chainrings extra light triathlon hydraion-23

taipei 2016 fsa modular cranks steel narrow wide chainrings extra light triathlon hydraion-22 taipei 2016 fsa modular cranks steel narrow wide chainrings extra light triathlon hydraion-21

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.

taipei 2016 fsa modular cranks steel narrow wide chainrings extra light triathlon hydraion-7

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.

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Mayhem
8 years ago

FSA really needs to get some new industrial designers. I have no idea whether the stuff they put out is any good or not, irregardless it won’t go on any of my bikes because it’s all so d*mn fugly…

Andy
Andy
8 years ago
Reply to  Mayhem

Agreed though. FSA seems like just another company run by people with no concept of design, so a premium product to them means covering it in decals to make it look ‘high tech’ and ‘fast’.

Gmundy
Gmundy
8 years ago

Well thats just like…your opinion..man

required
required
8 years ago
Reply to  Gmundy

wheres my rug?

also I like the FSA look personally.

durianrider
8 years ago

46/30 will be an incredibly versatile gear ratio.

A 46×11 at 105rpm (hour record cadence) is still about 56kph.

That means I can run a 46×30 and still NEVER get dropped in any div 1 crit that is flat because of my gearing.

Such small chainrings will also be a bit stiffer and lighter.

When will these be out?

Jonathan
8 years ago
Reply to  durianrider

Where do you see the details on the new gearing options? 46/30 would certainly be great for a touring/gravel rig, esp paired with a 11-36 or higher cassette. I’ve got a similar range now, with an XTR 44/30×11-34 (and I rarely spin-out with 29×1.75 tires)

Morten Knudsen
Morten Knudsen
7 years ago
Reply to  durianrider

Agree. Im looking for a nice and modern chainset with a 42/26, 44/28 or 46/30 option with low Q factor (not a MTB crank).

I really dont need a higher gear than a gear than 100 inches (700cx35). 50-14 woud be sufficient for me. The alternative is a 14-34t 11-speed casette but they are even harder to come by and rediculus expensive – though TA specialite does build one for Campagnolo body.

However i do want a reasonably tight casette for the road, Campy’s 12-29 is reasonable tight (loved the old 10 speed 13-29). The jump on 11-32’s are a bit too big and SRAMS 11-36 way to big.

Corrently i have 11speed 50/34-11/29 with 24mm tyres and and 10-speed 50/34-12/30 with 27mm tyres.

GIve me 44/28-12/29 AND low Q-factor (please)

jeb
jeb
8 years ago

(deleted)

Kernel Flickitov
Kernel Flickitov
8 years ago

Nice to see finally see decidedly old school 46×30 randonneur gearing come in a modern race package instead of looking like they belong on a bike from the 60’s.

Kernel Flickitov
Kernel Flickitov
8 years ago

See-see! Holy typo freakout! Maybe that’s a clear sign I should be working for BR. 😉

anonymous
anonymous
8 years ago

The modern equivalent to a 46t would be a 39t. Those old freewheels were 13-14t smallest, versus a 11-12t modern cassette.

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