FSA Chains - First Look
FSA added chains to their line up in 2015 and we’re now seeing a range of models hit the Aussie market. We had a look at the latest addition; the K-Force Light.
This is their lightest premium level chain and it’s available in both 10 and 11-speed versions. The chain features a couple of obvious weight saving features including hollow pins and slotted inner links. With this our 11-speed sample weighed 257g (114 links), which is roughly on par with the top-end chains from SRAM and Shimano (XX1 and XTR). It’s also 8g lighter than a Shimano HG700 XT level 11-speed chain of the same length.
Aside from being at the lighter end of the scale, the K-Force Light is a nice looking chain. Both the inner and outer link plates are chamfered for smoother running and shifting. The pins are riveted for solid engagement with the outer plate and they don’t protrude noticeably from the outer plate at all.
The chain is supplied with a tool free joiner that’s similar to the SRAM Powerlock or KMC Missing Link. Like most other 10 and 11-speed joiners it’s a single use item — it should be replaced with a new one if you have to remove the chain.
The 11-speed K-Force Light is expected to sell for around $100 ($90 in 10-speed) but FSA will also have a more affordable ‘Team Issue’ version that will come in nine, 10 and 11-speed (approximately $30, $45 and $50 respectively). Like the K-Force Light the Team Issue chain will have chamfered inner and outer plates and riveted pins, it just lacks the hollow pins and slotted inner links. This adds around 15g to the weight but shouldn’t impact on the strength and durability of the chain.
FSA says that independent testing has shown their chains to offer quiet running and superior resistance to elongation for longer drivetrain life. The chain is also said to be SRAM and Shimano compatible so we’ll fit it to one of our bikes and see how it goes!
Cassons - www.cassons.com.au
