FSA was showing new or updated items across all of its various lines: Metron, Gravity, Energy and K-Force Light, covering the gamut of disciplines.
Metron 81 is a new aerodynamic hollow carbon monocoque tubular rim. Their wheels have been tested by Team Katusha for a couple of years, proven through the spring classics and the rest of the season. Fletch Newland, FSA marketing manager, says the new Metron 81 takes them into the top rungs of road wheels. The aerodynamic profile takes the entire 81mm depth and examined it in segments to optimize the overall profile. They went thru 100 different designs and 600 hours of testing before finalizing it.
It has a 3K weave at the brake track and nipple bed to improve strength.
At the hub, they have a preload adjustment, ceramic bearing and a bit wider spoke placement. Newland says even the hub aerodynamics have improved. He didn’t expand on that, but it’s possibly by facing the preload bolts toward the rear of the bike, giving it a bit of a teardrop shape on the ends.
It’ll start shipping in June or July for just under $2,000. Weight is targeted at 1,590g, but it could get lighter for final production.
K-Force Carbon cantilever cyclocross brakes are finally shipping and available. Price is $299 and weight is 250g (claimed).
Gravity Light parts get a new Ice Grey color for most parts, including the massive 800mm wide bar, stems, post and cranks.
New lock on grips come in five colors. They’re thin with tapered flared edges. Lock rings are color matched to the grip. They’ll retail for $25 and weigh in at 114g/pair.
New Orbit Option adjustable angle headset. Difference from AngleSet is that the gimble is integrated into the top bearing rather than placing the bearing inside a rounded cup. It retails for $199.99 and is available now. Three versions to fit 1-1/8″ straight and tapered headtubes. All of them have a very low profile zero stack design. Weights range from about 95g to 108g. Each comes with three cups to adjust the angle 0.5°, 1.0° and 1.5° forward or backward.
Energy Line gets new graphics across the range.
Not shown, the internally geared Patterson Drive cranks now have a belt drive adapter, and it’ll now come in black to match the black Metropolis handlebar.
