Technique
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Parent Category: Technique
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Category: FSA
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Published on Wednesday, 16 June 2010 08:22
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Written by Luca Salvatelli
Light, rigid and smooth confirms the validity of the BB30 standard
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The FSA SL-K Light range was updated in 2010, with a total development of each product that has reduced weight and increased overall performance. The SL-K Light crankset is available in the traditional way with MegaExo bottom bracket, or BB30, with traditional crowns in addition to 39/53 or 34/50 version 52/39/30 triple. Do not miss the Mtb counterpart version, always available with MegaExo bottom bracket, or BB30. The cranks are made of carbon fiber 3k carbon fiber, carbon fiber surface with UD. The cranks, as in other versions of the FSA, are hollow on the inside to reduce weight, while having excellent lateral and torsional rigidity. The pin is integrated alloy, as well as holes for the pedals and crowns, all elements that are added when opening up the crank, and not later, so as to create a more rigid and reliable. The crawler has the classic round bolts 110 mm in diameter and has a row 34-50, compatible with Shimano Dura Ace 10 speed or Campagnolo 11 speed. The crowns are 7075/T6 aluminum CNC machined, while the screws are headed to Ergal Torx T-30. The cranks are available in lengths of 170, 172.5 and 175 mm. Bearings, with standard BB30 are traditional steel spheres. The weight declared by the FSA is 593 grams without pads BB30, we found we have in a version with 635 cranks 170 mm long, but full pads and everything needed to be assembled (screws, washers, etc.). Recall that the movement to create a BB30 crank up to 12% lighter than the traditional motion, thanks to the central pivot alloy, then you can have a bottom bracket closer and especially the BB30 bearings, larger, weighing less and have greater smoothness than traditional ones, as well as a longer life. In conclusion with the standard BB30 crankset you get a lighter, stiffer and smoother than a comparable model with conventional standard.
The road test
We have fully tested the crank with a Cannondale frame and Shimano Ultegra 2010, where the traditional Shimano crankset was replaced with this FSA SL-K Light. The crankset is well made, like all FSA products, especially when compared to other products in this price range, also made of carbon fiber, a comparison in which FSA is certainly winning. Then the "purists" may remain convinced that, even with justification, that an aluminum crank, well crafted and has its own special charm and above the "cold" carbon. Matter of taste, but you can not say that face FSA carbon crankset no attention to detail and this SL-K Light is an example. The assembly is no problem, provided you have the right tools and follow precisely the detailed instructions that came with the crankset. A precise assembly and complies with FSA to ensure a smooth operation of the crank and a total compatibility with different groups on the market (Campagnolo, Shimano and SRAM). Moving appreciates the high rigidity of the crank, even amplified by the BB30 bottom bracket, the bigger a traditional and rigid. Even the sliding bearings is excellent, although traditional. In a direct comparison, the same group adopted, but with different crank, the SL-K Light was more rigid and smooth, the original Shimano Ultegra. Certainly changed the frame, but the traditional version was also superior to the model with BB30. This does nothing but validate the thesis of the FSA, about the fact that the standard BB30, if only to bring greater strength and smoothness of the crank. This translates into better performance because there is less energy loss and better power transfer from the pedals to the rear wheel. Differences not abysmal, it is true, but still noticeable even by athletes underpowered, so tangible. Obviously the benefits are more marked the more increases the speed of pedalling and pedalling power itself, as best you can to warn the increased rigidity and improved fluidity of crank. Very good, then the weight, if that does not reach the top of the model K-Force Light is still very close. So also raises, or uphill, you can appreciate the goodness of this product virtually free of defects, because difficult to undermine in any condition. On the positive side: light weight, stiffness and smoothness, while not include obvious flaws except the fact that you must use a frame with standard BB30, a standard that seems to take off starvation, and this limits the choice of products to a few brands, a limit for many. The positive comments of this crankset, but can also be extended to the traditional model MegaExo, which may be a viable alternative and "upgrades" than many standard cranksets. Both agonist that tourists, then, will be able to appreciate the advantages, while only the weight-conscious may prefer other lighter products, but also much more expensive. The list price is around 490 Euros and commerce can also be found on offer at 330 Euros. The list price is high, however, proportional to its weight and performance of products, competitors can not offer better; to discount the price is much more interesting.
Positive aspects
Rigidity
Low weight
Fluency
Build quality
Choosing different combinations of cranks (traditional, compact, triple)
Negative aspects
None
To learn more:
FSA
Website: www.fullspeedahead.com
