FSA K Force Light and SL-K - Opinions

Triathlon Forum
1

I thought I was set on getting a SRAM Force compact crank but came across a FSA K-Force Light compact crank (w/ceramic barring) or FSA SL-K standard crank (both about $100 more). Are the FSA cranks worth it? Thanks

2

For the extra $$ you might as well get a red crank.

Max

3

If you have a good lead on a Red crankset (low mileage or new) around $275 I would definitely jump on it. Best price I could find was around $350. Let me know. Thanks, Dave

4

Look at the specs on SRAM website, the weight difference is pretty negligible IMO. I would just go with a force crank with red chainring…

5

unless you are talking about the new exogram red; witch is te best crank around IMO
.

6

I just found and ordered a new SRAM Red BB30 crankset for under $240 and couldn’t be happier. Thanks

7

which model and where?

8

Using the k force light. Its not a bad crank, stiff and reasonably light. Bearings are good. Older versions ( pre 2010) had problems, so dot get them.

That being said they aren’t worth the retail price. I only got them cos they were at a good price and they looked good.

I don’t think there’s a lot to seperate the fsa and sram force / red cranks. Both are fine and will do the job. Shimano still makes the vest cranks in the business.

9

Realcyclist
SRAM Red BB30 53/39 172.5mm
They are running them at 50% off. Paid $237.50 shipped.

10

I’ve had problems with both an SL-K on an original Cervelo Soloist Carbon (2003) with the well documented crank arm loosening then right pedal inset loosening on a ~ 2009 K-force light. They warrantied/replaced both and were pretty easy to deal with, but really, what ever goes wrong with a crank? Never had an issue with a Shimano, Campy or SRAM crank with Shimano cranks being the best on an overall basis (price, weight, performance). Just my $0.02 since you asked if they are “worth it”. IMHO, I’d get the Force crank even if it costs MORE.

11

This happened to my FSA K Force Light carbon cranks, but I’ve seen this on Zipp carbon as well, so I assume the insert loosening is a feature of carbon fiber cranks that get ridden a lot.

12

Thanks. I decided to go with a SRAM Red crank. I was initially looking at Ultegra cranks since the remainder of my drivetrain is a mixture of Dura ace and Ultegra, but I needed BB30 and did not want to mess around with getting an adaptor.