The Gradient series has been an integral part of FSA’s portfolio since 2013, but for a long time the components carried the image of sensible OEM kit. The latest generation is set to change that once and for all. With full ASTM 5 certification across the entire range, the Italian manufacturer is positioning the series exactly where component failure isn’t an option: on World Cup downhill tracks and hard-charging enduro riding. But can FSA really bridge the gap between uncompromising durability and low weight? We take a closer look to find out whether the components offer a genuine performance advantage or are simply a visual refresh.
FSA Gradient i30 Carbon Wheels
With the Gradient i30, FSA add a much lighter carbon option alongside their existing aluminium models. At 1,817 g for the 29-inch wheelset (without tubeless tape), the carbon wheels save almost 500 g of rotating mass compared with the alloy version. Priced at €1,498, FSA place the wheelset right in the thick of the fiercely competitive carbon aftermarket wheels. But low weight alone doesn’t win enduro races. What really matters is whether the construction and rims can keep taking hard hits and peak loads over the long haul.
At the heart of the wheelset is a carbon rim with a 30 mm internal width. Rim depth varies between 22 and 24 mm. FSA are pursuing two aims here: saving weight while increasing stability in the sensitive area around the spoke holes. To do that, the manufacturer uses small reinforced sections around the spoke drillings, which are meant to provide extra support for the nipple bed. On top of that, FSA use an asymmetric rim profile. With the spoke holes offset from the centreline, spoke tension is balanced more evenly between the steeper drive side and the flatter brake side. That should spread localised loads more evenly across the 28 spokes and improve the wheelset’s durability.
Accordingly, FSA build the system with direct-pull spokes and brass nipples. For mechanics and riders who rack up plenty of miles, that brings a major benefit in day-to-day use and in the workshop: the asymmetric design allows for exactly the same spoke lengths on both sides of the front and rear wheel.
When it comes to standards, FSA take a conservative but uncompromising approach. The hubs are available only in regular Boost spacing (15×110 mm / 12×148 mm) and for classic 6-bolt brake rotors. Anyone running a frame with Super Boost+ or Centre Lock fittings is out of luck, or at least forced to rely on adapters in the latter case.
At the heart of the FSA hubs, available with SRAM XD and Shimano Micro Spline freehub bodies, is a dual ratchet system with 72 engagement points. The result is a narrow 5° engagement angle, which gives the drivetrain a very direct feel as soon as you put the power down. That added immediacy does come with a technical trade-off, though: the smaller angle inherently increases the likelihood of noticeable pedal kickback. FSA are clearly prioritising fast drivetrain response here, while accepting some influence on suspension performance.
FSA Gradient Alloy 35 Riser Handlebar
Rather than going for a fancy raw carbon finish and oversized logos like last year’s carbon model, the FSA Gradient Alloy 35 Riser handlebars keep things visually understated. A subtle logo is the only decoration on the 800 mm wide aluminium bar. At 340 g in the tested 40 mm rise version, it sits squarely in the solid middle ground of the aluminium category, paired with a fair price tag of €105.
Alongside the 40 mm rise version, FSA also offer the handlebars with a lower 25 mm rise. When it comes to sweep, the brand sticks to proven industry standards rather than experimenting: 8° of backsweep brings the bar ends horizontally towards the rider, while 5° of upsweep angle them vertically upwards. On paper, that combination provides a neutral ergonomic baseline. Whether this setup relieves pressure on your wrists or triggers arm pump on long stages ultimately depends heavily on personal preference, individual biomechanics and, not least, the bike’s geometry.
FSA Gradient MTB Aluminium Stem
Visually, FSA now give you a choice with the Gradient aluminium stem. Alongside last year’s loud and highly divisive oilslick finish, there’s now an option for riders who prefer a more understated look. Here, the CNC-machined component combines a matt black finish with subtle raw aluminium accents in silver. With a price tag of € 129, the stem lands right in the fiercely contested mid-range of upgrade options and offers a high-quality addition to the front end, both visually and to the touch.
For this test, we used the version with a 35 mm clamp diameter and 40 mm length to hold our handlebars in place. The moderate 6° rise lifts the cockpit slightly and helps offset the low stack of aggressive frame geometries. FSA also leave no gaps when it comes to fit options: the stem is available in 33, 40 and 50 mm lengths, and in versions for either 35 mm or 31.8 mm handlebars.
FSA Gradient Modular 1x Crankset
The crank arms of the Gradient Modular are made from forged and CNC-machined aluminium. FSA manufacture them in two pieces before bonding the halves together. This creates a hollow interior that saves weight without compromising stability. Power transfer comes via a forged 30 mm axle. The crankset weighs 567 g without a chainring, with another 74 g added for that, bringing the total to 641 g.
For the 1x crankset, FSA use a modular design. A 10 mm Allen bolt allows you to remove the drive-side crank arm and access the chainring. The ring itself is secured using what FSA call the Modular Crank System lockring. Installation does require a dedicated tool, though, so a quick chainring swap is off the cards unless you have the right equipment to hand. On the plus side, the chainline can be adjusted easily from 55 to 52 mm. To do that, you simply fit a spacer between the crank arm and chainring, either in front of or behind the ring.
Compatible direct-mount chainrings are available with 30, 32, 34 or 36 teeth and cost € 198.80. They’re compatible with 11- and 12-speed drivetrains from Shimano and SRAM.
FSA offer the cranks in 165, 170 and 175 mm lengths. Our test bike arrived at the office with the 165 mm version fitted. The current price is €379, which is around €100 more than the version from our last test. On top of that, you still need to buy a chainring for around €200.
For context’s sake, compared with a SRAM GX Eagle alloy crank, the FSA Gradient Modular plays in a different league in terms of construction. While SRAM rely on a solid forged design, FSA go for a more elaborate hollow-core construction. At 641 g, though, it’s similarly heavy to the GX at around 630 g. At €379, it is also significantly more expensive than the GX crank, which comes in at roughly €170.00, putting it closer to carbon crank territory on price, while positioning itself as a robust, technically sophisticated premium alloy product.
FSA Gradient Parts on the Trail
For our real-world test, we fitted the full Gradient setup to the Ibis Ripmo from our trail bike group test. So the 29-inch wheelset was not bolted to just any bike, but to a seriously capable trail bike. We then hammered the setup on our home trails as well as in the Palatinate and the Black Forest.
Wheelset
The wheels gave us a bit of a wow moment right from the off. It starts with the setup, because tubeless installation is refreshingly straightforward. Once you get rolling, the freehub sound is comparable to a DT Swiss 240, just a touch finer and a bit louder in its buzz. Not annoying, though. In fact, it sounds pretty great.
Even though the Ripmo is “only” a trail bike, we rode it on trails that more than deserve the word downhill in their name. And honestly, these wheels can take a proper beating. In fast corners, they feel precise and deliver a direct ride feel without being brutally harsh. The flex is spot on, striking a really good balance between directness and the comfort you need when the trail gets rough.
We hit rock gardens at speed again and again, still giving the wheels a cautious glance after every run at first. But even after several rough laps, there was no sign of damage or any lateral wobble. And after several months of testing, the wheels still showed no issues. We never had to re-tighten the spokes, nor did they develop any noticeable run-out. The FSA Gradient i30 took it all in their stride.
Stem and handlebars
On the trail, the stem and handlebars leave a genuinely high-quality impression. The finish and workmanship look clean, and the understated design blends neatly into the cockpit. While it is difficult to measure handlebar stiffness precisely without lab testing, it felt spot on to us, even if we did not use it for 20 km descents in the Alps. On longer descents in the low mountain ranges, the ride feel s always precise without passing on unnecessarily harsh feedback to your hands. As a result, arm fatigue remained well under control throughout the test.
Crankset and chainring
How much is there really to say about a crankset? At best, it just gets on with the job without drawing attention to itself, and that is exactly what the Gradient crank did. In testing, paired with the new Shimano XTR Di2 groupset, shifting performance was consistently clean and precise.
A real highlight only emerged after several hundred kilometres on the trail: the crank arms showed no visible scuff marks at all from shoe rub, so the finish is not just classy, but impressively tough too. The only slight downside for fans of short cranks is that anyone looking for 160 mm arms is currently out of luck with FSA. If you are happy with the usual lengths, though, you get a technically flawless component with a premium look.
Conclusions about the FSA Gradient Series Components
Parts of the FSA Gradient series deliver a strong performance on the trail in real-world use. The Gradient i30 wheels in particular shrug off heavy impacts and strike a convincing balance between directness and comfort. The cockpit, made up of the handlebar and stem, also scores with clean workmanship and solid value for money. There is some criticism, however, of the wheel warranty, which covers only material and manufacturing defects. The price of the crankset, including the chainring, is also very high, pushing it more into boutique territory without being especially light. Even so, FSA have put together a technically solid package of components with the new Gradient series for trail and enduro riders.
Tops
- robust wheels with a superb balance of directness and comfort
- high-quality finish and clean design across the entire range
Flops
- wheel warranty covers material and manufacturing defects only
- high price for the crankset and chainring
- special tool required for chainring changes
For more information visit FSA.com
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Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Peter Walker