FSA K–FORCE DUAL PIVOT £299.95

› New wide–mouth, low profile brake

WE’VE ALWAYS BEEN fans of FSA’s brakes; the previous generation’s rock-solid build quality meant a positive experience at the lever. The new design follows Shimano’s cues for a new style of lower profile dual-pivot design, but with one significant difference. Shimano’s brakes as standard accept up to a 24mm-wide rim, and with the slightly lower profile optional brake shoe up to a 28mm. The K-Force can handle 28mm straight out of the box, it’s a small difference but one that might be telling should you try to fit a wide alloy brake surface/carbon hybrid like HED’s popular Jet 6.

The low profile shape of the K-Force means it sits within the fork crown of our Cannondale Synapse test mule, which means with less width sitting outside the frame’s parameters you could make a case for improved aerodynamics too. FSA has even moved the cable quick-release within the confines of the brake, making them look even more compact than both Shimano and SRAM’s rival options.

Weight-wise our test pair tips the scales at a scant 296g (including pads and carriers, and hardware), so that’s right up there with the best (Shimano Dura -Ace is 300g a pair, SRAM Red 254g).

The wide jaws make short work of setting them up with a wide carbon rim (26.4mm) and a 25mm tyre, with bags of clearance to spare. We would recommend using quality Allen keys (you need a 2.5, 4, and 5mm) as the lightweight hardware – a mix of aluminium and titanium – won’t take kindly to ham-fisted attention with rough tools.

Out on the road the K-Force has power in spades; easily a match for Dura-Ace, and like Dura-Ace that power is tempered by great levels of feel. In situations where you need to scrub speed quickly the K-Force simply does the job with resolute stiffness and no play or judder, which isn’t surprising when you see the box section construction of the individual brake arms, not to mention the massively oversized pivots.

The K-Force is a high-performing, light and great-looking option. If you’re looking to step away from groupset monopoly on your bike you could do a lot worse.

HIGHS

Compact design, great finish, easy setup, and great performance

LOWS

No direct-mount option, only comes with alloy-compatible pads, pricey