Uncompromising downhill performance! The FSA Gradient series promises just that, combining robust performance and a low system weight – perfect for steep trails and challenging enduro sessions. The Gradient range includes handlebars, a stem, a crankset, and a wheelset: we put the components through the wringer both on the trail in the Dolomites and in a lab to see how it performs!
Since 2013, FSA’s Gradient series has been designed specifically for enduro and trail bikes, aiming to combine robustness and a low system weight. But how durable are the components when rocks are flying and roots are shaking up things? We put them through the wringer on our home trails and on the challenging downhill tracks of the Dolomites.
The FSA Gradient components in detail
FSA Gradient i30 aluminum wheelset
The FSA Gradient i30 aluminum wheelset is available in both 29” and 27.5” versions, retailing at € 629. We tested the 29” i30 version, which weighs in at 2,247 g, including rim tape and a SRAM XD freehub body. Although that’s a rather hefty weight, the price is pretty reasonable for a robust aluminum wheelset. The hand-laced wheelset features an asymmetrical design, meaning that the spokes aren’t centered in the rim bed but slightly offset. This is intended to improve stability and simplify spoke replacement, as both sides rely on the same spoke length.
FSA use a different number of spokes for the front and rear wheels: 28 at the front and 32 at the rear. This allows them to use the same rim with different hole counts, while stiffness is primarily dictated by the type, number, and tension of the spokes. With only 28 spokes, the front wheel is slightly more compliant, adding to overall riding comfort. The choice of traditional J-bend spokes instead of straight-pull spokes plays a role too. As the name suggests, J-bend spokes feature a 90° at the head, and are designed to handle higher tensile and compressive forces.
The spokes are laced on an aluminum FSA hub featuring the brand’s proprietary called P.R.A. technology. This is designed to prevent lateral play in the bearings and extend the hub’s service life. The front hub is configured for a 20 mm thru-axle, which is typically found on downhill bikes. However, FSA also offer an optional adapter that allows you to make the hub compatible with a 15 mm thru-axle, as was the case with our test bike. Unfortunately, this adapter is currently unavailable.
At the rear, you can choose between the conventional axle standards: a 148 mm (Boost) hub or 157 mm (SuperBoost+) hub, which is used by several manufacturers including Pivot. The rear freehub four-pawl system, and you can opt for either a Shimano or SRAM freehub body. All hubs feature a 6-bolt rotor mount. The package includes tubeless valves, a spoke protector, and rim tape – though the tape must be installed manually. As the name “i30” suggests, the rim itself has an internal width of 30 mm.
FSA Gradient Carbon 35 Riser 20 handlebars
The FSA Gradient Carbon handlebars retail at € 189 and are available with either a 20 mm or 30 mm rise, both options relying on a 35 mm clamp size. There’s also a 31.8 mm version, which is € 10 cheaper but only comes in the 20 mm rise option. Alongside the carbon model, FSA also offer an aluminum version, with prices starting at € 89. All handlebars are 800 mm wide, whereby the aluminum version is also available in 760 mm width and with 25 mm rise.
If the 800 mm handlebars are too wide for your liking, you can cut them to size using the 5 mm markings on both ends. However, keep in mind that shortening carbon bars by 20 mm increases stiffness by approximately 10%. As a result, trimming 800 mm handlebars down to 760 mm impacts flex significantly. A more tailored approach with specific widths for all handlebars – such as those offered by Race Face – would be a better solution.
On our test bike, we used the Gradient Carbon handlebars with 20 mm rise, which tip the scales at 244 g. The handlebars feature 8° of backsweep (with the ends angled slightly horizontally toward the rider) and 5° upsweep (with the ends angled slightly upwards). These angles enable an ergonomic grip position, though preferences may vary depending on riding style.
To ensure a secure, creak-free fit installation in the stem, the 35 mm clamping area has a textured surface and adjustment markings. Visually, the handlebars stands out with their raw carbon finish and striking branding.
FSA Gradient TEAM LTD OS35 stem
Handlebars require a secure connection to the bike, which on our test bike is provided by an FSA Gradient TEAM LTD OS35 stem. With its eye-catching oilslick finish, it’s a real head-turner, whether you’re queueing up at the bike park lift or waiting for a gelato at Mario’s downtown. However, this level of bling comes at a price: the Gradient stem is available in three lengths – 35, 40, and 50 mm – and costs a whopping € 229.
In our opinion, that’s far too expensive, especially given that you can get a comparable stem from other brands for € 70 – 80 that perform just as well. And while you might not get a fancy oilslick finish for that price, it’s still a massive difference – and oilslick is also a matter of personal taste! Fortunately, FSA offer a more affordable alternative in black, with prices starting at € 89.
Made from CNC-machined aluminum, the stem feels robust and durable. The oilslick finish also makes a strong first impression. The 35 mm clamp ensures a secure connection with the handlebars, while the 0° angle means that it sits perpendicular to the steerer tube, enabling a neutral handlebar position.
FSA Gradient modular crankset
According to FSA, the modular design of the Gradient crankset makes it easier to replace individual parts like the chainring. Spoiler alert: it’s not quite that simple! The crankset is available in three lengths: 165, 170, and 175 mm. The 170 and 175 mm versions come equipped with a 32-tooth chainring, while the 165 mm version features a 36-t ring. FSA’s Megatooth technology alternates thick and thin teeth that fit perfectly into the internal shape of the chain, so the latter stays securely in place without the need for a chain guide. Compared to narrow-wide chainrings, the Megatooth design also features slightly longer teeth for even better chain retention.
Made from forged 7050 aluminum, the cranks weigh 710 g, including the chainring and spindle. The 30 mm spindle is designed for an 83 mm bottom bracket shell width, which is common with downhill and enduro bikes. Since many trail bikes use a narrower 73 mm shell to save weight, it’s important to check your bottom bracket width beforehand. The crankset is compatible with Shimano and SRAM drivetrains, in both 11- and 12-speed variants. In purely visual terms, the Gradient crankset has a sleek, understated look with its black finish and subtle FSA/Gradient branding.
The FSA Gradient components on the trail
For this test, we installed all components on an Atherton AM.150. Over the course of the season, we pushed the bike not only through our familiar home trails but also on several bike park sessions, including a trip to the Dolomites.
After countless kilometers, some components still looked as good as new, while others ended the season with a few charming battle scars – because trails always leave a mark.
FSA Gradient i30 aluminum system wheelset
We paired the wheels with a Schwalbe Magic Mary tire at the front and a Schwalbe Big Betty at the rear, both in the Supertrail casing and, of course, a tubeless setup. On the trail, the FSA Gradient i30 system wheelset delivers a pleasant amount of flex, effectively filtering fine vibrations while ensuring sufficient traction and precise handling. Even with strong lateral forces, the wheels stay mostly stable, returning energy during heavy compressions or in tight berms in controlled fashion without throwing you off track.
However, the rear wheel ended up with a dent in the rim flange after just a few runs – and this happened without botched landings or a gnarly rock gardens. Compared to many other aluminum wheels in this price range, which withstood harsher trails with fewer issues, the FSA Gradient i30 system wheels didn’t hold up quite as well.
That said, the dent had little impact on the wheel’s overall functionality, and it held up well for the remainder of the trail miles. Still, it leaves a bitter aftertaste: for wheels marketed for tough enduro riding, you shouldn’t dent the rim as easily under moderate stress. On the bright side, there were no loose spokes or additional dents – just a few cosmetic scratches.
FSA Gradient Carbon 35 Riser 20 handlebars
We tested the handlebars at a width of 800 mm. With a 5° upsweep and an 8° backsweep, the FSA Gradient handlebars enabled a comfortable and natural wrist position for our test rider, who has long arms and a narrow upper body. Of course, this depends on the rider’s anatomy and their personal width preferences. However, given that around 80% of enduro handlebars feature similar upsweep and backsweep angles, this setup should work well for most riders.
During longer offroad rides, the handlebars proved to be on the stiffer side, which helps implement steering input more precisely, even when pulling hard on the bars. However, on longer, more challenging descents with plenty of small trail-chatter, you might notice your arms tiring slightly faster. This is because the handlebars transmit vibrations from the ground to the rider with less damping.
To support our practical findings, we conducted a standardised laboratory test on the handlebars. Using a special test rig, a 20-kg weight was applied at a width of 760 mm to measure the deflection of the material under load. This deflection indicates how flexible or stiff the handlebars are and the potential impact on riding comfort. In other words: the less the deflection, the stiffer the handlebar.
That said, this is a static test that only partially reflects real-world conditions. On the trail, forces act with varying intensities and can be significantly higher. Nevertheless, the test provides a baseline to illustrate which handlebars offer more or less flex.
The result: With a weight applied 20 mm from the bar ends – precisely where the hands usually grip and transfer force – we measured 4.34 mm deflection. As shown clearly in our chart, the FSA Gradient handlebars take second place in terms of stiffness, with only the Renthal OE handlebars being stiffer, though these also offer the least comfort.
This lab test confirms our riding impressions: the FSA Gradient handlebars provide slightly less comfort compared to other models on the market. On the flip side, the pronounced stiffness ensures precise handling, even in demanding riding scenarios involving sudden, high forces.
FSA Gradient TEAM LTD OS35 stem and FSA Gradient crankset
The stem and crankset remained securely in place on the Atherton bike throughout the entire testing period, and both components performed flawlessly without any issues. Even when the FSA Gradient stem unintentionally smashed on the workshop floor, the finish remained unscathed – a testament to the high-quality construction. However, the € 229 price tag still feels steep. For riders who appreciate extravagant design, though, this could fulfill the dream of a „Rolex on your bike.“
The crankset was paired with a SRAM SX cassette and an FSA chain. During this test, the crank arms occasionally smashed into rocks, resulting in minor paint chips – a common occurrence with most cranks that is far from deserving criticism – except for our riding technique, perhaps 😅. More concerning was the noticeable paint wear on the sides of the crank arms, caused by contact with our shoes. This type of wear is a common issue for cranks but shouldn’t occur so quickly, especially after only a few months of use. In purely functional terms, however, we have no complaints. The chain stayed securely on the chainring throughout the entire testing period.
One drawback is the chainring replacement process. While the crankset can be easily disassembled with a 10 mm Allen key, the chainring is secured with FSA’s proprietary Modular Crank System Lockring, which requires a special tool to remove, thus making chainring swaps far less convenient than with a spider system!
Conclusions about the FSA Gradient series
The components of the FSA Gradient series offer serious value for money. However, the wheelset falls short of FSA’s promises regarding durability. The handlebars prove to be on the stiffer side, limiting comfort but allowing for precise, direct steering input. As for the crankset, it’s worth noting that swapping the chainring requires a special tool, and the paint on the crank arms showed clear signs of wear fairly quickly. Functionally, however, all tested components performed without any significant issues.
Tops
- Solid value for money with some components
- Partially high build-quality
Flops
- Stem is expensive
- Wheels are relatively heavy and prone to denting
- Special tool required for chainring replacement
For more information, visit FSA.com
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Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Peter Walker
