FSA K-Force Compact carbon handlebar

The FSA K-Force Compact, as the name suggests, has a shallower drop (125mm) than a lot of handlebars, including FSA's own Ergo bar. What that means is the transfer from the hoods to the drops is less extreme, and that makes it ideal for people who want who don't have the flexibility to ride in the deep drops of some handlebars.

The reach (80mm) is also short with a good rearward extension of the drop. So as well as the shallow drop, the reach has been reduced, so you don't have to stretch quite so far.

FSA have also given the drops a slight outward flare (4 degrees) that delivers good clearance between the wrist and top corner of the handlebar, so that you never bounce into the tops when you're riding in the drops.

The shape of the handlebar makes it really useable, and we bet more people would make better use of the drops if they had a compact handlebar on their bike. I use the drops plenty when I'm riding, and almost exclusively when racing, especially crits, and I do much prefer the compacts as they offer enough aero advantage without challenging my lack of flexibiltiy to the same extent some deeper handlebars do.

The K-Force Compact handlebar achieves its low weight thanks to a unidirectional carbon fibre construction, with Kevlar reinforcing. There's an extended wide section either side of the handlebar providing enough space for mounting a computer, out-front Garmin mount, lights or even clip-on aero bars.

Fitting the bars was easy. There are cable grooves underneath the bar for the gear and brake cables to be routed, which provides a neat bar tape wrap. The key clamp areas are reinforced and with a textured material to prevent slippage.

The only detail that niggles with me is the angled lip along the tops. It's clearly there to provide a flush fitting bar tape with the central bulge, but it looks unsightly if you prefer to finish your bar tape with a nice straight line.

The K-Force Compact handlebars proved as stiff as any handlebars from 3T, PRO or Thomson, though perhaps displaying a hit more flex when really pushed hard, especially during out of the saddle sprints.

Best of all is the comfort the shape provides. Here is a handlebar that you can comfortably ride in the drops for long durations, without suffering the sore back that deeper and shorter reach handlebars are more likely to induce.

The only real downside, and it's a big one, is the massive price. Yes it's an expensive handlebar, but most carbon handlebars share the same criticism. You're paying for that lack of weight remember. Fortunately, FSA offers the same compact shape in the SL-K guise which is a more affordable carbon sibling, and then there is the Omega Compact handlebar which is just £35, with the same shape.

So there you go. If you want a light handlebar the K-Force delivers, but if you fancy a compact handlebar, there are less expensive options.

Three widths (40, 42 and 44cm) are available, measured centre-to-centre, all with a 31.8mm centre clamp diameter. You can choose from red or black colour options.

Verdict

Very light handlebar with a really comfortable shape