FSA launches its new World Cup wheels: meet the FSA KFX i30

FSA brings to production one of the wheels that we have already seen during the season at the XCO World Cup. The new KFX i30 arrives as its high-performance proposal for XCO and XCM, with a declared weight of 1,250 grams per set, carbon rim with 30 mm internal width, and a new hub with a 72-tooth ratchet system.

FSA KFX i30, wheels born in competition

The set is positioned directly in the racing range of the brand and comes after a period of development and competition alongside teams like Cannondale Factory Racing and Lapierre Factory Racing. But FSA has not focused the project solely on reducing weight. The rim design, its width, and the distribution of tensions aim to meet the demands of current XC, where resistance to impacts and precision in technical areas are increasingly important.

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The new KFX i30 has gone through competition before reaching the market. FSA initially worked on its development with Cannondale riders, and during this 2026 season, they have been used in the World Cup by Lapierre Factory Racing, Cannondale Factory Racing, and other teams.

The result is a set of 29" carbon rims manufactured by FSA with 36 mm external width, 30 mm internal width, and 24 mm depth. The internal channel allows for the use of the large volume tires commonly used in XCO today. In fact, FSA specifically points out that they are perfect for 2.4-inch tires. The rim also adopts a hookless and tubeless compatible construction.

An asymmetric rim to balance tensions

One of the main features of the KFX i30 is that the spoke holes are not located exactly in the center of the rim, but are laterally offset. This asymmetric geometry allows compensating for the differences caused by the position of the cassette and the disc, bringing the tensions of the spokes on both sides of the wheel closer together.

Thus, FSA seeks a more balanced and stable construction that can better maintain its tension and centering over time and against the impacts typical of modern circuits.

The outer section of the rim has also received specific attention. Its walls feature a profile developed to better distribute loads when the tire and rim hit stones, roots, or sharp edges. The goal is to reduce the risk of pinch flats when using low pressures.

24 spokes and a system to prevent them from losing tension

Each wheel uses 24 straight-pull flat-profile spokes, mounted in a two-cross pattern. FSA has combined these spokes with Alpina ABS

This is a solution aimed at maintaining spoke tension for a longer time, especially relevant in wheels designed to compete on terrains where impacts are constant.

New PRS X-900 hub with 72-tooth ratchet

FSA also introduces the PRS X-900 in these wheels, an aluminum hub developed by the brand itself. Instead of the traditional three-pawl system used as a reference by FSA, the new core operates with a 72-tooth ratchet. This leaves a engagement angle of 5 degrees and, according to the brand, provides a drive that is 24% faster than its previous three-pawl system.

This is a particularly interesting feature in XCO. In technical climbs, very slow turns, or areas where you have to stop pedaling for a moment, reducing the dead travel allows the transmission to deliver power more quickly.

The set uses seven sealed cartridge bearings, two in the front wheel and five in the rear. FSA offers cores for Shimano Microspline and SRAM XD.

There is also an unusual decision among current competition XC wheels. FSA maintains the ISO 6-bolt disc mount, instead of resorting to Center Lock.

There will also be an FSA KFX i30 for Lefty

The project's link with Cannondale is also reflected in the available configurations. FSA will offer a specific front wheel for Cannondale Lefty forks, with a declared weight of 608 grams.

In conventional configuration, the most striking figure remains that of the complete set. The new KFX i30 officially weighs 1,250 grams per pair.

At that weight, FSA adds a maximum system capacity of 150 kg and ASTM 3 certification, two figures that help to understand that weight reduction has not been the only goal of the project.

Features of the new FSA KFX i30

• Use: XC, XCO, and marathon
• Diameter: 29"
• Rim material: carbon
• Construction: asymmetric
• Profile: hookless and tubeless compatible
• Internal width: 30 mm
• External width: 36 mm
• Rim depth: 24 mm
• Spokes: 24 straight-pull flat-profile
• Spoke pattern: 2-cross
• Nipples: Alpina ABS
• Rear hub: FSA PRS X-900 aluminum
• Freewheel system: 72-tooth ratchet
• Engagement angle: 5°
• Bearing: 7 sealed cartridge, 2 front and 5 rear
• Cores: Shimano Microspline and SRAM XD
• Disc: ISO 6-bolt
• Front compatibility with Cannondale Lefty
• Declared weight: 1,250 g per set
• Maximum system weight: 150 kg
• Lifetime warranty

Price of the FSA KFX i30

The new FSA KFX i30 has a recommended price of 2,189 euros in Europe. FSA accompanies the launch with its lifetime warranty program, a particularly relevant argument for a set of carbon wheels intended directly for competition.