FSA WE 12-Speed Up Close: Sea Otter 2023

Technically, this is the second iteration of WE, as the company launched an 11-speed variant for rim brake and disc brake a couple of years ago. Our long-term review of the 11-speed variant on gravel is linked below!

WE is a semi-wireless electronic drivetrain. FSA's system relies on a large battery that typically resides inside the seatpost, with two wires running from it, one for the front derailleur (brains of the operation) and one for the rear derailleur. The shifters communicate wirelessly with the derailleurs, and rely on cheap and easily available CR2023 coin cell batteries.

FSA's WE semi-wireless design came before Shimano's latest iteration of Di2, which uses a similar design. FSA WE relies on ANT for communication between each component. You can also use the FSA WE app to diagnose the system, update firmware, etc. Cassette spacing is the same as Shimano 12-Speed. Cassette options are unknown at this time, but we know the system is limited to a maximum 32 tooth cog.

In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew visits FSA at the 2023 Sea Otter Classic for the official North American launch of the revised WE 12-speed system. Many thanks to the staff of FSA for their time, excellent coffee!, and Lady Gravel Cyclist for her photos in this video.

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[lazlo]

You gotta review this… gen1 was something different but this gen2 seems a little more polished. Is this aimed at the gravel argent of the market? That’s derailleur looks lone it could handle a 36? Thanks again for giving us a glimpse of all that eye candy! Keep pedalling JOM.

[valiantabello]

I am just a cyclist and i my opinion is not worth much but why do these companies keep trying to compete in the premium segment? FSA would be much better served by creating a 105 level group set and heading off the Chinese manufacturers at the pass.