The FSA Powerbox Alloy Supercompact BB386EVO Powermeter road crank was developed in conjunction with respected German brand power2max® integrating cutting-edge technology into crank arms and chainrings. So the powermeter measures precisely power output before transmitting that information via ANT+ or Bluetooth to a compatible bike computer or smart device (not included).
The cold-forged aluminum arms are heavily scalloped for the maximum strength to weight ratio, while the versatile BB386EVO spindle is forged from an even stronger aluminium alloy. The 30 mm spindle is compatible with English Threaded, Shimano Press Fit and BB30 bottom brackets with just a few simple spacers.
The black chainrings are fully CNC-machined of 7075 aluminium. The outer ring is ramped and pinned for fast and precisely shifting. Finally, the chainring bolts are CrMo steel for exceptional strength.
BB386EVO is based on the existing BB30 system. The revolution of the 30 mm spindle opened the door for the most significant improvement in crank design in many years. BB30 raised the bar for crank set weight, stiffness, and design. The key is the 30 mm diameter alloy spindle, formed in a high-pressure, low-speed extrusion process. The 30 mm spindle improved torsional stiffness, while reducing the spindle, and increasing the contact area between the crank arm and the spindle.
The BB386EVO design simply modifies the BB30 design to a wider width, and incorporates a press fit bearing cup, rather than the direct fit bearing of the BB30 system. This slight modification allows the adaptability of the design to other bottom bracket shells and gives the frame builder more landscape to craft their frames.
Training with FSA Powerbox cranksets
The powermeter delivers the information but what can you do with it? Well, similar to training by heart rate, training by power is maximized via zones. But before you can set training zones, you need a baseline figure. There are many tests out there but one of the most common and reputable is the submaximal ramp test that should be repeated every four weeks to measure progress.
Warm up for 5 mins at 50 to 60 rpm (you can check your cadence on your bike computer). Then pedal in a seated position for 1 min at the starting power – this is around 55 W for newbies and 100 W for more experienced cyclists. After a minute, increase power by 15 W. Keep increasing by 15 W each minute until you can’t talk. Now stop. This is assumed to be around 85 % of your maximum heart rate. Take note of the power output. Add 60 W and you get your maximum minute power (MMP).
This figure is important because you can now plan your training zones. These are based on your MMP figure. You can find these in great detail elsewhere but, broadly speaking, there are seven training zones designed to stimulate certain physiological adaptations depending on the time of year. For instance, the recovery zone is when you ride at below 35 % MMP and are able to hold a conversation. These rides should last less than an hour. Next is the "base zone" at around 35 to 45 % MMP. These rides can be anywhere between 90 mins to 4 hours and are great for burning fat and building aerobic capacity. These stretch up to the seventh zone – supramaximal – which is more than 100 % MMP and involves very short intervals. You’ll find these extremely stressful to build speed.
Once you’ve set your training zones, you’re now in place to plan your training day, week and month. For this, online software like Training Peaks is pretty good. TP will also give you a fatigue rating to ensure you don’t overtrain.
Included in delivery:
without bottom bracket
Material: Aluminium ||| Steel
Weight supplement: weighed by Bike24
