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The ‘Five minutes with’ series presents a company with five short, sharp and to-the-point questions about who they are and what they do. This week we’re joined by FSA’s Claudio Marra.
Can you tell us the history of the company?
In 1992, Douglas Chang decided to create a brand dedicated specifically to high-level bicycle components. He started the business in the USA with an office in California. In 2001 Douglas decided to invest in the European market in order to be closer to his customers.
This strategy was quite different in comparison to other leading company strategies at the time; FSA were looking for European managers who were experienced in giving support and could help develop big ideas. Douglas soon met Claudio Marra, a sales manager with years of experience in the bike industry and consequently went on to become the Managing Director himself.
In 2002, the company had grown out of the small Californian office, so Douglas and Claudio decided to move the company to a new, bigger building in Italy with more space in the warehouse.
Today FSA is renowned as one of the leading companies in the cycling industry. 2017 featured a huge milestone for the brand, with the launch of the wireless electronic groupset K-Force WE.
What are you ultimately trying to achieve?
Through unrivalled style, the highest performance technologies, innovation and testing, our mission is to produce a comprehensive range of cycling components that enable cyclists to achieve their goals. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do.
What gives you an edge over other brands in the industry?
We developed and produced our high-end products starting from the suggestions and requirements of the most important road and MTB teams, without forgetting the needs of the amateur cyclists.
What innovations in the industry are exciting you at the moment?
For FSA, the best innovation in the bicycle industry is the electronics groupset. In 2016 – after years of study and development – K-Force WE was ready to ride. K-Force WE is a high-tech electronic groupset with an elegant design. It’s a unique product that will change the way cyclists ride their bikes.
What does the future hold for the company?
Our mission is to set the standard for excellence in cycling components and to grow and maintain our reputation as the most innovative and fastest aerodynamic components in the world. We support athletes in their quest for the podium.
