Race Face Unveils Featherlight Era SL Crankset and Handlebars for Downcountry Riding

Race Face has recently unveiled its innovative Era SL crankset and handlebars, signaling a significant advancement in lightweight components designed for the burgeoning downcountry mountain biking segment. These new products underscore a clear shift in rider preferences towards lighter, yet robust, equipment, challenging the traditional view that weight is a secondary concern. The BC-based manufacturer proudly asserts that both the Era SL crankset and handlebars are the lightest offerings within their respective classes, catering to the increasing demand for high-performance, weight-optimized solutions on the trails.

Cutting-Edge Era SL Crankset and Versatile Handlebars Reshape Mountain Biking Performance

In a bold move to cater to the evolving demands of mountain bikers, Race Face has introduced its groundbreaking Era SL crankset and accompanying handlebars, both meticulously engineered for exceptional lightness without compromising durability. This innovation marks a new era in the pursuit of optimized performance for trail and downcountry riding.

The meticulously crafted Race Face SL crankset boasts a carbon-fiber construction, thoughtfully integrated with steel wear plates to ensure long-term resilience on rugged terrains. This fusion of materials delivers both a remarkably low weight and robust durability. Available in a range of crankarm lengths—160mm, 165mm, 170mm, and 175mm—it offers riders customization to suit their specific needs and riding styles. A 170mm crankset, when paired with a 32-tooth chainring, tips the scales at an astonishingly light 422 grams. Race Face confidently asserts its position as the market leader, claiming the Era SL to be the 'lightest XC crank available.' While a direct, comprehensive verification remains pending, this figure places it in an elite class, closely rivaling or even surpassing other top-tier lightweight cranksets in the industry. For instance, the SRAM XX1 Eagle DUB SL Crankset reportedly matches this weight, though real-world figures often lean higher, and Shimano's XTR crankset registers a heavier 585 grams in independent testing.

Priced at $576.99, the Era SL crankset comes complete with essential accessories including crank boots, pedal washers, and spindle spacers, though chainrings are sold separately, allowing for personalized gearing choices.

Complementing the crankset, the Race Face Era SL carbon handlebar, retailing at $198.99, is specifically engineered for 'Downcountry,' and is suitable for trail bikes with up to 140mm of travel, even extending its utility to e-bikes. These handlebars feature a 35mm clamp diameter, offering an 8° backweep and a 5° upsweep. A notable design element allows riders to 'flip' the handlebar, providing either a +6° or -6° rise. This adaptability is particularly advantageous for riders seeking a more aggressive race posture or those utilizing 32ers to achieve a refined fit. It's crucial to note, however, that the design restricts compatibility with direct-mount stems. Race Face also proudly states that the Era SL handlebar is the lightest in its 35mm class. While many carbon handlebars typically exceed 200 grams, the Era SL's 760mm width contributes to its minimal weight. The manufacturer advises against cutting the bars shorter than 720mm to prevent an undesirable increase in stiffness.

With these introductions, Race Face unequivocally embraces the 'downcountry' category, offering components that strike a harmonious balance between ultralight design and robust performance, tailored for more aggressive descending capabilities. These new additions seamlessly integrate with the previously released Race Face SL wheelsets and stems, further solidifying the brand's commitment to this dynamic segment of mountain biking.

The introduction of Race Face's Era SL crankset and handlebars signals an intriguing evolution in mountain biking. This move by Race Face, embracing the 'downcountry' philosophy, suggests a growing market for components that don't force riders to choose between feather-light builds and robust, trail-ready durability. It challenges the conventional wisdom that optimal performance must come with significant weight, proving that cutting-edge materials and thoughtful engineering can deliver both. For enthusiasts and competitive riders alike, these products offer a compelling pathway to enhance their bikes' agility and responsiveness without sacrificing the strength needed for varied terrains. It's a clear indication that the industry is actively listening to riders' demands for more versatile, high-performance equipment, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in mountain bike design.