We’re entering a new Era when it comes to lightweight mountain bikes and components for trail riding. Though the “weight doesn’t matter” camp is still quite vocal, some trail riders are pushing back and demanding lighter gear. The new Race Face Era crankset and handlebars are here to oblige, and the BC-based brand claims both are the lightest in their respective categories.
Race Face SL crankset
The Race Face SL crankset features a carbon-fiber body with steel wear plates for durability and an aluminum alloy spindle. The crankset is offered in 160, 165, 170, and 175mm crankarm lengths.
A 170mm crankset with a 32-tooth chainring is claimed to weigh just 422g. Race Face says the Era SL is the “lightest XC crank you can buy,” and while Singletracks is unable to confirm this, it’s pretty dang close. Competitive Cyclist says a SRAM XX1 Eagle DUB SL Crankset weighs the same (422g), though it’s unknown which crankset dimensions they’re using; other real-world weights shared online put the actual XX1 weight closer to 480-490g. Shimano’s XTR crankset, according to our own tests, weighs 585g.
The $576.99 crankset comes with crank boots, pedal washers, and spindle spacers, though chainrings are sold separately.
Lightweight 35mm diameter handlebars you can flip
The $198.99 Race Face Era SL carbon handlebar is “designed for Downcountry, suitable for trail riding on bikes with up to 140mm of travel, [and] on e-bikes,” according to the brand. The bars feature a 35mm clamp diameter with an 8° backweep and 5° upsweep when rolled to either the positive or negative starting position. Based on the width of the clamping surface, the Race Face Era SL handlebar is not compatible with direct-mount stems.
Riders can flip the handlebar to achieve either a +6° or -6° rise. Some riders choose a negative rise for a more aggressive racing position. We’re also seeing negative-rise setups on early 32ers to help some riders achieve a better fit.
Race Face says the Era SL handlebar is the lightest in its 35mm class, and a quick check shows that most carbon bars weigh well north of 200g. However, note that the Era SL handlebar is just 760mm wide, while many modern carbon bars start off at 800mm. A note in the press kit for the 35mm-diameter Era SL handlebar recommends cutting the bars no narrower than 720mm, as beyond that, the bar will be undesirably stiff.
Race Face unapologetically embraces downcountry
Race Face is diving headfirst into the downcountry category with their new Era SL components. Though some may dislike the term, it’s hard to argue with lightweight components that are durable enough to withstand more aggressive descents.
The Era SL crankset and handlebar join previously released Race Face SL wheelsets and stems.
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