Is that still downcountry, cross country or already trail? It doesn't matter, says Race Face. If you ride a mountain bike, you want super-lightweight components that will stand the test of time even when you're riding hard downhill. No matter what label you end up sticking on them. With the Era SL family, the Canadian manufacturer aims to fulfil this sweet spot of lightweight construction and downhill qualities.
Attack on Sram & Shimano: Race Face Era SL crank
According to Race Face, the Era SL crank is the lightest XC crank on the market. At just 422 grams (170 mm, 32 mm chainring, DMW mount), it is said to undercut the competitor cranks Shimano XTR and Sram XX SL and set new standards. Despite the extremely lightweight construction, the manufacturer promises trail-ready durability thanks to the optimised carbon layup.
The details: Race Face relies on a permanently integrated 30 mm axle made from 7000 aluminium. A wear plate is designed to prevent premature abrasion from the inside of the shoes. The crank is available in lengths from 160 to 175 millimetres and in three colours. The Q-factor is 170 millimetres.
Era SL handlebars: 170 grams and rotatable
The 35 mm handlebar weighs in at just 170 grams (760 mm). Especially for cross-country use, it is reversible and offers a choice of +6 mm or -6 mm rise. The mixture of stiffness on the one hand and sufficient damping on the other is intended to prevent premature arm fatigue. Race Face refers to this as the "Goldilocks Tune".
By the way: The handlebars are only available in a 35 millimetre diameter. According to Race Face, the handlebars would only be heavier with a narrower diameter. The special damping tune should already offer the optimum in terms of comfort - even with a diameter of 35 millimetres. The handlebar is also approved for E-MTBs up to 140 mm and is said to be the lightest handlebar with a 35 mm clamp to date.
Era SL Wheels: A set from 1494 grams
Light and yet durable. The Era SL wheels deliberately seek a middle ground between XC racing and robustness for the trail. With 8.6 % more lateral compliance than its own Enduro wheels, Race Face aims to create comfort without sacrificing the necessary stiffness.
The inner width is a modern 29 millimetres and is recommended for tyres up to 2.6 inches wide. The carbon rim should weigh 385 grams. According to the manufacturer, a set of the new lightweight wheels weighs just 1494 grams.
The wheels are only available in 29 inch. The category 4 approval is ample, but Race Face does not recommend the wheels for more than 140 mm travel and e-MTBs. The maximum system weight is 130 kilos. E-mountain bikers and heavy riders can instead opt for the equally new Era E-MTB Carbon wheelset with a system weight of 150 kilos and 1750 grams in 29 inches.
Lightweight construction with a lifetime guarantee - crashes included
Race Face offers a lifetime warranty on all Era SL components for the first owner - and this even includes crash damage. The Canadians obviously have great confidence in the durability of their own products, even when it comes to lightweight components.
BIKE summary of the Race Face Era SL series
The new lightweight product line from Race Face sets itself ambitious goals. The lightest 35 mm handlebars on the market, the lightest cranks from conventional production and at the same time a genuine trail approval and a lifetime guarantee. Anyone who likes to upgrade their bike with high-quality parts and doesn't just ride downhill will find many exciting options here.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
