The time period “downcountry” could also be falling out of trend, however the type of bikes and using it describes actually isn’t. Actually, prior to now few months, it looks as if the sunshine path, downcountry, aggressive XC style (no matter you wish to name it) of mountain biking is as sturdy as ever. With not too long ago launched bikes just like the Ibis Ripley SL and the Allied FITZ, that are particularly focusing on lighter weight and path bike functionality, there appears to be a resurgence of curiosity within the light-weight path bike class.
The parents at Race Face appear to acknowledge this, and really appear fairly dedicated to the idea of downcountry. In accordance with Race Face, “Mountain bike group members might argue whether or not Downcountry is actual, related, lifeless, or just simply trendy XC. However riders hold selecting bikes and parts that assist them climb like XC and descend with actual Path confidence. Class blur is a factor.”
For this reason, alongside the ERA SL wheels that got here out final yr, Race Face is launching its new ERA SL cranks, a light-weight set of carbon cranks for XC racing, path using, and every part in between. Race Face claims the ERA SL cranks are “the lightest XC crank you should buy, with the power to carry as much as your each day abuse.” Let’s verify them out.
Race Face Period SL Crankset Particulars
The Period SL cranks look similar to Race Face’s customary Period cranks, though they’ve been placed on a weight loss plan to cut back weight considerably. They’re manufactured from carbon fiber, after all, with a “layup that reduces bulk in each doable space with no compromise to long-term sturdiness.” Race Face shaved further grams by bonding/integrating the 30mm-diameter 7000-series aluminum alloy spindle to the non-drive-side crankarm.
Like the usual Period cranks, the SL options an built-in, however smaller, chrome steel put on plate to forestall scuffing from repeated shoe contact. The Q-factor is acknowledged at 170mm (together with pedal washers), with choices for 52mm and 55mm chainlines, utilizing DM and DMW chainrings, respectively. They use Race Face’s Cinch direct-mount chainring interface. They arrive with crank boots, pedal washers, and spindle washers — chainrings and backside brackets are offered individually.
The brand new Period SL cranks begin as brief as 160mm, with 165, 170, and 175mm choices obtainable to swimsuit various wants and preferences. The crank arms are black/carbon-colored with a silver chrome steel put on plate and small ERA SL logos. These logos can be found in three colour choices: Black, Kashmoney, and Stealth. Race Face means enterprise, and the Period SL cranks are backed by the model’s spectacular Lifetime Guarantee, which incorporates injury from crashes.
How Mild are They?
Race Face claims a set of 170mm Period SL cranks with a 32T chainring weighs simply 422 grams. Maybe there are some lighter boutique choices on the market, however the ERA SL may be very light-weight.
For comparability, the newest XTR cranks in the identical configuration weigh a mixed 597 grams, a distinction of a whopping 175 grams (6.17 oz.). SRAM’s XX SL cranks (175mm w/ 34T ring) are 53 grams (1.87 oz.) heavier with a claimed weight of 475 grams. In comparison with Race Face’s customary, and already fairly light-weight, Period cranks at 499 grams, the Period SL saves you 77 grams (2.72 oz).
These cranks strike me as a wise improve for riders trying to shave some weight off of inventory Shimano XT or XTR Di2 builds. That 175-gram distinction is kind of important, and with Race Face’s lifetime guarantee, it’s probably not a roll of the cube, both.
Key Specs
Out there Lengths: 160, 165, 170, and 175mm
Q-Issue: 170mm (together with pedal washers)
Out there Chainlines: 52mm (DM ring), or 55mm (DMW ring)
Spindle Diameter: 30mm
Weight: 422 grams (170mm cranks, 32T SHI-12 DMW ring, {hardware})
Race Face Period SL Crankset: Pricing and Availability
Race Face’s new light-weight ERA SL cranks can be found now with a retail value of $577 USD ($650 CAD, £469 GBP). Head to the Race Face web site to study extra, buy them straight from the model, or discover a seller close to you.
raceface.com
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