Race Face Era SL crankset and handlebars claim to be lightest in class for downcountry mountain bikes

Race Face has officially unveiled its new Era SL carbon cranksets and handlebars, targeting the burgeoning "downcountry" and trail riding segments. The Canadian component manufacturer is boldly claiming lightest-in-class status for both products, with the crankset reportedly tipping the scales at 380 grams (170mm, 32T chainring) and the handlebar at 155 grams (760mm width). This launch positions Race Face to compete directly with other high-end, weight-conscious component suppliers in this growing niche.

This release is significant as it taps into the ongoing trend of riders seeking lightweight yet durable components for increasingly capable short-travel mountain bikes. Race Face, a brand with a long history in robust mountain bike parts, is now explicitly chasing the gram-counting demographic often associated with XC, but demanding trail-ready strength. Their "SL" designation historically denotes their lightest offerings, suggesting this is a concerted effort to reclaim market share from competitors who have dominated the ultralight carbon space.

Ultimately, Race Face is betting that riders will pay a premium for marginal gains in weight, a gamble as old as cycling itself. The scales, and the trails, will be the ultimate arbiter of their success.