When it comes to upgrading your mountain bike, the crankset often gets overlooked—but it’s a critical component that bridges power delivery and control on technical trails. The Race Face Era Crank has emerged as a standout choice for riders prioritizing lightweight durability without sacrificing performance. Designed for aggressive trail riding, this crankset promises to balance grams and grit. Let’s dive into what makes it a compelling option for MTB enthusiasts.
Engineering Excellence: Materials & Design
Race Face leverages forged 7075-T6 aluminum for the Era Cranks, a material favored in aerospace for its strength-to-weight ratio. Weighing in at 580g (175mm arms, 32T ring), it’s notably lighter than competitors like Shimano XT (620g) while maintaining stiffness. The hollow-forged arms reduce flex under load, a feature validated by third-party stress tests from outlets like BikeRumor, which reported less than 0.5mm deflection at 100Nm torque.
The direct-mount cinch system simplifies chainring swaps—a boon for riders tuning their setup for varying terrain. Compatibility spans Boost and non-Boost spacing, and it works seamlessly with SRAM DUB and Shimano 24mm bottom brackets, making it versatile for most modern frames.
Weight Savings Without Compromise
Shaving grams matters, but not at the expense of reliability. During a six-month field test across rocky Pacific Northwest trails, the Era Cranks showed minimal wear despite repeated impacts. Unlike some carbon alternatives prone to cracking (e.g., certain Easton models), the aluminum construction absorbs trail chatter without fatigue. Riders on forums like MTBR report zero creaking post-installation—a common pain point with lighter cranksets.
Race Face also integrates their signature Self-Extracting Bolt (SEB), eliminating the need for a separate tool to remove cranks. This thoughtful design tweak reduces trailside hassle, especially for bikepackers or racers on tight schedules.
Installation & Fitment Insights
Installing the Era Cranks is straightforward if you follow Race Face’s torque specs (12-14Nm for spindle bolts). However, mechanics at Worldwide Cyclery note that first-time users should double-check crank arm alignment to avoid preload issues. The spindle’s 30mm diameter enhances stiffness but requires a compatible bottom bracket—thankfully, options from brands like Wheels Manufacturing ensure broad compatibility.
For riders switching from 24mm spindles, the added stiffness is immediately noticeable during climbs and sprints. One user on Pinkbike noted a 15% improvement in power transfer compared to their previous setup, though this may vary based on frame and riding style.
Trail Performance & Real-World Testing
On rugged descents and punchy climbs, the Era Cranks excel. The 155mm Q-factor (Boost spacing) provides ample pedal clearance, reducing strikes on roots and rocks—a frequent complaint with wider cranksets like those from Truvativ. During lab tests by Vital MTB, the crankset maintained structural integrity after 50,000 cycles of simulated pedal strikes, far exceeding ISO mountain bike standards.
The narrow-wide chainring design minimizes drops, even without a chain guide. Paired with a 12-speed drivetrain, shifts remain crisp under load, though some testers recommend pairing it with a clutched derailleur for maximum retention on chattery terrain.
Value Proposition vs. Competitors
Priced at $220-$250 (depending on configuration), the Era sits between Shimano SLX and XTR in cost but undercuts premium carbon offerings like SRAM XX1 ($400+). While it lacks the bling of carbon fiber, its durability justifies the investment for riders logging heavy miles. For comparison:
– Shimano XT M8100: Heavier (620g) but slightly cheaper ($200).
– SRAM GX Eagle: Comparable weight (595g) but pricier ($280).
– OneUp Aluminum: Lighter (550g) but less robust in impact tests.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
To maximize lifespan:
1. Clean regularly: Use a brush to remove grit from spindle interfaces.
2. Check torque annually: Bolts can loosen over time due to vibration.
3. Inspect chainring teeth: Replace at 0.5mm wear depth (measured with calipers).
Race Face offers a two-year warranty, covering manufacturing defects—a testament to their confidence in the product.
Final Verdict
The Race Face Era Crank delivers where it counts: shedding weight without compromising trail-ready durability. Its thoughtful design—from the SEB bolts to the forged aluminum construction—caters to riders who demand precision and longevity. While not the cheapest option, its performance-to-price ratio makes it a smart upgrade for intermediate to advanced riders tackling technical terrain. If you’re chasing grams but refuse to sacrifice reliability, the Era deserves a spot on your shortlist.