Race Face’s new 2009 Next SL mountain crankset has a claimed weight of 695g for the set, including bottom bracket, but this set weighed in at only 679g.  They’ve dropped some weight by using a Ti axle and a different carbon layup.  Price is TBD, and they’ll be available in early Spring 2009.  They’re also releasing a Single-Speed and FR/DH version, pics after the break…
Above is the Next Single-Speed version.  Based on the original carbon Next crankset, they’ve machined down the bolt holes that would normally hold the granny gear, and there are aluminum “bash guards” running between bolts on the outside to protect the edges of the carbon crank arms.  Price is TBD and will also be available in early Spring.
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Their 2009 Atlas Freeride crankset has a number of changes.  First, it’s now compatible with 83mm and 100mm external bottom bracket widths.
Second, the shifting guide is all new and works with two gears, so you can run a granny and middle ring and still keep your chain where it’s supposed to be.
Speaking of freeriding, Race Face has you covered (literally) in the protection department.  Their new Armor series has knee and elbow pads for DH, FR, Women-specific and even youth.  All feature a Patella Centering cap to keep your knee cap safe and secure, with 13mm or 15mm of padding, depending on the model. ÂÂ
The “Dig” model, shown at right, is simply a knee cover with no shin protection.  From there, they offer a Shorty, with medium shin and forearm protection and a regular FR and DH version with full shin and forearm coverage.  For the ladies, Race Face has pads developed specifically for female-sized appendages. Prices range from $50 to $65 for the elbow guards and $60 to $100 for the knee/shin guards.  Youth sizes are also available.
