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SOC16: RaceFace Next SL G4 carbon crank gets even lighter, adds carbon/alloy chainrings

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RaceFace next sl carbon crank lighterIMG_3517

Sitting at the top of the RaceFace Cinch product line, the Next SL was already impressively light. When it came time to make it even better, weight was still one of the areas that RaceFace thought they could see improvement. After combining a new arm shape, pedal insert, and new composite chainring, the crankset is somehow even lighter and still provides all the versatility that Cinch cranks are known for…

RaceFace next sl carbon crank lighterIMG_3510

RaceFace next sl carbon crank lighterIMG_3514 RaceFace next sl carbon crank lighterIMG_3513

Looking at the crank arm, the angles are surprisingly sharp – something RaceFace says that their specific carbon molding technology allows them to do. At the end of the crank is a new Commercialized Super Alloy pedal insert which is said to be 20% stronger. Approved for use from XC to Enduro, it isn’t much but each arm is 6g lighter than the previous model.

RaceFace next sl carbon crank lighterIMG_3515

RaceFace next sl carbon crank lighterIMG_3519 RaceFace next sl carbon crank lighterIMG_3516

The spindle was also a subject of lightening with the end getting drilled out to save 4g. The crank still uses their 30mm Cinch spindle system which allows for almost every part to be swapped out for complete versatility. Bottom bracket options for the NextSL include BB92, 68/73mm BSA, 100mm BSA, and PF30.

RaceFace next sl carbon crank lighterIMG_3512

In addition to the crank, the chainrings also get a boost, but more in the strength department than weight. Using a carbon spider bonded to an aluminum outer chainring, the ring is supposedly 13% stronger. It also still uses the standard Cinch chainring profile so it’s cross compatible with all of the other Cinch cranks. Chainrings will be available in 32 and 34 tooth counts, with 28 and 30 soon to follow. Ring retail is $50 $90.

RaceFace next sl carbon crank lighterIMG_3508

All of those little bits of weight reduction add up to around a 20g weight savings over the previous generation with this 175mm 32t crankset coming in at 428g. Crank arms are available now for $479 with five different decal colors, and the rings will be available in June.

RaceFace.com

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Devin Zoller
7 years ago

Wait, what? A carbon/alloy no-drop chainring for $50? Is that accurate? Seems crazy cheap for that part.

Ben
Ben
7 years ago

I believe the ring is 90.00. Is this going to replace the current Next SL or is it in addition to it?

Marin
Marin
7 years ago

Crank arms are available for $479 now while the rings will be available in June, making the full system available for $550 complete in 5 colors.

That makes chainring priced at 71$, right?
Or does the “full system” include BB of your choice as well? Probably not, but what’s crankset without a bb?

Andy
Andy
7 years ago

16g savings over the previous model, totally worth the money…

Jeremy Moore
Jeremy Moore
7 years ago
Reply to  Andy

If you already have these cranks, sure, that’s a waste of money. But if you don’t have them and want them, this is just a slight improvement that’ll maybe convince you to buy them. Remember, they gained stiffness with the meager weight loss. That stiffness gain with no weight loss is still an improvement. I’m about 90% sure I’m buying these for my next build.

Boose
Boose
7 years ago
Reply to  Jeremy Moore

they’re 390USD new though (the old next sl) vs 479 (new) and the old ones will probably drop to 300USD once new ones are readily available. makes them sexy still

Justin
Justin
7 years ago
Reply to  Boose

You nailed it, Boose. I’m keeping an eye out for that price drop. Old stock won’t last long.

Tyler Benedict
Admin
7 years ago

All – Pricing info has been updated. Retail for the chainring is $89.99. The materials we received listed a total package at $549, so it’s likely that a) there’s a package price and then there’s separate pieces prices, or b) the actual prices aren’t quite finalized. We’re looking into it and will update as necessary.

Marin
Marin
7 years ago

I’m not a fan of aluminium chainrings.
Especially if they’re expensive like this one.
SRAM rings last short if you ride a lot and I don’t see how RF is any different.
They should’ve gone Shimano route and used combination of steel teeth and alloy or composite carrier. I’m not a big fan of shimano but this concept is great.

Tom
Tom
7 years ago
Reply to  Marin

Great crank. If you don’t like aluminum chain rings, I believe that Wolf Tooth is making a steel version that should last forever, with a slight weight penalty.

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