Race Face Announces New Next SL Crankset

Mar 25, 2019
by Race Face  

PRESS RELEASE: Race Face

The places we come from help guide the places we go. Over twenty five years ago, Race Face was born from the imagination and creativity that shaped the wildest features of Vancouver’s North Shore. An idea was unearthed on trails that made us feel alive. A challenge. A call to something larger than ourselves.

Here in the playground of the Coast Range, we created a legacy of doing things our way. Cranks crafted in the backroom and proven in the backyard. R&D done every damn day. Every trail delivering a new design tweak. Every moment spent on dirt embedded into the very fiber of our cranks. And we continue to forge towards what is next.

We were raised in these mountains. We still live, work, and dream in this space. Race Face is within spinning distance of B.C.’s best single-track, and we build every Race Face carbon crankset by hand, right here. Where we were born. Introducing the new Race Face Next SL - proudly handcrafted in Vancouver, B.C.

Next SL crankset

Our trusted and performance-driven Next SL crankset has been refined with improvements in its carbon layup and manufacturing process that delivers an increase in crankarm stiffness for precise power transfer. The strength of the new Next SL crank arms is off the charts while achieving a modest reduction in weight over the previous version. Plus, you can run the new Next SL (and all RF Cinch System cranks) with the Shimano 12 speed drivetrain when using our new Cinch Direct Mount Shimano 12 Speed Compatible 1x ring. The Next SL crankset continues forward as the benchmark for XC + Trail crank performance, a testament to the history of Race Face following its own path, creating industry leading product focused on you, the rider.

Next SL 12 spd
Next SL Alloy ring
With new 12 Speed Shimano Compatible ring or Standard Cinch Direct Mount Ring

The Next SL Crankset

FEATURES:
• Proven crank arm shape and pedal insert for strong dependable performance
• Improved lightweight carbon lay-up for precise power transfer.
• Cinch System for maximum versatility in drivetrain options
• Crankarms are lighter than previous generations.
• Numerous spindle length options and is Cinch Power Meter compatible.
• Run the Next SL crankset on your 12 speed Shimano drivetrain with our new Cinch Direct Mount 12 Speed Compatible Shimano 1x ring
• Proudly designed, tested and handcrafted in Vancouver, BC using US-sourced carbon.
• Covered by a 3-year warranty


SPECS
COLOUR: Black
BUILT FOR: XC/TRAIL
SIZE: 170, 175MM
BB OPTIONS: BB92, 68/73 BSA, PF30 (across various spindle lengths)
SPINDLE DIAMETER: 30MM
SPINDLE SIZE: 134, 136, 149, 170, 174, 190mm
CHAINLINE: 52mm (136mm Boost spindle / DM Ring)
RING CONFIGURATIONS: Cinch Direct Mount, 64/104mm Cinch Spider
WEIGHT: 428G (32T RING, NO BB)

MSRP: $429.99 USD (crank arms only)

Handcrafted Next SL

Next SL Website

MENTIONS: @raceface


Posted In:
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178 Comments
  • 92 21
 NEXT because bring on the NEXT crank set because they cracked or the pedal inserts have debonded
  • 23 13
 What will they come up with next? (note, never broken a SIXC or NEXT crank yet)
  • 15 7
 @macross87: you better knock on some wood fast! ive seen a buddy go through 3 of them. the next r that is. atleast he figured out how to fix them
  • 19 5
 So...so many warranties on Next SL till finally they sent me SixC and I broke those too.
  • 39 3
 The "SL" stands for short lasting not for super light ...
  • 35 10
 @macross87: I've got 2 sets of the Next SLs and a set of the Next Rs. Been riding them several years. Coastal BC. I'm 200lbs of fury with 2 rides a week on average + holiday road trips down to the desert.

No issues at all.
  • 14 3
 i had a set and they cracked, my riding buddy bought a set and it cracked.
  • 6 2
 @vikb: worst thing there is my buddys about your size maybe 25 lbs more but he rides maybe one time a week and local stuff not bc level stuff and maybe 1 trip to pisgah a year
  • 7 1
 NEXt replaced my NEXT SL crank set due to delamination of BOTH crank arms to the spingle. They gave me a NEXT R instead of SL. I weigh 178lbs fully geared including camel bak full.
  • 9 1
 @onelivinlarge: 3 sets of SixC here. Ditched them in the end and went back to alu. Can't trust them.
  • 9 5
 @honourablegeorge: Im still running my stock affects no issues. considering a set of turbines to shed some weight cause those are proven bomb proof
  • 9 1
 I've had multiple Next SL AND SixC fail on me. Proof: www.youtube.com/watch?v=poX9Bj6e98k&;

RF has been good about warranty replacement, but they kept breaking. Moved on and will never get another RF carbon crank. Not worth the hassle and potential injury for the weight savings IMO. RF Atlas cranks have been going strong, however, for a couple years so I know they can make a good product.
  • 7 0
 yup good one.....i've been through 2 sets. Alloy cranks forever.
  • 4 0
 Been running Next SL cranks on 2 full sus bikes for nealy 3 years and Next SL G4 on my hardtail.

A few months ago the peddle threads came lose (glue failed) on one of the pairs of older SL cranks. Strangely, both crank arms on the same trip. Isent them to Silverfish, the UK distributor on a Thursday. I received a brand new set of Next R cranks arms on the Monday. Can’t fault the customer seviceee.

I’m quite happy that near 3 year old arms were replaced with brand new.

The G4 arms and Next R arms seem a lot more substantial than the original but hopefully these new ones are even better. Although they will probably be 100% more expensive as prices seems to be just going silly...
  • 2 0
 @lukehumphrey: That is a feature. More float for your knees, careful, you might have to pay extra.
  • 3 0
 On my 3rd set of SIXC on enduro bike. Pedal inserts get loose after about 6 months. Race face is great about the warranty though.
  • 37 7
 @dyalnger9 - We are always working on improvements to our carbon crank manufacturing and insert designs. That is part of the advantage we can take advantage of because we can design, prototype, test and manufacture all in-house here in Vancouver, BC.

The new Next SL crankset has seen gains over the past Next SL version in overall strength and insert reliability through improvements in materials and our lay-up process. This is a step forward for Next SL cranks. We understand that some users may have had frustrations with the G4 Next SL and we have set out to address all those concerns with this new Next SL crankset (G5). We always 100% stand behind our product and always are aiming to create mtb products that fuel your passion to ride!
  • 9 7
 @raceface: so much love for you guys and what you put out!
  • 4 0
 @raceface: Will warranties for 2nd or 3rd generation failures be replaced by this new edition?
  • 13 1
 @bigwheels87: replacement warranties for older editions of Next SL cranks will for sure be with this newest edition.
  • 3 5
 Next to Atlas cranks these do nothing for me.
  • 4 1
 My Next SL G4s have been holding strong through two years of abuse now. They've taken plenty of nasty hits and have the scars to prove it. That said, I do only weigh 135 lbs, so maybe that explains my luck.
  • 3 0
 @H3RESQ: Should have been titanium!
  • 2 0
 Well this escalated quickly.

Would love to have been around to see the comments relating to press releases for:

A. Cranbrothers Mallet pedals.
B. RS Reverb

Must have been a hoot.
  • 4 0
 @raceface: Do you guys happen to offer the option of upgrading to Turbines when the Next break? I've got through 3 sets of Next SL (G1,3, and 4) living in Ohio, and I'm done with carbon cranks.
  • 8 0
 @dualsuspensiondave: We are open to find solutions to keep our customers happy and on their bikes. We can certainly can look at options like supplying a Turbine crankset for a carbon crankset warranty - our warranty service team is here to assist!
  • 1 0
 @raceface: any plans for grom length cranks? 155-165mm?
  • 1 2
 @vikb: same deal for me , Original Next SL and no issues what so ever.
  • 3 1
 @vikb: Yup. I bought my Next SL cranks off a pro XC racer, who knows how many thousands of miles he put on them. I've ran them for 200+ rides with ZERO ISSUES.
  • 4 0
 @vikb: Had to chime in on this one. Me:5'10", 185 lbs. Next SL pedal inserts loose twice then upgrade to Next R (which were not available when I bought the SLs). Cinch inserts comes loose after a few months and RF sends me a new crank arm. Months later, both pedal inserts loose and now waiting for my warranty cranks to arrive so I can finally ride again. How long you have been riding these cranks is less important than how much you ride and how hard you ride. I put a lot of miles on my bike, more than most I would wager and these just do not last.
  • 2 1
 @onelivinlarge: Buy a SRAM XX1 crankset?
  • 1 0
 @ilikepinkcrayons: na im a poor boy and id rather not have to worry about rock strikes
  • 1 0
 @tunnel-vision: XC is probably fine for these cranks but myself and many others ride a lot more extreme than XC and I suspect there in lies the problem.
  • 2 0
 @ilikepinkcrayons: yeah as if Sram carbon cranksets didn’t suffer from exactly same issues.

RF and Sram carbon cranks are notorious for issues mentioned all over this comment sections, just like RF bottom brackets pressfits in general. Carbon is not a good material for making a cransket used for anything else than road and mild XC. Same for the rims. There are all too many pros on EWS circuit switching to alloy for all parts having direct contact with rocks.

Yes there are people riding these for years with no issues just like there are folks who don’t puncture Schwalbe snake skin tyres without inserts. Different terrains, different people.
  • 1 1
 @raceface: Chester cranks on three bikes. five seasons on one set zero issues .
  • 1 0
 @onelivinlarge: any info on this would be good pls
  • 29 9
 Hell, Mine didn't last long enough to tear the threads out. I literally broke the crank arm off in the parking lot after the bike shop installed them. I was told that is not covered under warantee. I will probably never buy raceface again,.
  • 9 3
 This seems surprising to me. I have had two warranty issues and RaceFace came through 100% on both. Each time upgrading me (once from SL to SLG4, once SLG4 to NextR). Ideally you shouldn't need to use the warranty, I get that, but with a good dealer backing you this shouldn't be an issue from my experiences.
  • 27 3
 @FearlessFly This certainly sounds like a strange case to us. Did your local RF dealer talk with our Warranty Department directly? What was the reason given when warranty was denied. We 100% stand behind all RF products again manufacturing defects - we would like to hear more about your case to see what can be done! Email warranty@raceface.com to discuss further or answer back to us in this thread.
  • 5 1
 @raceface: The shop I bought the frame (Rocky Mountain BC Edition) and cranks from installed the cranks and after they broke off in the parking lot said they were for light duty and could not be waranteed due to the crack in the arm by the spindle and the smashed arm where it hit the ground. I literally broke them wearing flip flops on flat pedals and was out like $500 bucks for the cranks. The frame could only fit Raceface Cinch Cranks so I bought a set of the Alloy Turbine cranks and the bottom bracket on the frame separated after 2 weeks on the frame. Rocky waranteed the frame and I sold the warantee frame for $1000 and the shop threw the cranks away. I spent like $4500 on a full carbon frame, cranks, rear shock and front fork and headset and pretty much walked away with just a fork out of the deal.
  • 31 0
 @FearlessFly: Your bike shop sucks dude, lol.
  • 13 2
 @FearlessFly: The shop really should have been checking with us directly for our comments on the cranks. We kind of agree with @j-t-g 's comment about your shop. We certainly would have taken a look at the cranks to see if a warranty in the cards. Sorry you got some poor service in this case.
  • 2 0
 @j-t-g: hard
  • 3 0
 @raceface: Agreed. I haven't been back to that shop.
  • 2 0
 Why didn't you rip that shop a new a*shole @j-t-g:
  • 2 0
 @freeridejerk888: My buddy did and they had to call the cops.
  • 1 0
 @FearlessFly: I call BS on your claim (not saying those cranks are perfect). The min. load required to fail a crank arm off would have broke your leg. If they were new it was not a fatigue failure...maybe the bike shop damaged them. Send a link to some pictures.... Smile
  • 2 0
 @Loamhuck: cool,

Call the path in Tusin CA, ask for Mo.
  • 21 4
 Previous version failed catastrophically on me when halfway down a Squamish rock slab - nothing would convince me to use SL cranks on a trail bike again.
  • 6 3
 I think this might be part of the problem..."let take a super light XC crank and put it on a trail bike, what is the worst that can happen?". My sixc cranks are going strong on my XC bike though, but only time will tell.
  • 11 3
 @BCDragon Sorry to hear about that experience with that older set of Next SL's. In the past Next SL cranks may have been getting spec'd on bikes a bit outside of its usage range. We designed the Next R crankset to be on 140-170mm Trail bikes that are pushed hard or raced in Enduro situations. We recommend using the Next SL for XC/Trail bike in the 100-130mm travel range. The Next SL is built tough but is more suited for more traditional XC/Trail riding - the Next R is there for All mountain/Enduro conditions.
  • 5 0
 @raceface: so the Next SL cranks on my Pivot 5.5 are bound to fail?? I'm not sure what you're saying here. At 215lbs, if my cranks are going to fail I'd rather replace them before they do, cause with my luck that would be a bad day in an ER in Colorado somewhere on one of my epic weekend warrior trips from Texas. please advise -
  • 3 0
 but people race enduro and xc on XTR....@clink83:
  • 3 0
 Okkk that makes zero sense...you wouldn't race enduro on XC rims and then wonder why they break.
  • 1 2
 How does it make zero sense? Xtr cranks are the lightest cranks @clink83:
  • 2 0
 @freeridejerk888: I'm pretty sure the next SL are lighter, unless the 12 speed ones have lost serious weight. They are also forged aluminum.
  • 2 0
 Looks like next sl with chaining is 430 grams vs 520 for xtr 12 speed at 520.
  • 1 0
 Lightest in the depression class wich can be us d for xc to DH... @clink83:
  • 1 0
 Deore @clink83:
  • 1 0
 @clink83: except XTRs are raced with success on EWS, Gee Atherton even had them on his DH bike during the lasy years he was riding for Commencal. A 70kg man ruins 650g Ebike carbon rims, what other proof do you need? Yeah Next SL is a XC Race crank, too bad it is specced as stock on some Enduro bikes. If whole bike was considered as a whole this would be a case for a recall, pedal may fall off which may result as an injury.

Then you can even get Clavicula cranks and good luvk with these.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: uhh...what?
  • 1 0
 @clink83: XTR Cranks are more durable than all carbon cranks?
  • 1 0
 Turbines are only 100 grams more and your not going to have issues... They are also way cheaper. Been through 2 Next SL's and SixC. Turbines have been solid!
  • 18 1
 The fact that people pay extra $$ for carbon on the most rock strike prone area on a mountain bike after the pedals is beyond me.
  • 5 4
 Crack arm boots ftw. I'll be putting crank arm boots on my new alloy cranks in the future too...
  • 4 5
 Sheeple, plain and simple. They are carbon so they must be better!
  • 2 0
 @clink83: when i take a look at my cranks (SRAM S1400 something) there are multiple deep grooves on both sides where the arm attaches to the spindle. Not sure where exactly they come from but these made me step away even further from carbon cranks. Or carbon parts in general.
  • 12 0
 I have two bikes that were bought with Next SL cranksets. The first one was non-G4 and the second one was G4. While I do like RaceFace products and they have been good about the warranty work. I'm sad to say that both cranksets had to be replaced under warranty So I can't say that the comments on here are unfounded. I hope they have worked out the kinks on this latest version!
  • 7 3
 @yupstate We certainly do pay attention to rider feedback and experiences. We are always moving to improve our line or products and we can 100% say that this new Next SL cranks has serious improvements in manufacturing and performance over previous Next SL models. We are all riders here and we know how much having product fail sucks...we are always pushing to be better and to pass those improvements on to you the riders!
  • 3 0
 @raceface: y'all are in here doing some impressive damage control. hope it is all true. just had my first ride on nextR cranks hoping they last a long time.
.
side note, can you guys may that little cinch screw on the preload a proper size head?
  • 2 2
 @adrennan: Those Next R cranks will serve you well for seasons to come! The screw on the pre-load ring is small but really only has to be tightened to be 'finger-tight' so no need to torque hard on that part - just needs to be snugged down so the ring does not move.
  • 2 0
 @adrennan: If you've got preload issues use this instead. www.canecreek.com/product/crank-preloader
  • 1 0
 @Demoguy: thanks for that, crazy price for a piece of metal but may just be worth it
  • 13 1
 If the strength is off the charts, can I use these for Rampage?
  • 51 0
 It's a small chart
  • 7 5
 @slumgullion - The Next SL crankset is super strong when comparing it against similar XC/Trail product. For riding like DH and Rampage style terrain we have our Sixc crankset that has proven itself on the World Cup DH circuit and under riders pushing the limits of the sport at Rampage!
  • 3 0
 You, Sir, probably can't. Me neither.
  • 1 1
 @markg1150: That's what she said.
  • 12 1
 Just here to see if Waki had chimed in about his favorite cranks...
  • 8 0
 @vikb I just had to replace my sixC ... Both arms the inserts debonded. This was after almost 5 years of riding though. RF did hook me up with a good deal on turbines though!
  • 6 0
 Oh I now understand what's going on with my Next SL!! Nothing wrong after 2 seasons but then during the third season, the drive side was becoming loose and now there's a big play in it... My chainring doesn't move but the crank arm does! :O I only knew they had problems with the pedal inserts... So as I can see, it is normal! :S No more carbon crank for me neither, at this price I really thought it would last longer than 2 years!!!
  • 6 6
 @Timo82 - Insert play is definitely not a normal thing with an RF crankset. You are seeing some users here talk of issues but we have produced thousands of high quality carbon cranksets that have zero issues! That being said we are always listening to our riders and partners so we can make improvements to make our products even more durable and trustworthy. Your Next cranks are covered by a 3 year term of warranty so if you are seeing some insert play on that Next SL crankset we suggest reaching out to your dealer that you got the cranks from and they can work with our warranty department on setting up a warranty file for you! warranty@raceface.com
  • 4 0
 @raceface: I knew the stories about the pedal inserts but that's not my case... The crank arm is loose but everything is well tighten. I bought my crank with my Xprezo but they have closed their doors since... My LBS took a look at my crank but he say's everything's right so there must be a problem with the crank arm. Unfortunately I didn't have a receipt for all my Race Face component (bb, stem, Next and SixC handlebars are all top notch by the way!) so that's why we didn't even try setting up a warranty file with the shop. Frown

A friend of mine is missing the non drive side crank arm for his G4 so he will probably give me some dollars for mine and I'll buy an alloy crank! lol
  • 6 0
 I thought I was super smart buying used Next SL cranksets off Pinkbike for half price but I now think the guys I bought them from were smarter.

I will say that I got 1000's of miles out of two pairs of them with no catastrophic failures (hard riding and I'm 185 lbs) but then both eventually developed a drive side crankarm creak that was unbearable and cost me many hours diagnosing.

Maybe one day I'll pony up and purchase some brand new. Every other RF product I've used I've been happy with.
  • 6 2
 Whew! Lots of hate for RF. I have Next R’s on my Ripmo and love em. I’ve pedal struck on very rocky tech .. no problem. Ridden down to -20 degrees and pedal struck .. no problem .

I had SIX C’s on my plus bike. ( came with the bike)
and no issues there!

Happy to also hear you have great warranty. Happy to buy BC products and support local riding scene. I’ll keep buying your cranks Smile
  • 9 4
 hu? never knew they they broke alot i had some next sl on a bronson a few years ago worked great and im a big guy weighing 270 pounds and landing hard not even so much as a creak or a squek out of them
  • 5 0
 So far i've ripped a spindle insert out of one next crank and a pedal insert out of another. Having bought them years ago online, I never did manage to get them warrantied.
  • 3 0
 Original SixC crank with 24mm spindle and 104 bcd...bombproof! Only thing I have left from the V1 Nomad I had for 5 years...out this crank on the last year and it has migrated from bike to bike for the last 7 seasons...so that is 8 seasons on my AM/EN bikes that have been everywhere and have been raced in enduros, done countless lift days, etc...I am selling these with regret as they limit my ring choice! Yeah, lots of hate up here, but with countless cranks sold not too many people tend to say “works as they should” in comments...mostly the negs, like any product comment forum! Keep up the good work, RaceFace!
  • 2 0
 Can not agree with you about that crank being bombproof but at least I can crank up some beers now: m.pinkbike.com/photo/17011007
  • 4 1
 I seem to be in the minority here... I have RF SixC on two bikes, Next SL on one and NextR on another. I have yet to break any of them and I ride a lot! All over whistler and Pemberton. From my experience, these cranks are solid and can hold up to some serious riding.
  • 4 3
 Good thing we’re both in the majority with our stellar SixC and NextR cranks. RF has done many thousands of sets that have taken a licking but keep on ticking.
  • 1 1
 @bogey: No, you're definitely the minority.
  • 1 1
 @bogey: I think there's just bitching online... I have been super impressed with the cranks and bars. I have the whole collection and they are solid. Love em.
  • 7 2
 The comment section here cam sometimes be like a Google review... Usually you only see the bad ones and the majority of other people don't ever focalize their feelings.
  • 3 0
 Chiming in as well with my Next SL experience....pedal insert ripped out of drive side, so that was that. But I will never use RF cranks again due to the BB that is overpriced and I had many, many destroy over a 3 year period. Cup shredding from the sleeve, and this is metal! I've been wrenching on my bikes for 20yrs., I watched the RF video multiple times...I can not understand why I've had so much issue with these BB's. I finally gave in and went back to Shimano.... BB is $20 and as expected..zero issues!
I do however still ride Next handlebars and have other RF parts scattered about.
  • 1 0
 @GlassGuy Sorry to hear you have issues running those RF BB's. We are working on a revamp of our 30nn BB's that will increase the durability and performance. Those BB's are set to be released very soon - if you you want to give us another chance we think you will be pleased.
  • 10 4
 Satisfied with my NEXT SL after 3 seasons on them (touch wood).
  • 7 4
 I have some SixC cranks that have been on two different bikes with many hard hits and bike park days and never have missed a beat. Hmm go figure. Maybe they'll just implode some day. Cool.
  • 7 3
 Have Next SL's on 3 bikes currently, and they have lived on other bikes as well. I'm only 150lbs which I'm sure helps, but no issues at all and very happy with them.
  • 6 4
 @johnbalz Happy to hear you have been having a great time on those RF cranksets!!
  • 2 0
 race face crank next R and turbine R wheel, feel strong under me!! I got only 2 ride on my stans flow before bending it and full season on my raceface with only minor dig! i dont ask for the crap x0 crank!!! price is crazy though!!!
  • 2 0
 My Next SLs have been solid too. Three years on an Ibis HD3. I shouldn't mention it, but I've probably ridden them slightly beyond their intended role. I would totally consider the R or SixC for my next bike.

Not all completely rosy: a friend has replaced his under warranty, pedal inserts became lose, but @raceface was super responsive.
  • 2 0
 @raceface PLEASE make a modern version of the DEUS!!!! Turbines are great, but too heavy. The new Turbines don't look like the Turbines of old, which is sad. A lightweight alloy trail/XC crank would sell like crazy too Wink but PLEASE keep the classic Race Face Turbine LOOK, there is none sexier!
  • 8 4
 Surely the most warrantied part in the history of MTB (original next crank)
  • 9 0
 Guessing the reverb dropper post gives that distinction some competition.
  • 2 2
 @lukehumphrey: it's gotta be a close race..
  • 4 0
 Crankbrothers wins that one I think...
  • 5 0
 Featuring removable pedal/pedal inserts!... Just add rock strikes...
  • 3 0
 I sold my next and sixc cranks for turbines and haven’t looked back. Zero issues or fear of failure, Just don’t see a reason to use carbon on cranks.
  • 8 7
 Buy the correct cranks for your application! Maybe the SL isnt what you should've been riding. SixC are tuff enuf for any PB keyboard warrior on here. Happy customers don't usually bother to leave positive comments but I bet they are in the vast majority. Made in BC means a lot to a lot of riders - even we US Americans!!
  • 3 2
 Plenty of comments on PB about SixCs failing as well. Agree the majority won’t fail otherwise they wouldn’t make money on these, but we’ll never know the actual numbers. It’s likely the majority of people riding bikes don’t ride them very often or hard (hard core PB audience excluded), but they buy nice stuff anyway. Majority prob also don’t ride in harder core areas like the PNW. It’s then also possible a lot that fail just never get warrantied.
  • 1 2
 Nah, the SixC has the same issues. Aside from turbines, their cranks are junk.
  • 7 2
 I’ve destroyed 6 pairs of Nexts and Next R’s. Never again RF!
Next!
  • 3 0
 Six?!? I think I'd have given up at one, maybe two. Damn!
  • 4 0
 I purchased two. The other 4 were warranty issued cranks. All of them failed at spindle interface or pedal insert. Race Face told me I was using them beyond there intended purpose. I was riding a 100mm SC Highball and a SC 5010. I was riding my bike in the woods! That’s what I thought they were for.
  • 4 0
 @kstegsolo: I destroyed my Next SL cranks on my 5010 by having my foot slip off my pedal coming over a small tabletop, maybe 2 feet tall at the most. I didn't even fall but just the weight of my one foot on the pedal coming down the landing ramp was enough to break the crank arm in half.
  • 1 0
 Nothing wrong with carbon cranks, I DHed and enduro raced a set of XX1 to the bitter end, held up for years of bashing, because they have an internal metal skeleton. I broke Next SL (inserts) fat-biking on snow and on my XC bike within a year. There's just something wrong with RF carbon cranks.
  • 1 0
 I'm gonna play devil's advocate here. I'm not saying a problem hasn't existed with pedal inserts or with RF customer support. I didn't read all 176 comments but I would say I read most. Here's my take:

1. Regardless of what you perceive as had receiving bad past customer support, when a rep shows up in a forum treat him with respect.

2. Mountain biking is divided into various categories (XC, trail, all mountain, freeride, DH). Outside of XC there is a lot of overlapping but XC is pretty specific - fast, light, and riding mostly on green or blue trails. There is an understanding with using XC components that the price for light weight and speed is having less ability to perform big jumps/hits and "all mountain" or DH type riding. I salute any company attempting to market XC components because the potential for misuse is so high and invites in a huge number of warranty claims from riders that used the components in a different sport - which realistically can never be proven.

3. Speaking of proving a defect, many XC components come with a weight limit for the rider. That's another variable impossible for the manufacturer to determine after a warranty claim has been made.

For the reasons above I think all manufacturers of light weight XC components are taken advantage of many many times over. They try to honor their warranties but more often than not they are screwed by riders that have used their product in a way that it was not intended for.

All for now. Have a great day.
  • 16 12
 They'll be cranking out the warranties in no time!
  • 18 14
 Handcrafted...more bullshit marketing from the bike industry.
  • 35 3
 Maybe "laid up by hand" would be more accurate, but handcrafted is technically correct. The term could also be applied to nearly every carbon frame on the market as well.
  • 11 3
 @mikekazimer: *Nearly every bike on the market. Last time I checked it is still humans welding all the Asia bikes as well.
  • 4 8
flag tmargeson (Mar 25, 2019 at 12:31) (Below Threshold)
 @usedbikestuff: You don't weld carbon frames, buddy. Re-read Kazimer's comment.
  • 9 1
 @usedbikestuff: Sorry, buddy, nevermind. Now I understand what you were saying. Wink Didn't notice the "correction asterisk".

(Wish they'd add the option to delete comments...)
  • 3 0
 @tmargeson: It's ok.
  • 3 0
 Wonder if Guerilla Gravity's Revved Carbon Technology could be applied here
  • 15 4
 @dimitree - How is this 'bullshit marketing'. We lay-up and produce all our carbon cranks at our facility in Vancouver, BC. Skilled craftspeople building amazing cranks everyday with their hands. I can get up from my computer and walk 2 minutes in our facility and see them making cranks. We are not interested in fluffing things up - we want people to understand the passion and commitment to excellence that we put into every one of our carbon cranksets!!
  • 11 4
 @raceface: "we are not interested in fluffing things up"

Ok, what about saying "Proven crank arm shape and pedal insert for strong dependable performance"? It's obvious you have a lot of people saying both your Next SL and DH-rated SixC cranks have failed. Saying they are "dependable" sounds like BS/fluff to me given all of the experiences shared here.

Also there's no actual data included in your press release. "improvements in its carbon layup and manufacturing process that delivers an increase in crankarm stiffness for precise power transfer".

That's pretty vague. You could probably get away with saying that, yet changing nothing on the cranks. No numbers, no data, no "we finally fixed them insert issues on the pedal and BB side and here are tests to prove those are more reliable". Just sort of vague hand-wavey stuff.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: wow so my norco sight is handcrafted?! Take that yeti!
  • 4 4
 @sarahlh: need some Xanax?
  • 5 1
 @clink83: Sorry dude did you have something intelligent to say?
You’re the same guy above putting SixC cranks on an XC bike hoping for the best, saying stupid shit like “crack arm boots ftw” as if you have any clue about the actual efficacy of crank boots. Keep typing buddy!
  • 1 0
 @sarahlh: I agree there's nothing substantial in the press release with regards to performance or reliability.

I'm not totally against carbon or raceface, the only carbon part on my bike is a raceface sixc bar.

From where I sit as a consumer I don't have much info:

- Some carbon cranks fail, reports of inserts loose. Not just raceface. I have no way of knowing how many, or whether this is an issue with production consistency or a general problem bonding aluminum to carbon.

- A bike shop owner tells me carbon cranks are prone to loose inserts.

- If I buy a pair and they do develop a problem, sounds like people usually are able to get them warrantied -- provided the shop that sold them still is around, the claim is not denied, and I have a spare set of cranks to keep my bike running in the meantime and I'm not injured due to the failure.

Sorry @raceface, there's no info here to help me make an informed choice. Just "the product is better, trust us". I will give it a plus for being an onshore product.

I just bought a new crank. My criteria were:

- Accepts standard chainrings designed for SRAM direct mount (lots of good, cheap options readily available).

- Inexpensive, reliable, available bottom bracket.

- Stiff aluminum construction with reasonable weight. Aluminum with a better tensile strength or steel inserts so the pedal threads last.

I had to compromise, seems like other than Shimano no one is interested in continuing to develop and manufacture aluminum cranks aside from an entry level offering. I guess that's just what people are buying.
  • 2 1
 @dave-f: Agree it's probably applicable to carbon cranks generally, not RF specifically.
Agree they must sell for these companies to keep putting them out. They are noticeably lighter, and I'm sure OEM on a lot of higher-end bikes so it's not even an individual choice in many cases. I think PBers who ride a lot think they are in the norm because they are on PB a lot reading comments from other people that ride (or type about riding) a lot. But in reality I bet most consumers who buy these just don't ride a ton and/or push them much and may ride in flatter areas, but have some dough or aspirations that go unrealized.That's probably a lucrative formula for companies selling expensive, but fragile carbon vs. alum cranks.
It does make you wonder why Shimano hasn't jumped on the $ train here.
But optimistically maybe the "new layup process" does prevent inserts from breaking off. It'll probably be difficult to tell with no data transparency, and even long-term reviews being with one person who gave the Next SL v1 a great review: www.pinkbike.com/news/Race-Face-Next-SL-Cranks-Review-2013.html
...and another who gave the Reverb a great review: "Still, the Reverb's reliability and install-and-forget nature make it our first choice when riders ask us which dropper post they should consider." www.pinkbike.com/news/rockshox-reverb-review-2011.html
  • 4 2
 @sarahlh: I'm 6'4 and 200-220. I put the sixc cranks on my bike because they are the same weight as XTR cranks but stiffer, which matters when your my size and can put out decent power numbers. Got a problem with that?
If you get rock strikes on the uphill crank arm boots work fine, and if you do it on the downhill it's your own damn fault for putting your foot down.
Maaaaaaaby if you guys weren't so douchy like you guys are in these threads you would get better results with stuff like warantees.
  • 1 0
 @dave-f: most likely the reason you see carbon crank failures is voids in the layup.
  • 5 3
 The "Coast Range" is in Oregon. We (Vancouverites and north) live in the "Coast Mountains". Guess a local didn't write the ad copy.
  • 12 0
 Boop: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Mountains
  • 1 1
 @me-at: www.britannica.com/place/Coast-Ranges
  • 4 1
 @paulwatt: Encyclopedia Britannica! Sweet.
  • 9 7
 I’ve owned several next cranks and haven’t broke one yet. However, Raceface customer service is one of the worst in our industry.
  • 7 6
 @utley06 - Thanks for the feedback. For you, what would make our customer service better? What was your experience that left you with this bad impression. We want to be leaders on the service side too!!
  • 3 1
 @raceface: train your employees on how to interact with customers properly. The mentality at raceface still has the typical to cool for school attitude that’s been present in the cycling industry for years. Make your customers feel like you wanna help them and not like they are bothering you.. Yeti used to have the same issue but they’ve drastically changed.. Ibis cycles has been a pioneer on how to provide proper customer service and is a great example of how to do it right.. Thank you for listening, I love your products.
  • 2 4
 @utley06: Can't help but notice you seem to move a lot of current year bikes on the classifieds. 2019 Ibis Ripmo and 2019 SB100 & SB130 all moved out in the past 9 months.

High praise to the two companies that seemingly offered you an EP deal only to sell well before they say so in their terms and conditions. Something smells fishy here me thinks.
  • 1 0
 @utley06: Thanks for the feedback. Point well taken.
  • 2 0
 @usedbikestuff: haha... 911 was an inside job too

Just a bike freak bud, bought the sb130 from competitive cyclist and the ripmo from my local bike shop.. not a fan of the long wheelbase. Currently back on the sb4.5 and ibis mojo
  • 1 3
 @utley06: Either I was right or you're bad with money. Either way I right so I took my chances.
  • 2 0
 @usedbikestuff: you’re a weird dude
  • 5 2
 Why would I buy theese over shimano? I don't trust anything raceface. Snapped a sixc bar and was told it's not covered.
  • 3 2
 @freeridejerk888 - Sorry to hear about that Sixc bar. Did Race Face directly deny your warranty claim or was it through a distributor? Sometimes a bar failure that is a result of a crash is not necessarily a warranty situation. We are always open to hearing feedback on our after sales service.....reach out to use at warranty@raceface.com or get back to us here!
  • 4 2
 yep and you told me i crashed when i crashed BECAUSE Of the bars breaking never will buy any of your shotty products again
  • 4 3
 @raceface:

Lol

Your warranty replies are beyond a joke.
I facebooked, instagrammed, emailed everyone I could through the correct channels, sent a courier pigeon and smoke signals when one of your products failed.
Zero replies.
I only got a reply when I commented on a Pinkbike article.
Unprofessional

For a known design fault on your Vault hubs and then you still offer no support.

Sort it out.

Your brand is blacklisted from my life
  • 2 5
 @ollyman: you attract more flys with honey than vinegar bro
  • 3 2
 Exactly. It sucks they used to mak good stuff 12 years ago then it went downhill fast. @ollyman:
  • 3 2
 @ollyman: What email addressed were you sending to? We have plenty of dedicated staff here answering messages every day from M-F.
  • 4 6
 Stop responding to pinkbike comments and make your products reliable please. responding to comments doesn't make any consumer with a failed product or customer service experience feel any better. @raceface:
  • 2 0
 @freeridejerk888: Pretty sure the whole point is that they make stuff that goes downhill fast...
  • 2 0
 FWIW, 3 solid years of hard riding and +200lbs on Next SL cranks. Whereas, I have broke every other carbon part on bike (frame, rims, bars).
  • 1 0
 Wait, they have dirt embedded in the fiber of their cranks? Is that a performance enhancing feature? I didn't think that was a good thing for composite materials...
  • 4 0
 Canada eh!
  • 1 0
 You know what's never failed me? Raceface Chester. Heavy enough to never break.
  • 1 0
 Crank boots are decent also lol
  • 1 0
 @yzedf: crack arm boots ftw!
  • 1 0
 Shimano M980 cranks here. Light, stiff, good looking and haven't fallen apart. Huh.
  • 1 0
 Is there anything specific about Shimano 12x ? is it not compatible with Sram 12x ?
  • 1 1
 Can't wait to get me some new race face brexit cranks. Made with English glue and a hot cup of stew!
  • 1 0
 I'll just leave this here...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=poX9Bj6e98k
  • 2 2
 Nobody needs Carbon cranks, ally ones are just fine
  • 1 0
 Q-Factor please?
  • 1 4
 Gave up on RF after my atlas pedals would just fly on the spindle after a short time on a rebuilds, product should be recalled.
Dangerous product
Warrant ? Answer was no
  • 1 4
 next cranks build at home but what about atlas cranks?
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