Race Face's New Next R Components - First Look

Apr 19, 2017 at 8:03
by Mike Kazimer  
Race Face's family of carbon components is growing, this time with the addition of the Next R group. Splitting the difference between the cross-country oriented Next SL and the downhill-oriented SixC groups, Next R (R is for Rally) is for riders who are pushing things harder than a traditional XC rider, but don't need the bulk and excess weight that typically accompanies products built to withstand the abuse of full-on DH riding—in other words, a good portion of the riding population.


Rae Face Next R
The new Ripley LS decked out in full Race Face Next R regalia.


Next R Wheels

The Next R is Race Face's first carbon wheelset, built around the same oversized Vault hub that's found on the Turbine wheels we had excellent luck with last season. That hub delivers a super-quick 3-degrees between engagement points thanks to the two sets of offset pawls and the 60 tooth drive ring.

The carbon rims measure 31mm wide internally, and have a depth of 24mm. Race Face experimented with different rim profiles, and settled on that particular rim height due to its ride characteristics—it was strong enough to meet their impact standards, but not so stiff that it delivered a harsh, jarring ride. Each of the rim's 28 spoke holes are offset by 4mm to create nearly equal spoke tension between the drive and non-drive sides. That offset also means that only one size of spoke is needed for the entire wheelset, and five spares are included, just in case.

Total weight for the 27.5" wheelset is claimed to be 1680 grams, and the 29" set is said to check in at 1765 grams. To top it all off, the Next R's price of $1500 USD is on the more reasonable side of the spectrum for carbon rims laced up to high end hubs.

Race Face Next R
Next R Cranks


The Next R cranks are the enduro-oriented spawn of the Next SL and the SixC cranks, with a light weight of 495 grams, including a direct mount 32-tooth chainring, and a spindle and pedal inserts that are designed to withstand aggressive riding. The cranks are handmade in Canada from carbon sourced from the United States, which is something of a rarity given the sheer volume of carbon products made in Taiwan or China. Available in 170 or 175mm lengths, the Next R cranks with direct mount chainring retail for $549.99 USD. The cranks alone retail for $479.99.



Rae Face Next R

Next R handlebar

The Next R carbon handlebar's graphics tie in with the cranks and wheels, and at 210 grams for an 800mm handlebar (they can be trimmed by up to 50mm) they're about as light as it gets. 10, 20, and 35mm rise options are available, and the MSRP is $169.99 USD.
Next R
Race Face Cinch Power Meter

That's right, Race Face is entering the power meter market. Their device works with almost any Cinch-interface cranks, and relies on strain gauges mounted inside the spindle. With a claimed battery life of 400 hours, charging it will be something of a rarity, but when that time comes there's a USB port that's hidden underneath a rubber cap. Accuracy is reported to be +/- 2%, and the total weight penalty is said to be 65 grams over a standard spindle. MSRP: Cinch Power Meter Spindle 134 AM (w/o cranks) - $599.99.



First Impressions

The Next R group certainly looks the part – the wheels are nicely understated, with a mix of gloss and flat black details, and the cranks manage to appear both stout and svelte. So far I only have a few hours on the new group, and that time was on mostly smooth, soft trails, so other than being able to relay the fact that they've survived one ride without any issues, it's much too soon to comment on durability. There are months of muddy, rocky rides in the Next R components' future – look for a full review once they've been sufficiently pummeled.


MENTIONS: @raceface


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124 Comments
  • 146 3
 Affordable (for carbon components), light, Canadian, and sexy - pretty hard to go wrong with Race Face
  • 42 13
 the term "Affordable carbon" sorta sketches me out, maybe im just paranoid.
  • 32 3
 @Motoracer31: affordable and cheap are 2 different things, considering how good next sl and sixc stuff is I'd be fairly confident in race face. It's not like they're some knock off brand.
  • 63 0
 @Motoracer31: $550 cranks and $1500 wheels aren't exactly cheap. Competitively priced might be a better term.
  • 4 5
 Not that light either. My sram roam 40 are no heavier.
  • 7 4
 Looking at the prices of their SL and Six C cranks... I'm taking back what I said about competitively priced. Not sure what they're thinking here, unless the price of their other two products will be going up.
  • 4 20
flag groghunter (Apr 19, 2017 at 9:45) (Below Threshold)
 It would be nice if this group was a little more complete, IE, some aluminum, value priced alternatives (& no matching stem, either? Hey, more than few people would buy a Turbine with NextR screened on it just for matchy matchy purposes.)
  • 8 0
 @groghunter: there is a TurbineR bar that is alloy and 800mm wide for $80. It's just not covered here. And RF announced TurbineR stems recently which are just rebranded Easton Haven's.
  • 2 0
 @TheR: Not sure they're meant to be more inexpensive, just to serve a different "need".
  • 1 4
 @TheFunkyMonkey: my point being, that's a different group.
  • 4 1
 " light, Canadian, and sexy" does it apply to everything in Canada, or just bike parts??!!
  • 11 0
 @scvkurt03: Understood, but they have the SL cranks and the 6c cranks, and as someone pointed out below, there is only a difference of 80 grams in weight (a tenth of a pound) between those. Is there really room for something in between -- 65 grams less weight to be exact? At a higher price? All three cranks come in the same sizes, and they all make the chain wheel go 'round. I'd take the 15 gram weight penalty (.03 pounds) of the 6c over these new ones and save $75-100. I have to be missing something, right?
  • 8 2
 Somewhat Canadian Wink

For a truly Canadian rim option: we-are-one-composites.odoo.com
  • 6 0
 @R-M-R: Thanks for the comment. Our actual website is launching very soon. www.weareonecomposites.com
Cheers
  • 3 0
 @TheR: you can get the wheels and cranks for less than a set of envy wheels...
  • 2 1
 @TheR: yeah sometimes you have to wonder were smoked during r&d. Your reasoning is exactly why I run descendants, dirt cheap, durable and light enough weight. Might flex a tiny bit more than something like 6c or saints but who cares, they were good enough for wc some years ago and I am still not riding like them so yeah I'll be a cheap ass in that department!
  • 3 0
 @monstertiki: Yeah, it seems the rims are a good value. I'm just talking about the value of these new cranks relative to the ones they already have. Overall it's not a bad price, but their current offerings cost less, and these don't really offer too much over their current cranks for the price. Doesn't make much sense to me.
  • 1 0
 @Motoracer31: No you're NOT .
  • 3 0
 @WeAreOne: can´t wait for the product lunch of the rims from you guys. wanted to buy some Nobl's but a fast endurorocket out of chilliwack Wink told me to wait......so a Plus Size Rim and a DH rims please! Smile
  • 2 0
 @DoctorWatson: Aww. We'd be happy to get you set up on our new plus rim (TR45) or our DH specific (HD33) rim. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
  • 2 0
 @TheR: Very true about the cranks, I have a set of the current next cranks and they seem to be holding up just fine to "agressive" riding.
  • 17 1
 Those wheels seem to check a lot of boxes, namely price, width, and engagement points
  • 3 1
 @noblwheels, man. Cannot say enough about how rad that Nobl branded Onyx hub is.
  • 6 0
 Except there are quite a few consumers who shy away from 28h wheels regardless of the quality or value.
  • 3 1
 @PHeller: Agreed. Right or wrong, I love my RF stuff (and have gotten great service from them), and was thinking these were my next wheels until I saw 28 spokes.
  • 5 0
 @padrefan1982: We need a "Ask Pinkbike" with analysis from Enduro World Series on who's running 28h wheels at those levels and how often they replace them.
  • 3 0
 My Spank 28h wheelset has held up surprisingly well over the last two years, riding mostly rough natural terrain. I wouldn't hesitate to go 28h in the future, especially on a carbon rim.
  • 1 0
 @Lornholio:

28h Spank,s for me as well 800km of riding and racing no issues
  • 14 0
 So the cranks are aimed at people who can't decide between Next SLs and the 80g heavier SixCs, and don't mind spending more money for an in-between model? Nice to have options, I guess.
  • 8 0
 Yeah, wait... That makes no sense at all.
  • 4 0
 Most have been running the SL on aggressive bikes since their inception w/o issue...surprised to see another crank...unless it cost less than sl.
  • 3 0
 @jrocksdh: ehhhh... NextSLs are the only cranks I seem to hear a decent amount of reports of people breaking, especially around the pedal interface. not a lot, mind you, but more than other cranks.
  • 3 0
 @groghunter: I'm one of those. My Next SL G4s lasted about 4 months before I cracked both arms. One arm had two hairline cracks at the pedal insert and the other arm was cracked half way up the arm starting at the pedal insert. Glad I caught it when I did because that one arm was ready to go... Zero issues with making a warranty claim but I sold the replacements and went back to Turbines. I'm a huge RF fan but not impressed with the Next cranks.
  • 3 0
 @TheFunkyMonkey: The turbines are still sick tho!
  • 14 0
 "and a spindle and pedal inserts that are designed to withstand aggressive riding" ... much needed. The Next SL's aren't good for that.
  • 3 0
 I'm actually extremely curious if that's the only change, or if the arms are different. Weight points to it being the only change, but more info would be nice.
  • 15 4
 I have been riding Next SL cranks for 2 years, ride Enduro, hit jumps, drops and all around types of riding you would do on a 6 inch enduro bike. Never had a creak. I see no reason for the Enduro version of the worlds best cranks.
  • 16 1
 And many of us have roasted Next SL cranks with the same type of riding. For the minimal weight gain, I'm happy to have switched out for SixC cranks.
  • 13 1
 I had my sl''s for 6 months and snapped a crank arm. I would definitely go for these or the sixc next time. Race face did replace under warranty so good back up.
  • 10 2
 Me and a few friends have gone through 6 sets of SL's, but Raceface have sorted them out every time, we're now on ether G4's or 6C's with no problems. The new R sounds like the perfect fix.
  • 4 0
 @mikekay: I'm on season #3 for my SL's which see everything from shuttle laps on aggressive trails to pedally XC no problems whatsoever with mine.
  • 3 0
 After a year of riding, I picked up a SixC for my Enduro bike (165mm) and put my Next SL's on my trail bike (130mm). Not so much because I was worried but because I needed a second crank and the colour scheme worked.
  • 5 2
 Loose pedal insert on SL's - warrantied to SixC's. 18 mos later had a loose pedal insert on those. This time they only replaced the affected arm or I'd be selling them and moving on to E13. Hopefully they've fixed this issue but I know several people who've had the same issue.
  • 5 1
 Next SL non-drive side crank de-bonded from axle after only 6 months. Last weekend, had a Next G4 pedal insert fail catastrophically while riding in Squamish, again crank was less than 6 months old. SixC or someone else's cranks for me now - can't trust Next...
  • 6 4
 @BCDragon: race faces carbon cranks are the worst out there. I can't believe they still deny they have a problem. Got 1 month out of mine, unfortunately they came with the bike. My pal is on 5 and they won't warranty any more even after replacement with 6c.
Can't see the new ones lasting any longer until they put a spider in the arm and give up a few grams.
Do they finally admit a flawed design?
  • 7 2
 @yeti-monster: what the hell are u doing to these things? I've smashed on mine for a few seasons now on the shore and various rocky mountain locations.. Never an issue!
  • 1 3
 @mikekay: I broke a pair of SL G3's and now a pair of G4's in the exact same place. the pedal boss ripped out. The first time RF upgraded me to the G4's. This time they just replaced one arm. I havent even received it in the mail yet. Emailed them this morning asking for a pair of R's instead.
  • 1 3
 @mestapho: I'm one of those people. Completely smoked the pedal boss on an SL G3. RF upgraded me to G4's. Just wasted one of those a couple weeks ago. now they're mailing me a single arm and complaining about it. I'm definitely switching to eThirteen.
  • 2 2
 @BCDragon: I had the same exact thing happen to my Next G4's a couple weeks ago
  • 2 0
 i debonded the pedal insert on 3 SRAM X.0 cranks within a year's time. SRAM was cool on warrantying them, but still... maybe too much meaty leg stomping to be rocking carbon cranks. i switched to Atlas FR's on all my bikes like 4 or 5 years ago and never a problem since. i'll take the weight penalty to avoid the annoyance penalty.
  • 3 1
 @BCDragon: stop smashing your crank arms in the ground, or get some aluminum cranks.
  • 1 0
 Wow - I had no idea there were so many issues. Another guy in town had some de-bonding, but mine have been solid. I deserve a break though since most everything I buy I have to send back or get warrantied lately!
  • 7 0
 Honest question here - what is the big benefit of carbon cranks such that you would be willing to spend $550 USD (like $750 CAD) for them? Seems like a lot of money just to cut a little bit of weight off your cranks. Is the weight savings ultra noticeable/beneficial in terms of pedaling efficiency and power?
  • 2 0
 You can find them for $380-400 USD easily. Biggest benefit is simply weight savings. If you can get them swapped out when you buy a bike, so you're not losing money on the stock cranks, it can be a decent $/g ratio compared to trying to save weight with a lighter stem/handlebar/seat. I would put money towards carbon wheels first. It's a lot harder to justify if you're replacing a pair of perfectly good used cranks that you probably won't be able to get much money from. Then you're paying full price just to save the weight difference. Good for XC racers and people who have the extra cash to blow and like spending it on something they enjoy even if the returns are minimal.
  • 2 0
 @TucsonDon: Thanks Don.
  • 9 1
 Ahhhhhh! Microchips and cameras everywhere, in my microwave and now cranks.
  • 8 0
 Great to see more power meter options coming to market.
  • 1 0
 curious if its something completely different than the Stages power meter designed for the Next SL on their website (crank arm and special BB spindle?
  • 3 0
 @ukr77: Are you talking about the one on the Stages site, or is there one on the RaceFace site? The one on the Stages site is just an FSA crankarm with a Cinch compatible spindle. The PM is still the standard Stages power meter on the crankarm.

This one is completely different from that. It relies on strain gauges inside the spindle. Which does make me wonder if it's left-side power only? During the right side power stroke I don't think there is any stress being transmitted through the spindle. It goes from the crank arm, directly to the spider, there's nothing to resist movement on the left side (a minimal amount lifting your other leg up) so there shouldn't be any stress going through the spindle. No stress, no strain.

It would be nice to see details on that. Still freaking sick. I've stayed away from the Stages because I don't trust FSA cranks for my riding.
  • 1 0
 @TucsonDon: It defenitly look like the Dyno Velo power meter. You can see a "hands on" wrote by DCRainmaker 2 years ago about that thing.

www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/09/hands-power-meter.html

It's also a bit like the ROTOR INpower.

www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/04/rotor-inpower-meters.html
  • 1 0
 @TucsonDon: It is left-side only. This is going to unlock power meters for many FS bikes. The Stages meter requires frame clearance that just doesn't exist on most rear suspensions, and Powertap still doesn't offer a BOOST hub. The Quarq is supposed to be BOOST compaitble, but after four months of work, my chainline still isn't right. Quarq is dual-side, but such a PITA to install and about the same price with fewer options for chainrings and BBs.
  • 1 0
 @Shep77: Well, I already have RF Next SL cranks on my FS race bike, so I've been waiting for an option that works with them. I really didn't want to have to replace one of those expensive crankarms with an FSA. Power2Max should be coming out with a Cinch compatible spider (similar to their C-dale Hollowgram Type S) late summer, but that adds 158g and would be $200 more if it follows their current pricing. It would be left-right though. I'd also have to buy a new chainring, since I'm running direct mount on the cinch. This would be plug and play, no wasted parts, no additional cost. No easy way to switch between bikes is the downside compared to a Powertap hub. I ride my hardtail so infrequently though, I could swap the cranks just if I was doing a race with it, just have to put a RaceFace BB in it.

I'm ready to jump on this. I wonder when they will be available.
  • 1 0
 @lRaphl: Cool. Looks more like an upgraded version of the Rotor, since that's also strain gauge based. The DynoVelo has it's weird torque arm contraption.

It also sends the same additional data fields as the Rotor, "also send the ANT+ metrics of Torque Effectiveness and Pedal Smoothness"
  • 3 0
 @lRaphl: For clarity, it's a very different system than the Dyno Velo that we developed utilizing our Cinch spindle, so it's built into the spindle itself, not into the caps or other interfaces. Similar but different from the ROTOR.

You can see more details here: www.raceface.com/products/microsite/power-meter-microsite
  • 1 0
 Curious about this, as from what I've read there's not a lot of hard data out there about the benefit of logging power when riding loose surfaces. I get that the top athletes want all the data they can get but not sure what you can expect to gain if you're not a pro with a professional trainer to work the numbers.
  • 1 0
 @raceface: Thanks for the clarifications! Smile
  • 1 0
 @raceface: Release date?
  • 9 6
 Ordered a bike in March, it's not even arrived yet and the post (reverb remote), fork (pike), tyres (schwalbe) and now the cranks and bar are all 'out of date'! I give up....
I know it's not all about the bike, but it would at least be nice to be up to date for a day or two...
  • 1 0
 Then you might have to buy in summer, you miss riding season but we are in new product season right now!
  • 5 5
 Oh you poor baby it must be rough!!! Shit most of my bikes are pre 2010 so shut up already!!!
  • 7 0
 Nothing new here, sea otter week is a major time for new products to debut.
  • 5 0
 These are within 90grams of a set of Turbine cranks. Why oh why, would you spend $400 more for these?
  • 2 0
 I'm a fan of RF products and used to be a weight weenie. I ride a SC Nomad I don't see the need to spend extra cash for extra light weight stuff to bomb down hills on. I have alloy cranks on both my Nomad and road bike without too much of a weight penalty. Each to there own though. It's looks pretty coool
  • 3 1
 As a lot of the details for the group were available at the media launch but not yet online, here's a link to the Next R group on our website - www.raceface.com/products/microsite/next-r
  • 1 0
 Just don't bother with the monstrously overpriced, $470 retail, Race Face Turbine dropper post that will fail within 10 rides! Came stock on a Jenson USA build and is now heading for the garbage can as I don't want to rip off anyone on a resale.
  • 1 0
 They do have a warranty. Should be able to arrange a replacement through Jenson.
  • 1 0
 This thing was such a pos I am not bothering with getting it replaced and from other threads, it doesn't sound like the Turbine has advanced much as far as durability.. Already moved on to a Lev Integra. Maybe try and get store credit through Jenson.
  • 2 0
 Looking at their website, I cannot see any reason to go for the Next R bars over the SIXC. Same weight, same rise, same angles. Cooler graphics, though.
  • 2 1
 Regarding the handlebars, what is the difference between the SixC and the Next R? Looking at the current SixC it is the same width and same weight for the same rise. What gives?
  • 2 0
 Really want these cranks in 165mm.
Frames are offered in 3-5+ sizes, 2 isn't enough for cranks.
  • 2 0
 with 170mm and 175mm looks like they don't want nobody to use it on DH bikes
  • 2 0
 Do the cranks have a cheap plastic preload adjustment ring, like their other carbon cranks?
  • 3 0
 Also could have been called SIXC SL ?
  • 3 1
 I just jizzed in my pants! Super clean and sexy. And the slickest mtb powermeter out there. RF has strong design game.
  • 1 0
 I predict we'll see these wheels as OEM on a lot of new bikes for the higher end builds. Maybe on the new Nomad, instead of the pricy Enve upgrade.
  • 2 0
 I would never pay 550 for cranks.i might buy them a year later on clearance for 200
  • 1 0
 More like 35 or a bud
  • 3 0
 yeah thats insane. Im surprised we dont have $350 carbon pedals yet. And people would buy them too.
  • 1 0
 @Torbo24: You haven't seen the Mallet DH 11's I take it?
  • 1 0
 @TucsonDon: Well i would say i called that
  • 1 2
 SixC Bars snap easily. Seen many of those bars break online and in person riding with a friend on a "lay the bike down" slam. Could be related to over-torque-ing the grip screws but still... I've yet to break anything carbon doing some stupid stuff and weighing 200lb in gear but the RF SixC seemed to snap too easily. Not sure what their warranty program is like but if I'm shelling out $100s for carbon it better hold up.
  • 1 0
 Im pretty sure the Next SL is "enduro ready" according to last year PR (and also it actually seems to be).

The power meter looks NEAT. I want one of these.
  • 3 0
 DROOOOOOOOOOOL.
  • 2 2
 werent their cranks already some of the most expensive on the market? how do they justify tacking on an additional $75 over the SL's? Is the Next R bar carbon? 35mm?
  • 1 0
 Yea a bit short on the details of the handlebar.
  • 9 0
 $75 Pirate upcharge. "My cranks are the Rrrrr's"

I'll show myself out.
  • 4 1
 For some clarification, here's a breakdown on pricing for the new Next R Cranks:

$479.99 – Next R Arms only
$549.99 – Next R w/DM ring

And yes, the Next R bar is carbon 35mm.
  • 3 0
 @raceface: What is the differences between the Next R handlebar and the SixC? I can't see any width or weight differences. Is the Next R more compliant? I wanted a 780mm handlebar and was concerned chopping the SixC would be too stiff.
  • 3 1
 Any word on availability date and warranty info for the wheels?
  • 1 0
 So racing components for non-racers. Sounds like they are gonna sell a ton!!
  • 2 0
 Wow these are some game changer products, especially the power meter.
  • 1 0
 Did u all mot read the first sentence. It was so pathetic, why would anyone discuss any further? ????????
  • 3 1
 What's next?
  • 10 8
 So costly
  • 4 2
 Agreed, a wheelset, bar and crank for $2200....
  • 4 1
 @Racer951: Offset the cost with a full slx drivetrain for $250
  • 3 2
 @Racer951: back when I was a kid you could buy a nice complete bike for that price!
  • 3 1
 @meathooker: When I was a kid, you could build up the most tricked-out bmx bike on the planet for about the the cost of those cranks alone. Maybe less!
  • 1 0
 @meathooker: to be fair YT will sell you a nice one for not much more.

Insane money though, maybe the OEM price is better so we will see them on full builds for a little more affordable price - if you built a high end bike at RRP you could spend a fortune...

$3300 yeti frame
$1000 fork
$2300 wheel, crank, bar

That's already at $6k! You could probably get over $8k with ease.

If you have the money though fill your boots, would certainly get some good insurance for such a build!
  • 1 0
 When I was a kid, mtn bikes were hilariously awful
  • 1 0
 With products that good I can't imagine what's next.
  • 2 0
 Pricy in CAD currancy
  • 1 0
 can i get this in a 9speed 73/68mm bb?
  • 1 0
 Yes.
  • 1 1
 Mark my words, in a couple of months time there will be an RS version. Predictable....
  • 1 0
 When is the power meter available?
  • 1 0
 What no carbon stem? slackers....
  • 1 0
 For a 25g penalty, I'll stick with Shimano XTR, AL and cheaper.
  • 1 0
 Including the 32-tooth chainring?
  • 1 0
 @theteaser: Yes Crank arms and spindle only 472g.
www.bikerumor.com/2015/02/09/shimano-xtr-m9000-mechanical-groups-actual-weights-detail-photos

OneUp oval ring 48g, so that's 520g. Everyone is so into carbon, they don't realize the XTRs are actually very light and since everyone is into carbon, they're easy to find in the Buy/Sell fairly cheap compared to RaceFace.
  • 1 0
 but where did they get that Ripley in that color!!!!
  • 1 1
 Stupid price.
  • 1 4
 Race face is finished
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