Race Face Era Carbon Crankset Review

Recently, Race Face introduced its latest high-end carbon crankset. The ERA is considered the successor to the earlier Next-R cranks. Having intended from the start to replace the initially installed Shimano SLX crank on my Mondraker Foxy, the opportunity came just at the right time.
Initially, it was just curiosity and my nerd mindset (carbon frame also needs a carbon crank) that drove me, but then I was also surprised by some fine details such as the stainless steel plates, the Cinch system, or the ergonomic shape of the crank arms. But more on that later; first, a brief detour to the technical details.

The hard facts alone speak a clear language: 485 g total weight (in our setup), the pedal threads are directly laminated into the reinforced carbon layout, 30 mm axle diameter, 176 mm Q-factor, and a product design that is not only focused on appearance but also on durability and toughness: The integrated stainless steel plate not only provides a distinctive look but primarily serves as abrasion protection against aggressive shoes.

Indeed, Race Face is so convinced of the robustness of the new crank that the ERA comes with a "worry-free and stress-free 10-year warranty" that even covers crash damage.
The newcomer is available in seven different colors (Black, Orange, Green, Blue, Red, Kashmoney, Stealth) and three lengths (165, 170, and 175 mm).

Tech Specs

The installation of the new crankset along with the replacement of the bottom bracket is a matter that can be done in a few minutes thanks to the BSA bearings. Where I used to break out in a cold sweat at the thought of Pressfit bearings even before starting, swapping threaded bearings with the right tool is actually not a big deal.
Thanks to the CINCH system, you also only need a cassette tool for mounting the chainring on the crank arm, which should not be missing in any well-stocked workshop anyway. The chainring screwed in from the back, the crank inserted through the bearing, the second crank arm put on, distances adjusted and possibly the play corrected, and the conversion is complete.

Chainrings are available from Race Face as SHI 12 (Shimano 12-speed compatible) in aluminum and steel from 30 to 34 teeth in classic or oval shape. As Narrow-Wide, the range even extends from 24 to 38 teeth, anodized in up to six different colors.
I initially rode with a 32-tooth standard ring and then temporarily switched to an oval 28-tooth ring.
The chainrings are asymmetrical and can be mounted "standard" or "flipped" for precise adjustment of the chainline.
Seldom has the exchange of a crankset including bearing replacement been easier! In the end, the new crankset in the complete package is exactly 60 grams lighter than the previously installed SLX aluminum crank.

Before heading into rough terrain with the enduro, I install the "Crank Boots" end caps, check all torque settings, the chain line, and shifting performance. With the adjustment ring (and if necessary, spacer discs), the axial play can be minimized to the point where the crank rotates smoothly, but no longer has any lateral play.

The oval chainring provides an initial moment of surprise when pulling away from the office. I had completely forgotten what such a chainring feels like. In any case, the first few meters with it are at least for me unusual, as if the entire drivetrain were wobbling.
In no time at all, however, that feeling disappears, and you can enjoy the benefits of the oval chainring (leverage, dead spot, etc.). The theory behind it certainly has a lot of nerd potential.

The crank itself is stiff, robust, and tough. Even on the first trails in the tri-border area (see Reschen/Nauders Report) there are a few rocky treats included, and of course, I managed again to scrape a rock or two with the pedal or crank while pedaling. But the ERA crankset is just as unimpressed by this as my flat-valgus feet, which occasionally rub against the crank.
Not to mention the brutal treatment of the photographer's bike. Naturally, my enduro lands off the trail every few hundred meters for a photo stop, on roots, stones, in moss, on meadows and fields. Even after another ten thousand vertical meters on local trails and on the Sellaronda, sometimes in the worst muck and rain, the crank looks almost like new.

However, I will part with the oval chainring and replace it with a round one. Somehow I don't like the slight "wobble" when pedaling, and besides, the oval chainring constantly causes movement in the derailleur cage, thus leading to (albeit only minimal) additional wear.