Raceface Next SL G4 Cranks
Raceface’s Cinch SL cranks have a lot going for them. They are among the lightest available, their Cinch system is incredibly versatile, they have proven to be durable and they look amazing. Being at the top of the heap hasn’t slowed the development cycle for Raceface and a new Next SL crank – the G4 – has just been released.
It’s important to stay hydrated at Sea Otter.
Along with a sleeker and slightly more angular profile, 1-by fans get a new chainring with a carbon spider. To my eyes the look is less elegant but it’s slightly lighter and 13% stiffer, according to Raceface. We were told this should improve durability by reducing deflection when the chain is at its high or low limit.
Pretty damned light. With protective boots and a 32 tooth chainring. The new composite chainring will work with all Raceface Cinch cranks.
One of the issues for the first round of Next SL cranks was that the plastic strips designed to protect the crank arm from your ankle would peel off after a short time. The new 3M film should prove to be more durable because the leading edges are not exposed to our clumsy shoes.
We were also told that pedal inserts have been improved for greater strength and longevity.
Five colour schemes to choose from. Or three colours and two shades for the pedantic among our audience. Photo courtesy Raceface.
Next SL G4 Crank Features
- Colours: Silver, Stealth, Red, Blue, Orange
- Usage: XC Race / Trail / Enduro
- Spindle Size: 30mm
- Weight: 434g (32T Direct Mount, without bottom bracket)
- BB Options: BB92/107/124/144, 68/73/83/100/120 BSA, 68/73/83/100/120 PF30
- Compatible with 135/142mm, Boost 148, 150/157mm,165/170/177mm and 190/197mm hub standards
- Crank Arm Length: 170, 175
- MSRP: US$479.99 (arms only) $549.99 (w/ direct mount composite ring)
- Want to geek out on chainline? Click here.
New Composite ring
- Utilizes proven Race Face Next carbon composite technology.
- 3D composite spider design provides lateral stiffness; a critical advantage when the chain is under tension at extreme angles, like those resulting from a 1x system setup.
- Compatible with all Race Face CINCH cranks.
Want to drop some weight and add some bling?
Comments
steve low
8 years ago
Is it just me or is the fact that a set of cranks that cost 2/3rds the price of a top pair of forks a wee bit silly!? Yeah they're really really light but lets not forget that a crankset is where the weight matters the least! Sure they're stiff too but really with all the other variables to flex including suspension movement do you actually notice that extra stiffness? ? Maybe on a BMX jump or race bike or even a 4 cross hardtail! No carbon crankset can make up for 140mm plus of suspension movement no matter how good the pedaling efficiency of the bike is!
………….but if the industry says i gotta have em then i guess i gotta have em!!!
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JohnnyV
8 years ago
I won't buy another cinch crank until they fix their p.o.s.. BSA 30 BB. I need a new one at least every 6 months due to the bearings apparently being made of rock salt.
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Covekid
8 years ago
I get well over a year out of my RF BSA Cinch BB's, but if you don't I'm told all RF BB's have a 1 year warranty…
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bbgunassassin
8 years ago
I hear people just keep the rf cups but replace the bearings which is what i'm going to try soon. I do agree the standard ones just don't last. It is a bit odd that such a premium crankset interfaces with a shawdy bb. Never had an issue with the shimano bb's…
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gg
8 years ago
Says he with glowing write-up and RF supplied beer. Cheers !
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Cam McRae
8 years ago
guilty.
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t.odd
8 years ago
so the ring, a throw away wear item, has crazy carbon layup spider ring carrier? am I the only one that finds that a bit excessive?
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Cam McRae
8 years ago
Mountain biking is excessive. I see your point but which part isn't a throw away item?
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t.odd
8 years ago
at least with a full metal ring it's potentially recycleable, is this? I don't know I just had a fit of "this is ridiculous" the other night while reading about this.
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Cam McRae
8 years ago
That is a good point. Hadn't thought of that.
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awesterner
8 years ago
Metal recyclers take them. I'd wager most will replace the ring with a Cinch as it must be cheaper? Bonded chainrings such as this and past XTR's (and others?), are a complete waste. But they look sweet…
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Vik Banerjee
8 years ago
I agree a full metal ring would be easier to recycle. In this case I'd smash out the carbon with a hammer when the ring was done and still recycle most of it.
In the big picture of MTB waste and consumerism this is like a snowflake in a blizzard.
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Vik Banerjee
8 years ago
Does this replace the previous version of the Next SL or will both be offered?
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Tehllama42
8 years ago
My guess: it'll either be sold alongside, or they'll keep cranking out the old versions with a revised name (e.g. Turbine Carbon, or a new line of stuff). It's still lighter than competitive offerings, and the molds are already bought - I don't see why they'd go away.
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Vik Banerjee
8 years ago
If they drop the price on the old Next SL and still sell them I'll grab another one. I'm on year #3 with mine [6 months/year use] and the same RF BB. It's a solid bit of gear.
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