Lighten the Climb: Race Face Era SL Explained for South African Riders

A lighter build starts with a clear plan. Which parts fit your bike, which changes improve your position, and what will the complete upgrade cost? Race Face’s Era SL cranks and handlebar, paired with its Turbine SL stem, give weight-conscious riders several options to consider.

This MTBSA buyer’s guide draws on manufacturer specifications checked on 9 October 2026. It is not a hands-on test. Cover artwork is an original AI-generated category illustration, not a photograph of the Race Face components.

Era SL cranks: compare the complete setup

Race Face lists a 422 g crank assembly with 170 mm arms, a 32-tooth SHI-12 DMW chainring and hardware. That configuration matters: comparing it with bare crank arms would produce a misleading weight comparison.

The carbon arms have a stainless-steel wear plate, and lengths run from 160 to 175 mm in 5 mm steps. A 30 mm spindle and ring-dependent 52 or 55 mm chainline make compatibility part of the buying decision. The chainring and bottom bracket are sold separately.

Before you order

Ask your workshop to confirm the frame’s bottom-bracket requirements and the correct chainline. Compare the complete fitted cost rather than the crank-arm price alone. Choose crank length around your fit and riding needs, not simply whichever option appears lightest.

A carbon handlebar with two orientations

The Era SL bar has a 35 mm clamp diameter and a claimed weight of 170 g. It starts at 760 mm wide, with Race Face specifying trimming to 720 mm. Its reversible design provides either 6 mm of rise or 6 mm of drop.

For a rider refining an XC position, that adjustability is more useful than treating the bar as a weight-saving accessory alone. Follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions before deciding on bar rotation or cutting the width.

Turbine SL: the other half of the cockpit

The matching stem is called Turbine SL. Race Face lists 40, 50 and 60 mm lengths, a 35 mm bar clamp and a claimed 112 g weight for the 40 mm version. It uses aluminium rather than carbon and offers a reversible 6 mm offset.

Race Face’s cockpit guide describes combining the reversible bar and stem to obtain up to 12 mm of rise or drop. That changes one aspect of your position; it does not remove the need to consider reach, spacers and the rest of your bike fit.

What matters for a South African build?

Budget in rand, with the extras included

Request a local quotation for the exact configuration, any additional parts and installation. We have not verified South African pricing or stock, so an overseas advertised price should not be treated as a local offer.

Check support before saving grams

Ask who handles warranty enquiries and which replacement parts the retailer can supply. For marathon racing or long weekend rides, the ownership experience deserves a place alongside the weight figure on your shortlist.

The MTBSA take

On paper, this range offers a focused way to explore a lighter crank setup and a more adjustable XC cockpit. The sensible next step is a compatibility check and a complete local quote. Comfort, durability and performance on South African trails still require riding evidence; specifications alone cannot settle those questions.

Manufacturer sources

Race Face Era SL crankset specifications

Race Face Era SL handlebar specifications

Race Face Turbine SL stem specifications

Race Face cockpit setup guide

Meta description

Explore Race Face Era SL cranks, the carbon handlebar and Turbine SL stem, with key specs and buying considerations for South African MTB riders.