Raceface are an odd bunch. Never has one company in the bike industry turned out some real cutting edge, rider designed components, whilst also selling overweight, under functional tat at ridiculously inflated prices to people who buy stuff cos of the logo!
But in many respects a company that pushes the boundaries and asks the riders what they want… Seem to remember (though my judgement may be clouded) raceface being about the first to make handlebars of 710mm or wider about 10 years ago, they also seemed to be the first on the scene with 1.5″ stems, and if I’m not mistaken, 31.8mm bars too? So for that reason I’ll miss them…
But, I’ve owned several raceface components over the years, and most of them have been pretty poor! I love their handlebars, as they are always the right shape for me personally, their stems are ok too (though overpriced), but their BB’s and cranks? Ok, the Turbines were good when square taper was the only option, but ever since we’ve had splined BB’s, shimano have always done it better and cheaper! And more reliably… Have had a couple of Raceface BB’s in the past, they were shockingly bad!
As others have said though, won’t be urprised if the name gets bought by a big bike company soon. My money is on Giant buying them, every Giant above about 800quid already comes smothered in raceface stuff now, by buying the name they can keep that and make more money on it in the long run…