Easton has added an all-new happy-medium depth aero carbon EC90 ALX gravel wheelset that can assist you go additional, quicker. On paper, the brand new EC90 ALX carbon wheels look killer. They’re 58% deeper for improved aerodynamics vs. Easton’s standard EC90 AX wheels, get a spoke improve, and a ten% cheaper price – all that with simply twenty-two grams of additional mass to spin up.
Easton EC90 ALX mid-depth aero carbon gravel wheels
Final yr Easton added a brand new ALX all-road & gravel racing line-up to their long-running AX journey gravel household. It kicked off with only one slightly-flared carbon EC90 ALX handlebar. However now it seems like Easton goes deeper into going quick throughout all surfaces, with a set of ALX race wheels, too.
“Go additional, quicker. Gravel has gotten quicker and aerodynamics are of rising significance to riders battling headwinds, washboards, and 10+ hours within the saddle with out the help of a staff or peloton.”
What’s new?
Based mostly on the EC90 AX gravel wheels that we rode, abused, and stored using, the brand new EC90 ALX is simply meant to go quicker. The carbon rims are the identical 24mm inner hookless tubeless, however now develop to 36mm deep for further aero pace with out getting heavy. In truth, I used to be fairly impressed to learn that these wheels have the identical Vault hubs, the identical rim width, an improve to premium Sapim CX-Ray bladed spokes, and evolve from 21mm (AX) to 36mm (ALX) deep now… however the claimed new aero gravel wheelset is barely 22g heavier!
This mid-depth clearly didn’t add a lot weight, however Easton additionally claims it actually improves aerodynamics with 35-45mm gravel tires. Though, they haven’t shared any concrete drag figures – both from CFD or wind tunnel testing. However once more, the brand new rim remains to be shallow sufficient to not be overly stiff, rattling you down washboard roads. Or to really feel like a sail that you simply’ll be combating in crosswinds.
Tech particulars
- Rim: carbon 24mm hookless tubeless
- Rim aero dimensions: 36mm deep x 30mm large exterior
- Tires: optimized for 35-50mm tubeless gravel tires, appropriate with 30-53mm tubeless tires
- Hubs: Easton/RaceFace Vault CL 3-pawl hubs with 60T, 6° engagement
- Freehubs: tool-free Shimano HG11, MicroSpline, or SRAM XDR
- Disc brake: Centerlock, max 180mm rotor
- Spokes: 24x straight-pull Sapim CX-Ray bladed double-butted
- Nipples: Sapim Safe Lock exterior alloy
- Wheelset weight: 1492g (claimed)
Easton EC90 ALX wheelset – Pricing
The brand new Easton aero carbon all-road and gravel EC90 ALX wheels promote for $1398, obtainable direct from Easton or your native bikeshop. They arrive pre-taped for tubeless, with alloy tubeless valves and spare spokes. The machine-built wheels promise unmatched even spoke stress & steadiness, and are backed by Easton’s new Lifetime Guarantee, which together with crash harm, too.
