Interbike: Easton expands wheel line

Easton claims its new EC90 TT carbon tubulars are actually faster than Zipp's 808 model in certain wind conditions. (James Huang/BikeRadar.com)

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Easton says its new EC90 TT carbon tubular road wheelset is not only its fastest yet but supposedly can even go toe-to-toe (and then some) with Zipp's venerable 808. 

The carbon rims measure an aggressive 90mm in depth while the special R4 TT front hub features both extra-narrow spoke flanges to reduce frontal area as well as aero-profile end caps to further cut drag. 

Just sixteen Sapim bladed stainless steel spokes are used out back while the front makes do with only twelve. Variable Nipple Bed internal geometry adds carbon material around each nipple for increased wheel durability, too, while removing layers from in between the spokes where they're not needed.

Total wheel weight is an impressive 1,424g for the pair while pricing is also a surprisingly reasonable (relatively speaking) US$1,900.

The new EC90 SL will now get a new all-carbon clincher variant.

Easton will also add new EC90 SL carbon road tubular and all-carbon clincher models to its lineup for 2010. 

The tubular features a versatile 36mm-deep profile and Easton's R4 SL hubs with ceramic bearings for a feathery 1,250g package that should be suitable for a wide variety of conditions. Suggested retail for the pair is US$1,799.99.

The new 36mm-deep clincher version moves up the weight scale a tad to 1,465g for the pair but feature an all-new ThermaTec brake track that Easton claims is far better at dissipating heat than conventional treatments on long descents while also providing better braking modulation.  

As such, Easton says tyre blow-offs and brake pulsing will both be things of the past and brake feel is more like an aluminium rim.

The new Haven will fill in the void in between the XC One and Havoc with a medium-width tubeless-compatible rim plus a convertible front hub usable with either 9mm quick release or 15mm thru-axle forks.

Off road, Easton fills the void between its XC One and Havoc models with a new all-mountain oriented Haven that uses a 26mm-wide aluminium rim for better casing support on tyres up to 2.5" wide. 

Unique eyelets accept special double-threaded spoke nipples, too, that also allow Easton to keep a solid outer rim wall for easy UST tubeless compatibility.

The machined alloy hubs use straight-pull spokes front and rear and the front hub is also convertible between 9mm quick release and 15mm thru-axle standards.  

Claimed weight for the pair is just 1,650g in the 26" version and 1,785g for the available 29er. 

Suggested retail price is US$849.99 for the set. 

The Attack integrated aero bar gets updated for 2010 with a new collet system to attach the extensions.

In non-wheel news, Easton has also updated its Attack TT integrated carbon aero bar for 2010 with a new collet system for the extensions and several bars and stems will now be offered in a new white finish. 

In addition, the lightweight EC90 SL carbon road fork will be offered in a tapered 1 1/8"-to-1 1/2" configuration for use on many newer frames.

For all of BikeRadar's Interbike coverage, click here.

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