Easton introduces EC90 SL crank

One crank to fit all road, cyclocross, and TT bikes

By Russell Eich

Published: July 23, 2016 at 7:00 am

How about one crankset for your road or cyclocross bike that will work with a single ring, or a double, practically whatever bottom bracket standard, and still comes in at a competitively low weight? Easton just made it happen with their EC90 SL cranks.

Advertisement

All courses and fitness levels are covered with chain-holding narrow/wide chainrings offered in 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50T: All courses and fitness levels are covered with chain-holding narrow/wide chainrings offered in 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50T

Courtesy

Easton EC90 SL crank specs

Hollow carbon arms made in Canada with American-sourced carbon
Cinch System with a road specific 30mm spindle
Standard road 149mm Q-Factor and compatibility with every major road BB standard
1x chainline optimized for increasingly popular135/142mm rear disc spacing
Built for: road / CX / Tri-TT
Size: 170, 172.5, 175mm
Ring configurations: 53/39, 52/36, 50/34, w/removable spider
Single direct mount ring: 38T, 40T, 42T, 44T, 46T, 48T, 50T
Weight: 590g for 172.5mm 52/36 w/o BB / 442g for 172.5mm 40T w/o BB
Chainline: 2x 43.5mm / 2x Disc 46mm / 1x 47mm
Q-factor (with washers): 149mm
BB options: BB86, BSA 68MM, PF30 68MM, BB30 68MM, BRIGHT, 386EVO, OSBB
Material: EC90 carbon
Finish: Matte carbon

The secret of the Cinch

Easton takes some pointers from its mountain bike focused sister company, Race Face, to craft their hugely compatible EC90 SL carbon cranks. The secret lies with the Cinch chainring attachment system. The Cinch system allows various single ring sizes, as well as single and double ring set ups with the attachment of a chainring spider. Switching rings is pretty painless, just unthread the crank bolt and Cinch lockring and swap in the right size ring.

Bolt on a chainring spider and choose between 53/39, 52/36, and 50/34 options

Courtesy

On their single rings, Easton also revised the narrow/wide chainring tooth profile. They claim the updated profile optimizes chain retention, reduces running noise and minimizes friction for road and cross bikes. All good things as the latter two are much more noticeable on quieter road and cross bikes than they are on a typically louder mountain bike.

Easton claims the new chainring tooth profile enhances chain retention while limiting noise and friction

Courtesy

Advertisement

Even though the EC90 SL cranks come in at an aggressive 442g for a 172.5mm with a single 40T ring, Easton states the durability is there for nasty off-season training rides and daily commuting torture. In conjunction with the new cranks, Easton is also releasing a line of bottom brackets.

_{EC90 SL cranks}

Pricing and availability

1x Crankset without BB — $449 USD ($599 CDN) — Early August
2x Crankset without BB — $499 USD ($664 CDN) — Fall 2016
Single DM Rings $74 to $94 USD — ($99–$124 CDN) — Early August
Bottom Brackets — $59 USD (84 CDN) — Early August

Russell Eich

Tags