Easton launches new EC90 ALX gravel wheelset

Component manufacturer Easton has released a new wheelset to its range in the shape of the EC90 ALX, a carbon fibre wheelset specifically designed for gravel and all-road riding.

With its latest launch, Easton has tapped into the current trend of gravel bikes and tech becoming more aerodynamically optimised as gravel racing and riding in general gets faster.

In the press release issued ahead of the EC90 ALX’s launch, the brand said: “Our design intent with the EC90 ALX wheelset was to further elevate gravel bike speed through improved wheel aerodynamics and ride dynamics while continuing on legendary Easton product durability.”

Read more: How are carbon fibre wheels designed and tested?

Strategically aerodynamic

At 36mm in depth the wheels’ rims might, at first glance, not scream aerodynamics, however they have been designed specifically with the use of high-volume tyres in mind and consideration for how the whole system interacts with the wind.

The brand said: “With EC90 ALX, we carefully selected a 36mm rim depth to yield a clear aerodynamic benefit over shallower rims while avoiding the drawbacks of added weight, rougher ride quality and wind-fuelled instability caused by deeper rims. We found the sweet spot, achieving aero without compromise.”

Gravel riding has its own unique environmental considerations such as high-frequency chatter, crosswinds and wider tyres. All of this alters what would be considered an aero wheelset on the road, making a shallower rim the most balanced in terms of aerodynamics, stability and vibration damping.

To allow for wider tyres to sit on the rims in a more aerodynamic profile, the rims feature a 24mm internal rim width. This is a common trend for gravel-specific wheelsets as it allows for the tyre to sit on the rim in a U-shape rather than having to curve in to mount onto the rim. The rims themselves are hookless which the brand says “adds impact resistance and maximising grip by avoiding tread-rounding sidewall pressure.”

Read more: What will it take to break carbon wheels?

The wheels are optimised for use with tyres ranging from 33-50mm in width with a complete wheelset tipping the scales at 1492 grams. Easton is also offering a lifetime warranty that extends to crash replacement for the EC90 ALX wheelset.

The complete wheelset retails for $1,398 with local pricing available via your local Easton stockist.

What do you think of these latest wheels from Easton? Make sure to let us know in the comments section below. For more news from the world of cycling tech, check out the dedicated tech news section of the GCN website.