Since launching its gravel-oriented AX gravel series in 2017, Easton has continued to embrace the growing discipline by adding parts and components to the series on a regular basis.
Last year at Sea Otter, we saw updated versions of its gravel shift rings and flared AX handlebar, and right before the 2019 Dirty Kanza 200, the company unveiled its EA90 AX wide-rim, alloy wheelset that we’ve been testing.
Today, the company added carbon to the AX line of wheels with the EC70 AX and EC90 AX wheelsets.
Easton has added the EC70 AX (shown here) and EC90 AX carbon wheels to its adventure lineup. Amanda Nauman’s 2019 DK200 Niner RLT 9 RDO Gravel Bike. © Z. Schuster / Cyclocross Magazine
It is not, however, the first time we have seen the adventure-oriented carbon wheels. Amity Rockwell rode the EC70 AX wheels to her 2019 Dirty Kanza 200 win, Michael van den Ham rode them to singlespeed glory at the 2019 Lost and Found gravel race and Amanda Nauman had a set of the carbon wheels standing by with mud tires mounted, if conditions in Kansas required them.
At the DK200, Rockwell ran a prototype of Easton’s EC70 AX adventure wheels with a wide 24mm internal width rims. Amity Rockwell’s DK200 Allied Able Gravel Bike. © Z. Schuster / Cyclocross Magazine
Michael van den Ham rode early Easton carbon EC70 AX wheels at the 2019 Lost and Found. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
The tubeless carbon rims on both wheels follow the trend of getting wider to better fit wider gravel tires. The EC70 AX and EC90 AX have internal widths of 24mm designed to fit gravel tires 35mm and wider. Both rims have a relatively shallow profile, with depths of 21mm.
The higher-end EC90 AX wheelset weighs a claimed 1,470g and comes with Easton’s Vault road hub. The hub is Centerlock disc and offers 6 degrees of engagement. The new EC90 AX wheels cost $1,550 USD and come with the company’s Carbon Confidence Guarantee.
The new Easton EC90 AX adventure wheelset has a 24mm-wide carbon rim. © Easton Cycling
The EC70 AX weighs a claimed 1,515g and comes with Easton X5 Centerlock disc hubs. The EC70 AX wheels cost $1,200 USD.
The EC70 AX wheelset is a bit heavier than the EC90 AX and comes with X5 hubs. © Easton Cycling
Michael van den Ham rode early Easton carbon EC70 AX wheels at the 2019 Lost and Found, but it took an eagle eye to see it under the Sierra dust. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
Easton released a video with the launch:
For more on the new EC70 AX and EC90 AX wheelsets, see the specs below. Stay tuned for a full review.
Easton EC90 AX Carbon Gravel Wheels Specs:
Price: $1,550 USD
Weight: 1,470g (claimed)
Rim: Carbon tubeless-ready carbon clincher
Internal Width: 24mm
External Width: 31mm
Depth: 21mm
Hubs: Easton Vault, 6-degree engagement
Spokes: Sapim Straight-Pull, 24 front and rear, 3x
Freehubs: Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo
Axles: Front: 12mm TA, 15mm TA, QR; Rear: 12x142mm TA, QR; end caps available
More Info: eastoncycling.com
Easton EC70 AX Carbon Gravel Wheels Specs:
Price: $1,200 USD
Weight: 1,515g (claimed)
Rim: Carbon tubeless-ready carbon clincher
Internal Width: 24mm
External Width: 28mm
Depth: 21mm
Hubs: Easton X5, Centerlock disc
Spokes: Sapim Straight-Pull, 24 front and rear, 3x
Freehubs: Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo
Axles: Front: 12mm TA, 15mm TA, QR; Rear: 12x142mm TA, QR; end caps available
More Info: eastoncycling.com
