Market: The new Easton EA90 SL Disc wheelset is an excellent all-rounder; thanks to wide rims, tubeless compatibility and hubs that can be converted to all common axle standards, the almost 1.000The €100,000 aluminum clincher is suitable for a wide range of applications—from endurance to cross to gravel. Theoretically, there's nothing to stop it from being used in XC bikes.
In the past few years, cyclocrossers in particular have been romping around in what used to be a big gap between racing bikes and mountain bikes, but since the gravel trend of the past few years at the latest, this previously unbridgeable gap has shrunk to a narrow gap. Products like the new Easton EA90 SL Disc wheelset then successfully bridge the gap between the actually so different types of bikes. On the one hand, this is due to the continuing trend towards ever wider tires, also in the street sector, and on the other hand, to the wheel size of 29 inches, which is now firmly established at least in the XC area, the wheels of which are similar in size to the conventional 28″ counterparts from the street.
The US manufacturer Easton is taking account of the development towards more width with its latest wheel addition, the EA90 SL Disc Clincher: The aluminum rims offer an inner width of a whopping 19,5mm; thanks to the ample width, the Easton wheels can easily cope with wide tires and are predestined for use in cross and gravel areas. But how does it look at the bottom and with narrow road tires? With an outer width of 24mm, at least 25mm tires should be fitted, it is even better to use 28mm endurance models to prevent losses in handling. But then you get an incredibly versatile wheelset that would probably cut a fine figure even on an XC bike.
Last but not least, the wheelset draws its versatility from some elements that Easton had previously used primarily in its MTB product range. On the one hand there are the hubs: The Easton M1 of the EA90 SL Disc can also be found on the US manufacturer's lightweight mountain bike wheels, have robust bearings, good sealing and can also be easily converted to all common axle standards.
The aluminum rims are a moderate 27mm high and weigh a decent 455g. They don't quite play in the lowest weight class of aluminum rims - especially in the CX range - but they bring with them a high level of stability. In addition, the Easton EA90 SL Disc are tubeless ready ex works. In plain language this means: The wheels arrive at the customer with pre-assembled tubeless rim tape and the corresponding valves. All you have to do is put on the tyre, pour in sealant and the tubeless impeller is ready. If you want, you can of course also ride the wheels with a tube as usual.
Including rim tape and valves, the entire wheel set weighs just over 1.550g and can therefore definitely keep up with other wheels in the €1000 price range.
Easton EA90 SL Disc – The key data at a glance
Type: Aluminum Clincher
Rim height: 27mm
Inner width: 19,5mm
Outside width: 24mm
Weight (incl. rim tape and tubeless valves): 1.540g
Price: € 1.150