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On test: Easton EA90 Aero wheelset, December 17, 2008
Superb all-rounder
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Easton isn't often the first name that comes to most consumers' minds when considering a new set of wheels but based on Cyclingnews technical editor James Huang's experience on the its versatile EA90 Aero, perhaps it should be.
Easton's EA90 Aero road wheels offer an impressive combination of reasonably light weight, mild aerodynamic enhancements, aluminum clincher versatility, and outstanding build quality to go along with its manageable US$800 retail price.
Easton's own label is slapped on the both the R4 hubs and Gen4 aluminum clincher rims. The welded and machined hoops use a differential profile - 32mm deep on the rear, 28mm up front - to help cut through the air but maintain better handling in crosswinds while the aluminum hubs feature sleek shells, oversized axles and alloy freehub bodies easily interchangeable for use on Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo-standard cassettes.
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The hubs roll on mundane-sounding steel cartridge bearings all around but they're fitted with high-quality SKF grease, custom seals and adjustable preload - a rarely seen and highly undervalued feature. Though not as fashionable as hybrid ceramics or even stainless steel, the R4 hubs still yield one of the silkiest rolls around regardless of material as long as you take the time to set them properly.
Straight-pull Sapim bladed stainless steel spokes and easily trued external nipples (brass on the rear drive-side, alloy elsewhere) join everything together and build quality is simply superb. Our wheels arrived dead straight and round but more importantly with fantastically even spoke tension - as measured with an FSA spoke tension gauge - that bodes well for long-term durability as the years roll by.
Actual wheel weights are 666g and 910g for the front and rear, respectively, plus another 118g for the included skewers.
Hit the road, Jack
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The total package delivers a firm, responsive and communicative ride quality on the road. Though never harsh, the EA90 Aero still might be a tad too stiff for lighter riders, those looking to temper an overly rigid frame, or cyclists cursed with poor pavement. In those cases, something with a shallower rim profile like Easton's EA90 SL or EA90 SLX might be a better choice.
Power delivery on the EA90 Aero is very good with minimal wind-up when you're really on it and relatively lively 12 degree rear hub engagement - Mavic's FTS-L measures a positively comatose 20 degrees in comparison. Once up to speed, the modest aerodynamic enhancements and ultra-smooth hubs seem to help the EA90 Aero stay there, too, as they cruise noticeably well on long, fast sections of pavement.
The medium-section rims' extra stiffness relative to shallower hoops undoubtedly contributes to the ride but the downside is their so-so 475g/490g front/rear claimed rim weights. Save for accelerations from a dead stop the extra mass is essentially unnoticeable, though, and only the most ardent climbers are likely to complain.
As the even spoke tensions suggested, our test set has also held up admirably well over nine months of abuse with nary a quarter-turn of a single spoke nipple required in spite of the dirt roads, curb jumps and brief 'cross stints we threw at it. Mix that in with the good overall performance and reasonable cost and you've got a winner all around.
Price: US$800
Weight: 1576g per set (666g/910g front/rear plus 118g for skewers)
Pros: Superb build quality, good blend of light weight and aerodynamics,
quick-engaging rear hub, solid ride quality, adjustable bearing preload, reasonable
asking price
Cons: Solid ride quality, rims probably too heavy for dedicated climbers
Cyclingnews rating: 
More information: www.eastonbike.com
Photography
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Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
- Easton's EA90 Aero is reasonably light and fast but also exceptionally well built and a very good value.
- Easton uses a 31mm-deep aluminum clincher rim out back but a slightly shallower 28mm section up front for better crosswind performance.
- The smoothly contoured front hub shell is fitted with 18 radially laced Sapim bladed stainless steel spokes.
- The rear hub boasts a similarly smooth shape and both hubs offer adjustable bearing preload.
- Aluminum freehub bodies are available to fit Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo-style cassettes.
