Road Products Wheels
EC90 SL
The One Race Wheelset To Have
Strong enough to handle Spring Classics like Het Volk and light enough to make appearances in the mountain stages of the Grand Tours, the EC90 SL is the one race wheelset to have if you can have just one. Thanks to a 38mm deep rim and a low spoke count, the EC90 SL strikes a perfect balance between a light climbing wheel and a set of slippery TT hoops.
Just 1232 grams per-pair with a 38mm deep Easton carbon rim. Straight pull Sapim, double-butted spokes (18-front; 24-rear) and alloy nipples keep weight to a minimum. Smooth running R4 SL hubs feature ceramic bearings for low rolling resistance. Entirely hand-built and acoustically tuned in Easton’s own factory.
| Price | $1,799.00 |
| Wheel Set Weight | 1250gr |
| Type | tubular |
| Wheel Size | 700c |
| Rim Material | carbon |
| Rim Depth | 38mm |
| Internal Rim Width | 21mm |
| External Rim Width | 21mm |
| Spokes | Sapim double-butted black |
| Front Spoke Pattern | 18, radial |
| Rear Spoke Pattern | 24, radial NDS, 2-cross DS |
| Nipples Front | alloy black, internal |
| Nipples Rear Drive_side | alloy black, internal |
| Nipples Rear Non-Drive Side | alloy black, internal |
| Front Hub Type | R4 SL |
| Rear Hub Type | R4 SL |
100% HANDBUILT
100% HANDBUILT
Every Easton wheel is hand built, from start to finish. This is not the easiest way to do things, but it’s the best way to build superior wheels.
Hand-building ensures all Easton wheels have a precise, balanced high tension that keeps them truer, longer, and also makes them lighter, stiffer and more responsive.
Throughout the building process, technicians use precision tone measuring devices to sonically measure spoke tension, ensuring that the wheel is brought up to specification tension as evenly as possible. Tension is checked using a frequently calibrated tensiometer to ensure each wheel falls into the correct tension range. Our wheel building process also allows for exceptionally high spoke tensions, which makes our wheels laterally stiffer, more responsive under acceleration, yet still as light as possible.
Our systematic approach to precision tensioning and truing sets the standard in the industry, and makes our wheels truly among the best in the world.
R4 SL HUB
R4 SL HUB
Featured on the EA90SLX, EC90SLX and EC90 Aero, the new R4 SL hub has been thoroughly reworked to shave 36 grams. Ceramic bearings are used throughout, in addition to a pared down rear axle, new aluminum axle cap and dramatically lightened cassette bodies.
EASTON PADS BY SWISSSTOP
EASTON PADS BY SWISSSTOP
All EC90 level wheels will include Easton brake pads made by SwissStop™, widely accepted as the world’s best pad for carbon rims.
CERAMIC BEARINGS
CERAMIC BEARINGS
Easton wheels with R4 SL hubs will roll on silky smooth Grade 3 hybrid ceramic bearings throughout.
Also available as an upgrade for 2008 wheels.
R4 SL AXLES
R4 SL AXLES
Excess material was removed to save 9 grams, and a new aluminum end cap cuts another two grams.
R4 AND R4SL SERIES CASSETTE BODIES
R4 AND R4SL SERIES CASSETTE BODIES
Aggressively machined SRAM, Campagnolo and Shimano cassette bodies save up to 22 grams of rotating weight. Ceramic bearings included.
PREMIUM QUALITY SPOKES
PREMIUM QUALITY SPOKES
Using only top quality spokes is critical for our high tension wheel builds. We only use premium quality stainless spokes from Sapim™ and DT™. Most wheels use straight-pull spokes, and every wheel gets a specific spoke type depending on intended use: straight gauge, double butted, triple butted and bladed.
The smallest technical detail—like a spoke nipple—can literally make or break a wheel. This is why Easton pays close attention to even the smallest components and design elements of our wheels, even on the entry level models. We design our own hubs, rims and nipples, and use the best components available.
WHEEL TESTING
WHEEL TESTING
1. Multiple QC checks throughout the build process.
2. Each wheel is given an ID number that’s coded with build stats.
3. Wheel designs are tested for brake track durability, impact, hub/cassette windup, and bump test that equates for 4 million bumps.
EC90 SL Installation instructions - Page 1
CAUTION!
Bicycle wheels, like most bicycle components, require special knowledge, skills and tools for correct installation and maintenance. All Easton products should be installed and serviced by a qualified bicycle mechanic using appropriate professional tools. Easton assumes no liability for products which are improperly installed or maintained.
WARNING!
Failure to follow these instructions can result in component failure. Component failure can lead to loss of control of the bicycle and result in serious personal injury or death. These instructions are for Easton road wheels and Easton non-UST Mountain wheelsets requiring rim strips. These instructions DO NOT apply to Easton tubeless (UST) wheelsets.
Before you start
To get the maximum performance, reliability and enjoyment from your Easton wheels, there are a few things you need to know, understand and do. Please do not skip reading this entire section. What you miss could result in mechanical malfunction or component failure. If there is anything in these instructions which you do not understand, please consult with your Easton dealer before proceeding.
- Easton wheels should only be used with forks that have secondary wheel retention safety tabs on the dropouts to prevent accidental loss of the wheel. Loss of a wheel can result in serious injury or death.
- Always use Easton wheel quick releases, and always follow the Easton Quick Release Instructions which are in this Instruction Manual. Riding with an improperly adjusted wheel quick release can allow the wheel to wobble or fall off the bicycle, which can cause serious injury or death.
- Easton makes different wheel models for different specific purposes: Road, Cyclocross, Cross Country, All-Mountain, Downhill, etc. Subjecting the wheels to uses for which they were not designed can result in component failure.
- Easton mountain wheels with disc brake hubs use the International Standard 15.3 mm mount for 135 mm rear wheel, 10.5 mm for 100 mm front wheel, or 15.5 mm for 110 mm front wheel with 20 mm through axle.
- If the wheel rims are labeled "DISC BRAKE ONLY" (Figure 1), do not use the wheel on a bicycle with rim brakes. Using rim brakes on rims designed for disc brake use only will damage the rims and can cause component failure.
- The Easton Quick Releases must be used correctly to prevent the wheel from disengaging from the bicycle. Read and understand the Easton Quick Release instructions before using wheels. If unsure about Easton Quick Release operation, please consult with an authorized professional bike shop for proper operation and instruction.
- Attach wheel reflectors (available separately) to your wheels for safety during periods of poor visibility.
EC90 SL Installation instructions - Page 2
Mounting a Tire
Preparation
- Wear safety glasses when mounting and pressurizing tires. Serious injury can result if the tire comes off the rim during or after inflation.
- Use only plastic tire levers for mounting a tire. Using metal levers or a screwdriver can damage the rim and cause tire or tube failure.
- All Easton rims are drilled at the factory for Presta valve tubes. Drilling a rim for a larger valve hole can cause component failure and voids the warranty.
- Some Easton mountain wheels may be tubeless compatible by using an aftermarket tubeless conversion kit. Follow tubeless tire manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance of the tires.
- Do not modify wheels in any way for tubeless conversion. Use only a system that works with Easton factory valve hole drilling. Modifying the rim can cause component failure and voids the warranty.
Tube and Tire Mounting Procedure
- Mount the rim strip, making sure that it covers all spoke holes in the rim bed. Exposed spoke holes can cause the tube to fail, resulting in loss of control.
- Confirm the tire is oriented for proper rotation direction, then mount one tire bead onto the rim.
- Insert the tube valve into the valve hole and place the tube evenly within the tire casing. Confirm that the tube is not folded or twisted.
- Mount the second tire bead onto the rim. Use tire levers only as necessary.
- Pump the tire to a low pressure. Confirm that both tire beads are evenly seated in the rim bead.
- Pump the tire to full pressure, as recommended by the tire manufacturer.
- Reconfirm that both tire beads are evenly seated in the rim bead. If either tire bead is not seated evenly, remove pressure, adjust the tire on the rim and re-pressurize. Riding a bicycle with an incorrectly seated tire bead can result in component failure.
Mounting a Cassette
- Lightly grease the outside of the cassette body splines (Figure 2) before mounting cassette.
- Lightly grease the lock ring threads (Figure 3) and torque the lock ring in place to 30-50 Nm (260-435 in-lbs).
Note: In use, the smallest 2 or 3 cogs typically create small dents in the splines of the alloy cassette body. This is normal, and not a sign of excess loads or incorrect installation.
Mounting a Disc Brake
- When mounting rotors, follow disc brake manufacturer instructions. Follow manufacturer instructions for rotor bolt torque.
- For proper rotor fastening onto hubs, rotor bolt length must no exceed 12 mm. If rotor bolts are longer than 12 mm, contact manufacturer for shorter bolts. Do not use bolts other than supplied by brake manufacturer.
- Replace disc brake pads at interval recommended by brake manufacturer to prevent loss of braking control or rotor damage.
EC90 SL Installation instructions - Page 3
Before Your Ride
- Before each ride, check that both wheel quick releases are securely fastened. Riding with an improperly adjusted wheel quick release can allow the wheel to wobble or fall off the bicycle, which can cause serious injury or death.
- Before each ride, check rims and hubs of both wheels for dents, scratches or cracks; check wheels for trueness; and make sure that both wheels are true, with no loose or bent spokes. A damaged wheel can result in component failure.
- Keep body parts and loose clothing away from spinning wheels and brake rotors during use and servicing to avoid the risk of severe cuts.
- Disc brakes can get extremely hot with use. Do not touch disc brakes until they have had time to cool. Rims can get extremely hot after braking. Do not touch rims until they have had time to cool.
- Make sure tire pressures are correct, and carefully inspect the tires before each ride. Replace the tire or tube before riding if either is worn or damaged. Incorrect tire pressure, excess tire wear, or cuts or damage to the tread, sidewall, casing or inner tube can cause component failure.
- When riding, avoid rim damage from impact on the road or trail
by using correct tire pressure (see chart below) and paying
attention while riding. Serious rim damage could result in
the tire coming off the rim, or in tire failure. Damaged rims
must be replaced to prevent component failure.
Road Wheels: 100125 psi
Cross Country Wheels: 3055 psi
Cyclocross Wheels: 3585 psi
All Mountain/Downhill Wheels: 2550 psi - Patch an inner tube only in an emergency, and replace it before
your next ride. An inner tube does not retain the strength
and integrity once it has been patched, and could fail,
resulting in loss of control and serious injury or death.
EC90 SL Installation instructions - Page 4
Maintenance
- Wheel truing, spoke tensioning, hub and cassette body maintenance, like many other bicycle maintenance and repair procedures, require skill, experience and special tools. Easton urges you to have all wheel service performed only by an Easton Service Center. If you insist on performing some or all of these procedures yourself, we urge you to have an Easton Service Center check your work before you ride the bike. Errors in maintenance, service and repair procedures can result in component failure and will void the warranty. Repair at a shop other than an Easton Service Center also may void the warranty.
- Frequency of maintenance is a function of riding style, mileage and environment. Discuss how, how often, and where you ride with your Easton Dealer, and ask the Dealer to recommend an inspection and service schedule that is right for you.
- Do not wash hubs using a high-pressure washer or special solvents. Grease could be washed from the hub and/or cassette body bearings, which could result in component failure.
- If there are signs of loose spokes or excessive rim runout after 250 mi (400 km), wheels should be re-tensioned and trued by an authorized Easton Repair Center. This service is not covered by warranty, so you may be charged for it. Riding with wheels that are out of true can result in loss of braking, loss of control or component failure.
- Rear wheels are subjected to higher loads and stress than front wheels and may require more frequent tension and true adjustment.
- Periodically inspect the rim, spoke holes, and seam for dents, damage and cracks. On rim brake rims, periodically clean rim brake surfaces with alcohol for best performance.
- Excessive wear on brake surfaces can result in rim failure and loss of control. Replace rims if you see excessive brake surface wear.
- To maintain maximum rim brake effectiveness and prevent possible rim damage, replace brake pads when worn. Riding with worn brake pads can result in loss of braking, loss of control or component failure.
- Use only genuine Easton replacement parts. Use of non- Easton parts could result in damage or component failure, and will void the warranty.
- Use only Easton brand or Easton recommended greases and lubricants for maximum product life and performance.
EC90 SL Installation instructions - Page 5
Quick Release
WARNING!
Riding with an improperly adjusted wheel quick release can allow the wheel to wobble or fall off the bicycle, which can cause serious injury or death. Therefore, it is essential that you:
- Make sure you know how to install and remove your wheels safely.
- Understand and apply the correct technique for clamping your wheel in place with a quick release.
- Each time, before you ride the bike, check that the wheels are securely clamped.
TO INSTALL A WHEEL
- If bike has rim brakes, disengage brake quick-release.
CAUTION!
If bike has disc brakes, be careful not to damage disc, caliper or brake pads when inserting disc into caliper. Never activate a disc brake's control lever unless disc is correctly inserted in caliper.
- Insert wheel into fork or rear dropouts with lever in position a (Figure 4), (OPEN).
- Swing lever to horizontal (ADJUST) position 4b, making sure lever cam is correctly seated in cam guide washer (5b); then, holding lever in ADJUST position with one hand, tighten (turn clockwise) tension adjusting nut (4d) with other hand until Quick Release clamping surfaces (4e) are finger tight against dropouts.
- Make sure wheel is fully seated in dropouts and centered; then swing lever into position 4a (CLOSED), at right angle to hub axle and either behind or in front of fork blade (front wheel) or chain or seat stay (rear wheel). To apply enough clamping force, you should have to wrap fingers around fork blade (front wheel) or chain or seat stay (rear wheel) for leverage, and lever should leave a clear imprint in your palm.
WARNING!
If you can fully close quick release without wrapping your fingers around fork blade or frame tube for leverage, and lever does not leave a clear imprint in the palm of your hand, the tension is insufficient. Open lever to position 4b; turn tension adjusting nut (4d) clockwise a quarter turn; then try again. If you cannot swing lever all the way to its Detent Stop (5c) when moving it to position 4a, open it to position 4b, turn nut (4d) counter-clockwise a quarter turn; then try again.
- If bike has rim brakes, close brake quick release.
- Make sure brakes are operating correctly.
TO REMOVE A WHEEL
- If bike has rim brakes, disengage brake quick-release.
- Swing lever from position 4a, (CLOSED) to position 4c, (OPEN); then turn Tension Adjusting Nut (4d) counterclockwise, if needed, until wheel can come out of dropouts. You may have to tap top of wheel with palm of hand to knock wheel out of dropouts.
ALWAYS: Be sure to correctly re-tension quick-release
mechanism every time you re-install a wheel. Each time you get
ready to ride any bike, check wheel quick releases to make sure
they are securely clamped.
LUBRICATION: Periodically clean and lubricate lever's cam
surface (5b) and cam guide washer (5a), cam pivot and skewer
threads.





