Perhaps as a sign of these economic times, or just an attempt to reach new markets for “budget” upgraders, Easton has introduced new pricepoint EA50 road components. The stem uses a less-severely grooved TopLock stem cap than the EA70/90 stems, but it’s designed on the same principle. Prices should be around $40 to $50 each. Specs are:
- post 310g (350mm length; 27.2, 30.9, 31.6 diameters; 10mm setback)
- stem 190g
- bar 300g 38/40/42/44/46 75mm reach 130mm drop
There’s also a new 26″ UST wheelset that melds the features from two existing models to create a performance/budget offering for the dirt crowd…
The EA50 parts could also make a decent choice for riders building up a second bike just for fun.
The new EA70 XCT UST wheelset combines the EA90 rim with the EA70 hubs for a lower coat, high end tubeless wheelset. Only available in a blacked out colorway in both 26″ and 29er at 1620g and 1745g respectively. Rim widths are 19mm inner/24mm outer widths and all are 24 spokes with 3-cross lacing.
All current axle standards are offered except 150 rears. you can swap axles on them but it involves bearing removal and lots of tools, so they don’t really promote them as being interchangeable. Order what you need. Pricing TBD, claimed weight is 1620g.
For the non-budget conscious among us, there’s the new-ish EC90 SL carbon stem. Coming in at just 110g for the 100mm, it’s grooved and curved to be very, very stiff. Easton says you could run it on an XC mountain bike.
