Easton Cycling has added some brand-new cranks to its EC90 ALX lineup. With the EC90 ALX Crankset, Easton aims to set the new benchmark for all-road and gravel drivetrains. These cranks are a completely new design, slotting into the lineup as the brand’s flagship carbon cranks and the “lightest they’ve ever made.” On top of that, Easton claims that they’re the “strongest on the market,” based on the results of in-house testing.
They come in five lengths, two spindle widths, and 1x and 2x configurations for the ultimate in fitment options and compatibility. They’ve also been designed for the long haul, with a stainless steel wear plate and a lifetime warranty. Easton says the new EC90 ALX is “a crank that’s lighter, stronger, and built to perform wherever the road takes you.”
Easton EC90 ALX Crankset Details
If you weren’t already aware, Easton Cycling and Race Face are part of the same family of brands. This explains why the new EC90 ALX cranks have the same design language as the latest Race Face Era SL and the standard Era cranks. The crank arms themselves are shaped the same, but it’s the stainless steel wear plate that really makes them look like they could be the exact same cranks.
According to Easton, the new EC90 ALX replaces its longstanding EC90 SL as the new flagship carbon crankset. This new model is a complete redesign. “The crank arms, inserts, and spindle were engineered from the ground up to eliminate every possible gram of material, and address rider pain points,” says Easton, “ We maximized power transfer, minimized weight, increased heel clearance, and incorporated unscuffable protection.”
Easton says the new cranks are the “strongest on the market” thanks to a “unique carbon fiber layup, advanced resin system, and proprietary insert bonding process.” This gives them excellent power transfer and durability to meet and exceed the demands of any road or gravel ride or the cyclocross racecourse. Additionally, the stainless steel wear plate was shaped and positioned specifically in the area typically impacted by heel rub to prevent scuffing and wear.
Weight
Reshaped crank arms reduce bulk and weight as much as possible, and Easton’s new Lite-Spline (LS) spindles take it even further. Available in both standard and wide, the LS CINCH spindles were designed with shorter splines, aka wave taper interfaces, thereby reducing interface dept, bulk, and protrusion of the outboard crank edge. Easton states this design “achieves 2mm more heel clearance and a 35g weight reduction versus the outgoing EC90 SL.”
Easton says the EC90 ALX crankset in a 170mm length with a 40T Shimano chainring weighs just 419 grams, “making it one of the lightest cranks in its class without sacrificing strength or durability.” According to the spec chart below, the 170mm crankset with the standard LS spindle without a chainring weighs 329 grams. The picture above of the cranks on the scale shows a 322-gram weight, which is perhaps a shorter crank length.
Lengths
Speaking of lengths, the EC90 ALX cranks come in five lengths, which should cover the needs of virtually every rider out there. The options are 160, 165, 170, 172.5, and 175mm.
Specs
Compatibility
“Strongest on the Market”
Easton says the new EC90 ALX cranks are the “strongest on the market” based on the results of its in-house strength testing. The chart below has a description of the test, along with the results, if you’re interested in seeing where that strength claim is coming from.
Easton EC90 ALX Crankset: Pricing and Availability
Easton’s new EC90 ALX crankset is sold with the crankarms and spindle separately, so buyers can ensure they get the crankarm length and spindle length that fits their setup. So, when you purchase, we’re told the website prompts the customer through these steps, and the pricing is as follows:
- Crankarms: $415, choose your length, they’re all the same price
- LS Spindle: $70, choose between wide and standard
- Spacer kit: $25, only necessary for T47 or BB36Evo
- Chainring: Sold separately
- Bottom bracket: sold separately
The new EC90 ALX cranks are available now. Check them out at the Easton website.
