Easton EC70 SL Wheel
By now, the aerodynamic benefits of deep section rims are obvious and undeniable, but there are compromises associated with both aluminum and carbon fiber constructions. With the EC70 SL wheel, Easton has tackled those compromises head on to deliver a wheelset that truly offers the best of both worlds. The structural carbon fiber extension adds stiffness and aerodynamic slip without a weight penalty, while the aluminum braking track provides superior braking to a full carbon fiber rim. The SLs roll on Easton's proven R4 hubset, and they're connected using Sapim's storied spokes. They're tensioned and trued using Easton's proprietary acoustic tuning method, for unparalleled longevity and supreme trueness. At 1660 grams for a set, the EC70 SLs are more than light enough to be competitive, and the 42mm rim depth makes these highly versatile. Think of them as a quiver-killer wheelset that's ready for seasons of problem-free racing.
The EC70 SL rim is a feat of engineering that combines the strongest attributes of a deep section carbon rim and the best alloy clinchers. In other words, the aerodynamic efficiency and light weight that make carbon rims so appealing is augmented by an aluminum brake track, for superior braking power in all conditions. But unlike many other hybrid carbon/aluminum rims, this isn't a barely-functional clip on fairing. The construction starts with Easton's proprietary EA90 alloy being extruded into the aluminum rim, which features an H shaped profile. After being rolled into a circle, the EA90 rim is molded into EC70 unidirectional carbon, which boosts the rim depth to a generous 42mm deep. This results in a carbon fiber extension that's not only effective at slicing through air-- it becomes a structural part of the rim, increasing the strength and stiffness. The spoke holes are recessed into the rim, which pulls the nipples out of the path of the passing air, which further reduces turbulence, and makes you faster.
The EC70 SL wheels roll on Easton's time-tested R4 hubs, which feature sealed cartridge bearings for smooth rolling and minimal maintenance. The Shimano compatible alloy freehub body keeps the weight to a minimum, and the oversized driveside hubshell stiffens the wheelset under acceleration, ensuring that none of your precious watts go to waste. Holding it all together are Sapim's excellent butted spokes. They're straight pull, which not only reduces weight, but makes them as strong and stiff as possible by eliminating the J bend found on traditional spokes. The storied racing heritage of Sapim's spokes spans the gamut of racing disciplines, which will instill confidence in even the biggest skeptic. And they're acoustically tuned using Easton's proprietary method, which takes into account not only the straightness in a truing stand, but a perfect balance of tension between each and every spoke. That ensures that they're perfectly true, and that they'll stay that way as long as physically possible. In case it wasn't clear, this is a racing wheelset that'll put in the miles without complaint.
The Easton EC70 SL wheel is sold individually as a front or rear, with a Shimano compatible freehub body.
