First Look: Easton’s New EA90 AX Tubeless Disc Brake Wheels

Just in time for Dirty Kanza and the Lost and Found gravel races, Easton unveiled its newest wheel targeted at the gravel and cyclocross enthusiasts: the EA90 AX alloy tubeless disc brake wheelset.

[caption id="attachment_135389" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] Easton’s new EA90AX tubeless disc brake wheelset features a 21mm deep, 25mm wide (internal) rim that alloys for easy tire installation. © Cyclocross Magazine[/caption]

The $799 EA90 AX wheelset ups the ante from the existing EA70 AX wheelset. The wheelset adds 1mm extra internal width, with a 25mm-wide rim. It’s 21mm deep, and 29mm externally wide.

[caption id="attachment_135393" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] Easton’s new EA90AX tubeless disc brake wheels feature a 25mm wide rim with a deep center channel that allows for easy tire installation. © Cyclocross Magazine[/caption]

It’s also about 140 grams lighter than the EA70 AX, at 1625g list weight. Our actual measurements reveal our pair weighs 1630g with tape and valves.

[caption id="attachment_135390" align="aligncenter" width="1165"] Easton’s new EA90AX tubeless disc brake wheelset weigh 1630g with tape and valves and retails for $799. © Cyclocross Magazine[/caption]

How does Easton achieve the weight savings? It swaps the EA70 AX’s brass nipples for DT alloy nipples, adds Sapim double butted straight pull spokes and rotates on the company’s top-shelf CenterLock Vault hubs.

[caption id="attachment_135394" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] Easton’s new EA90AX tubeless disc brake wheels feature the CenterLock Vault hubs. © Cyclocross Magazine[/caption]

Tubeless setup is a snap, literally. We easily mounted a 43mm Panaracer GravelKing SK and a 42mm Soma Fabrications Cazadero tire without tire levers, and a compressor pump snapped both into place. With Panaracer’s new Smart Seal sealant, the Cazadero has been airtight since the initial blast, while the GravelKing took one top-off before remaining airtight.

[caption id="attachment_135386" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] The 25mm internal width helps gravel tires inflate to list size or greater. The 43mm GravelKing measured at 43.3mm at 35 psi. Easton’s new EA90AX tubeless disc brake wheels. © Cyclocross Magazine[/caption]

The 25mm width helps add air volume and support the sidewalls of 40+mm gravel tires. At 35 psi, the 42mm Cazadero measured 43.8mm, while the 43mm GravelKing measured 43.3mm.

[caption id="attachment_135387" align="aligncenter" width="1104"] Easton’s new EA90AX tubeless disc brake wheels feature Sapim straight-pull spokes, alloy nipples, and a 25mm wide rim. © Cyclocross Magazine[/caption]

 

Like Easton’s other wheelsets, the EA90 AX wheels are compatible with major axle configurations, including QR, 15mm or 12mm front, and 142x10mm rear through tool-free axle cap swaps (included).

First rides have proven burp-free. We’ll see if they hold up to the rigors of the Lost Sierra. Stay tuned for a full test.

Official product launch info below:

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The EA90 AX wheel joins our popular AX Series lineup, giving you the all road advantage on a lightweight EA90 aluminum rim. With a 25mm internal measurement and 3mm of offset, you’re ready to mount your favorite gravel and road plus tires to get the most out of the path less traveled.

EA90 AX wheels are laced with our new Vault hub – designed to exceed your needs from tarmac to singletrack. Larger bearings on a wider bearing stance and improved seals help to push reliability to a new level. A reversed drive ring configuration gives 60 points of engagement at just 6-degrees for instant acceleration.

Included in the box are tool-free swappable end-caps for all major axle standards and 5 extra straight-pull Sapim spokes (shipped with rear wheels) that match the uniform spoke length throughout both wheels. With center lock discs and easy tubeless ready setup, the EA90 AX wheelset is adventure ready.

Easton EA90 AX Wheelset Specs:

MSRP: $799
Weight: 1625g list, 1630g actual with tape and valves
Depth: 21mm
Width: 25mm internal, 29mm external
Spokes: Sapim straight-pull double butted, 24/3x, DT alloy nipples. Wheelset includes 5 spare spokes
Spoke pattern: 24 / 3x
Hubs: CenterLock, 12x100mm front, 12x142mm rear default, caps for QR, 15mm
Freehub: 60 point, 6° engagement. Shimano/SRAM 11-speed cassette, XDR and Campagnolo avail.

Easton EA90 AX Wheelset Photo Gallery: