Gravel Grinder News: Easton Announces New EC90 ALX Crankset

Note: All images and information in this article were provided by Easton Cycling. The "Comments" section is Guitar Ted's opinions only. 

Easton Cycling's New EC90 ALX Carbon Crankset:

Easton Cycling is excited to show its newest EC90 level component. The EC90 ALX crank set is for all-road, gravel, or cyclo cross usage. This new crank has several new features. 

Most notable of the new features of the EC90 ALX crank set is the embedded stainless steel metal heel-scuff protection plate which is designed to protect the carbon arms and keep the EC90 ALX looking great throughout its lifespan. 

Easton claims this is the lightest and the strongest crank set it has ever offered. Every facet of the design was scrutinized to minimize weight but keep strength at a very high level. The pedal inserts and spindle, in aluminum, were especially focused on and in conjunction with minute design choices, this has resulted in what Easton thinks of as the perfect all-road/gravel/cyclo cross crank set. 

Of course, several lengths are on offer along with 1X and 2X options. The specs are listed in this chart below.

Prices:

The EC90ALX cranks are priced as follows:

 Weight:

You can see some of the claimed weights above. Easton also claims that a 170mm arm length, 40T Shimano 1X crank weighs in at 419 grams.  

Strength:

Easton's testing showed the EC90 ALX has incredible strength for such a lightweight component. Their testing included an application of an increasing quasistatic load to the pedal end of the crank until either the arm failed or the spindle/crank interface failed. The result was not only did the crank surpass Easton's all-road benchmarks, but it surpassed the standard for XC/Trail MTB cranks set by Race Face. (An Easton brand)  

Warranty:

Easton warrants this crank set for the lifetime of use to the original owner. Even if it is in a crash. 

Comments: For the racer and weight chaser builds, this looks like a great product. The claims Easton makes seem pretty astounding. I like the sounds of the testing results. 

At around $500.00 when it is all said and done, less your bottom bracket, it isn't cheap, nor should it be, but it isn't the most expensive crank for gravel racing by a long shot. But you do not get a power meter, and if we are speaking of racing, this might be a deal breaker for some.