On Test: Easton EA70 XCT 29er Wheels

[Webot]

Light and stiff for Rocky Mountain “XC” riding.

Like all Easton wheels, these are hand-built and**acoustically**tuned to ensure consistent tension on all 24 spokes. Yeah right… is what you’re thinking, and I’ll admit, I was too. For science, I got out my digital guitar tuner and checked it out. Sure enough, the spokes are right on,**acoustically**speaking. (If you’re curious, The front is a G and the rear is a G on the non-drive side, and a B on the drive side)

Specs

• Hand-built and acoustically tuned
• Alloy UST with 24 straight pull spokes (3x lacing)
• Sealed cartridge bearings
• No rider weight limit
• Front is available in standard QR or 15mm thru-axle
• Rear is available in standard QR, and 12×135 or 12×142
• Actual weight on my scales: Front – 800 grams, Rear – 930 grams – 1,730 total
• Also available in 26″

800 grams!

The X2 hubs are manufactured by Easton and the rear is a 3-pawl design that engages quickly. The sealed cartridge design and easy**serviceability should keep them**spinning**smoothly for a long time. As I already mentioned, the 24 straight pull spokes are well tensioned. This was most noticeable when I was moving the cassette and brake rotors over. My OEM Giant wheels aren’t flexy by any means, but the Eastons take spoke tension to a whole new level.
The rims are pure Easton aluminum, welded, with no breaks in the inner rim and therefore no need for a rim strip of any kind. On the outside these wheels have understated grey on black graphics that lend a clean, stealth look on the trail. The presta valve is pre-installed and attaches via a threaded collar and **an O-ring. The valve cores are not**removable, however the whole**valve**is easily removed in case you need to install a tube due to a flat. I’ve experienced this first hand as I cut a sidewall on my front tire and had to get creative to finish the ride.



Before and after … The Eastons would look incredible on this frame!

With a pair of brand new folding GEAX**Saguaro**tires and**some**True Goo sealant, these mounted right up and seated on the first try with the aid of my air compressor (watch for a review of the GEAX tires as well). With a few rides on them already, the stiffness and**light weight are very noticeable improvements over my stock wheels.


My first ever tubeless wheel … Yay!

Easton has these listed at $750 but they are back-ordered due to popularity with bike manufacturers as an OEM wheel. Watch for them popping up on 2013 bike models, or grab a pair now from your favorite online retailer for around $600. So far I have been very impressed, and I’ll be continuing to put them through their paces here in the Rocky Mountains to see how well they hold up as a wheel for both trail riding and racing.

Thanks to the folks at Easton for providing these wheels for review.


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