Two for Today: Easton & Bontrager
From Issue 93
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EASTON EC90 SL DISC WHEELSET
Easton’s wheels have really been impressing us as of late. The EC90 SL wheelset is no exception. These mid-profile, 38mm-deep wheels feature an updated Fantom rim shape and are laced to Easton’s excellent Vault hubs, which feature 6 degrees of engagement in the rear for quick acceleration. An oversized hub shell increases lateral stiffness for improved power transfer as well. With better seals and larger bearings on a wider bearing stance, these hubs also can go longer without maintenance, meaning more riding and less shop time. Plus, these wheels are easy to swap between bikes thanks to tool-free swappable endcaps. Easton has tested these wheels for both road and cyclocross, so they’re ready for rougher roads and adverse conditions. But for a bit of peace of mind, Easton includes a two-year, no-questions-asked warranty. $2,000; 1,485g; eastoncycling.com
BONTRAGER ELITE ROAD PEDALS
The humble pedal, the interface between rider and bike, tends to be an unheralded component, anonymously spinning around and around, mile after mile. You adjust the release tension to preference, but after that things stay set. Bontrager’s foray into higher-level road pedals with its Elite Road pedals does little to change the anonymity of this component. And that’s a good thing. A $100 set weighing in at 251 grams, the Elite Road pedals do exactly what they need to do: confidently connect you to the bike and provide a good value doing it. They feature a durable chromoly spindle and a composite body with a large platform for added power transfer, as well as an adjustable release tension that lets you tune the pedals exactly how you like. And they’re compatible with Look Kéo cleats. $100; 251g; trekbikes.com