Easton EC90SL vs. Ax-lightness S38T

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Skunkworks
Posts: 60
Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2016 12:25 pm
Location: South Korea

by Skunkworks

Hi weightweeenies!

I'm considering change my wheelset from 9000 C35 TU to Easton ec90sl(after 2015 yr) or Ax-lightness S38T.

both ec90sl and s38t are 38mm depth and carbon tubular.
ec90sl uses Echo hub, which I think pretty coool.
S38T uses DT240 hub. (P38T is not my option tough)

However it is hard to find some reviews of all-new ec90sl.

If you have to choice, which one is your pick?
ec90sl or s38t? (or wait for shimano's all new carbon tu?!)

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
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Skunkworks
Posts: 60
Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2016 12:25 pm
Location: South Korea

by Skunkworks

Is there anyone who experienced All-new EC90SL??

My mind shifted from AX lightness to Easton...
but there is no practical reviews..

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wheelsONfire
Posts: 6280
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 8:15 am
Location: NorthEU

by wheelsONfire

I can't help you with an answer between these two.
I have Easton Aero 55 (tub) and Stream 38 (Tune).
Only thing i am not liking with the Echo hubs is the one bearing 3645.
Because this is a special bearing which as far as i know, only Enduro make.
It is not available as a Zero Ceramic version, which the others are.

Enduro 6901 C0 x2 (Rear)
Enduro 71801 Angular Contact x3 (Front And Rear)
Enduro 3645 Angular Contact Bearing x1 (Rear)

But the Echo hubs are very silent and have not given me any problems.
What is solid is that Enduro have these bearings and probably always will.

Tune hubs has it's own sound. It is not silent, but runs smooth.

As far as i have been informed, Easton change or has already changed bearing supplier.
I think the 3645 is the only bearing that will remain same.
As far as i got it, they will leave the angular except for 3645.
They say it's not really needed. Angular bearings were told to handle side-load better and that was the main reason they used them first hand previously.
The new bearings Easton told me are just as good.

Otherwise, i think you checked the Ax set with DT Swiss bearings over Tune?

From ride feel and ease of use, both wheels are great.
Any questions i may supply you with, you are welcome to ask.
I am just an end user if you wonder.

Personally i think both sets would work great. Ax would be lighter where weight counts (rims).
I use Black prince on both my sets. But you can use SwissStop yellow on both.
These pads (SwissStop) are approved with both brands so you need not swap brake pads between them.
None of them (my sets) really offer braking better than one another. Sure, there may be small differences, but nothing to pick on really.
Wet braking is as always, hit brake earlier.... if you get it ;-)
Bikes:

Ax Lightness Vial EVO Race (2019.01.03)
Open *UP* (2016.04.14)
Paduano Racing Fidia (kind of shelved)


Ex bike; Vial EVO D, Vial EVO Ultra, Scott Foil, Paduano ti bike.

Skunkworks
Posts: 60
Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2016 12:25 pm
Location: South Korea

by Skunkworks

Thank wheelsONfire for your very detail comments about Echo hub!
Silent hub is also okay for me.
I'm not considering Tune hub because i'm around 80 kg heavy rider.

Thanks again;)

dvdslw
Posts: 75
Joined: Sun Nov 03, 2013 3:13 am

by dvdslw

Just wanted to chime in on the EC90SL's, I have the Tubeless Clincher version of the current model. I am a big guy (6'5/225lbs) and they've been absolutely true and braking is way above my expectations using the provided Swiss Stop yellow pads. The ECHO Hub is a thing of beauty, quick engagement with nice buzz that sounds like a Cris King but half as loud, I'd say just right. I've been putting these wheels through the paces over the last 4-5 months that I've owned them and so far no regrets. I struggled over the decision to go with the 55's or 38's but in the end my weight weenieness helped to make the decision.

Added= I know you're looking at the tubular versions but the EC90sl combined with the new Schwalbe Pro One's is something special. The 23's inflated on these rims are 27mm wide, 228g ea, no rim tape needed, and have a ride that would have to be experienced to believe. In today's market, I don't see a tubeless clincher setup getting any better than this.
Last edited by dvdslw on Mon Mar 28, 2016 12:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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wheelsONfire
Posts: 6280
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 8:15 am
Location: NorthEU

by wheelsONfire

Skunkworks wrote:Thank wheelsONfire for your very detail comments about Echo hub!
Silent hub is also okay for me.
I'm not considering Tune hub because i'm around 80 kg heavy rider.

Thanks again;)


Hi, may i ask, why would that put you off?
I am up and down in weight. I am just a few Kg's below you right now.
Have been at 79Kg's and i use the Tune, no problem.

But sure, Echo is fine. I like that it's so silent.
Bikes:

Ax Lightness Vial EVO Race (2019.01.03)
Open *UP* (2016.04.14)
Paduano Racing Fidia (kind of shelved)


Ex bike; Vial EVO D, Vial EVO Ultra, Scott Foil, Paduano ti bike.

ccie10251
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Jul 03, 2018 11:51 am

by ccie10251

@wheelsONfire my Echo front hub is not exactly quiet, even after changing the bearing to Enduro Zero 6801. It makes a subtle "shhhhh" sound when rolling (wonder if it's me who's too heavy). Easton cust service replied my email and advise me to use 6801 instead of 7801 for front hub.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



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