Stem restrictions on 05 Easton EC90 Equip carbon road bar?

[Coolhand]

I know the old EC90's required a two bolt stem, but have seen conflicting reports on whether this restriction applies to the new 05 EC90 Equips.

The stem in question would be a FSA OS115 which is coming stock on a bike. I am thinking of swapping out the FSA carbon flat top bar that comes standard on the bike.

Thoughts?

[drjones96]

I didn't think the new EC90 Equipe's had that restriction that the previous EC90 and EC90 OS bars had for the two bolt stems. I think the EC90 Equipe should be fine to use with 2 or 4 bolt stems.

[jersievers]

agree, they just want you to buy more easton stuff. The suggest only because that is what they tested with.

[Coolhand]

I didn't think the new EC90 Equipe's had that restriction that the previous EC90 and EC90 OS bars had for the two bolt stems. I think the EC90 Equipe should be fine to use with 2 or 4 bolt stems.

I keep hearing both, and Easton's own website is no help either. I like them as they are lighter then the stock bar and clip on friendly. But given the ghastly sums I am investing in the new bike, I may stick out the FSA K-Wing's extra 50 grams for now and wait until the end of the year when the TT's are run to worry about it.

Although, I already have the 05 Rolf Elan's and Zero Gravity Ti brakes on order to replace the Mavic K SSC SL's and Record brakes. That should help!

[drjones96]

Yes it is my understanding that the new 05 EC90 Equipe's are both safe for clip-on's and 4 bolt stems. This is a big improvement over their previous EC90 and EC90 OS design.

[Coolhand]

Yes it is my understanding that the new 05 EC90 Equipe's are both safe for clip-on's and 4 bolt stems. This is a big improvement over their previous EC90 and EC90 OS design.

Cool- good information. I may break down and get one then. . .

Thanks!

[drjones96]

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=3116

For what it's worth (maybe not much since it's PEZ but) there is a picture of an '05 EC90 Equipe with a 4 bolt stem at this link. I'd bet that Veltec Sports would have a fit and make them take it down if the new bar was not intended to have a 4 bolt stem so it must be ok.

[Coolhand]

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=3116

For what it's worth (maybe not much since it's PEZ but) there is a picture of an '05 EC90 Equipe with a 4 bolt stem at this link. I'd bet that Veltec Sports would have a fit and make them take it down if the new bar was not intended to have a 4 bolt stem so it must be ok.

Goodbye self control. I ordered an EC90 Equip 44cm!

Guess I have something else to ebay now!

[drjones96]

Let us know what it weighs when you get it if possible.

[tommy]

i'm using my 04 edition ec90 OS bar with a ritchey wcs OS stem.
No problems yet.....should i get worried????

I read the pamflet that comes with the bar and it didn't say that you couldn't use 4bolt stems.....

[drjones96]

No dude. No worries. The '05 Equipe's are supposed to be able to have 4 bolt stems.

[tommy]

its a ec90 os; not a equipe

[drjones96]

its a ec90 os; not a equipe

hmmm i guess I didn't read your previous post thouroughly enough. Yes the older EC90 and EC90 OS are only supposed to be used with a two bolt stem. BUT I have heard of people using them with 4 bolt stems successfully. Just be very careful with the torque and keep an eye on it for possible damage (Cracking, deformation, etc)!

[shabuta]

im using a standard ec90 i bought from wise with a ritchey wcs and my buddy is using the same.He had a big wreck two weeks back hard a car slam into his front wheel breaking the fork and crushing the wheel.Needless to say as he hit the ground the easton bars didnt break.Now im not in anyway saying you should drop them on the ground to see how good they hold up but hey that impressed me.

[Coolhand]

Good news- I got my 2005 Easton EC90 Equip 31.8 44 cm bar today. Better news- exactly 208 grams on my digital gram scale. Bad News- right on the top of the bar- a 2 bolt stem restriction. Grrrrrrrr!!!!!

Ok here is the official deal after talking to inside sales at Veltec.

Two bolt stems are highly recommended, and they will not warranty bars not used with one. Crimping has been the issue.

So I broke down an ordered a EA70 stem too. Sure maybe I could have gotten away with the stock FSA, but why risk it, especially as a 180 pound racer.

But 208 grams for an oversized bar in 44cm (C-C, their biggest size) is pretty damn good. Bar is incredibibly spiffy in person.