March 9th, 2009 by 
thien
How do they ride?
Easton has truly done their homework, and it’s impressive that this is their first commercial crank. The arms are noticeably massive, and appear even more so once mounted on the bike. The left, non-drive side, is particularly impressive as the bottom bracket end wraps around with opposing nuts keeping it fastened. Easton claims CNT “nano technology” is the secret to their light weight and strength as stated here:
“The weakest areas in a traditional carbon-fiber component are the tiny spaces between the fibers that contain only resin. To radically improve strength and toughness in these critical areas, Easton Scientists have developed an innovative Enhanced Resin System using carbon nanotubes (CNT). Carbon nanotubes are an array of carbon atoms arranged in a pattern of hexagons and pentagons (similar to the pattern found on soccer balls). These structures can be manufactured in tubular shapes one billionth of a meter in diameter, hence the name nanotube. Carbon nanotubes have been called “the strongest fiber that will ever be made”. Nanotubes have a strength-to-weight ratio orders of magnitude greater than steel. Easton’s proprietary process impregnates the resin/fiber matrix with evenly distributed carbon nanotubes. The addition of real carbon nanotubes greatly improves the toughness and strengthens Easton’s already legendary components.”
All I know is that these cranks are noticeably stiffer and the bike feels more “of one piece”. Climbing on the already amazing Cervelo R3 became even easier. With the old cranks, when standing you could feel a slight “mush” as your foot pushed through the arc. Now there is no waste; everything is driving you forward.
Easton has finished these off with excellent quality chain rings; shifts were crisp and quick. Better still, they are traditional 5 bolt x 130 sizes so replacement rings are easy to come by. Some may complain that a compact size isn’t immediately available but with the recent advent of wider ratio clusters, this seems like less of an issue. Regardless, compact sizing is reportedly in the works.
These cranks are gorgeous but a little “darth vader” on my bike; the mostly black matte finish disappears against the R3 frame. I added some red alloy bolts (hope they don’t look too cheeseball) to brighten it up. All in all, these are very impressive cranks which I highly recommend.
Check back soon for the next part in the series, Fizik Antares saddle and KCNC quick releases!
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March 10th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
If you wanted to optimise for 10 speed, how come you did not just go out and buy a couple of 10 speed TA chainrings? Those would also have shaved the 32g of your total weight?
March 10th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Err.. good point
By sheer coincidence, I bought a used TA 54 toother for my tri bike and got it a few days ago. You must be psychic.
Weight wise, it’s at 95 grams which is pretty much the same as the original FSA.
March 10th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
The EC90 crank is now available in a compact 50/34t version. Same price as the standard 130BCD version.
March 13th, 2009 at 7:56 am
I’m not so sure your math is right by figuring $/gm. Two hypothetical cranks: first, $2000 and 4000 grams. Second, $500 and 500 grams, great deal. First crank is $0.50/gm. Second is $1.00/gm. You’d choose the second, but it’s higher $/gm. You want low $ and low grams. I think you want to multiply not divide. (2000×4000=8,000,000 vs 500×500=250,000.) EC90 standard still wins.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
The calculation should be, “How much extra do I have to pay for a component to save a gram of weight?” So, if you have to pay $100 more for Brand X, but it saves you 20 grams over Brand Y, then the additional cost per gram saved is $100/20 or $5 per gram. You always have to compare the price and weight of two items to see what the additional cost is to save some weight.
June 11th, 2009 at 2:16 am
bike_store@hotmail.com
Full specification
new 2007 Cervélo Soloist Carbon $2000usd
Fork: Alpha Q GS-10
Critical measurements
Rider’s height: 1.78m (5′10″) Rider’s weight: 73.5kg (162lb)
Seat tube length, c-c: 53cm
Saddle height, from BB center to top: 750mm
Tip of saddle nose to C of bars: 590mm
C of front wheel to top of bars: 560mm
Top tube length: 565mm
Crankset: SRM Training System road version FSA
Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace CN-7801
Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace FD-7800
Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace RD-7800-SS
Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace BR-7800
Levers: Shimano Dura-Ace STI Dual Control ST-7800
Rear sprockets: Shimano Dura-Ace CS-7800, 11-25T
Bottom bracket: FSA MegaExo
Wheelset: Zipp 606 tubular
Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Evo-CX 21 tubular
Handle bars: FSA Energy T, 42cm (c-c)
Stem: FSA OS-115, 120mm x -17°
Headset: FSA Orbit CF
Tape: FSA Cork
Pedals: Speedplay Zero Stainless
Seat post: Cervélo
Saddle: Selle Italia Flite
Bottle cages: Tacx Tao
Computer: SRM
bike_store@hotmail.com