Easton - Ask Us Anything

Mar 11, 2013 at 9:30
Mar 11, 2013
by Richard Cunningham
 
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Easton construction details

Easton's team of wheel-builders, designer/engineers and product managers are ready to talk about any aspect of their products, from on-dirt performance to how they are made.



The folks at Easton will host PB's 'Ask Us Anything' on Monday, March 11 starting at 9:30 AM Pacific time. Easton was the powerhouse factory that first showed the world how to manipulate aluminum tubes - a game-changing process resulted in handlebars and framesets with strength-to-weight numbers that defied conventional engineering at the time. Later, Easton brought its composite technology to cycling, manufacturing the first trustworthy carbon components designed for hard-charging dirt riders. Presently, Easton's innovative designs, advanced manufacturing processes and industry-standard testing protocols have been applied to a wide range of cockpit and drivetrain components, and elite-level wheels for both mountain bike and road applications. So take advantage of Easton's unparalleled component manufacturing experience and fire away. Ask them anything.


Meet Easton's Team

Easton s key employees

How 'Ask Us Anything' Works

Type your question into the 'Comments' box at the bottom of this page and Easton's staff will answer it below. Feel free to direct your question to a specific person. Every question and answer will be published for all to see, so you may want to scan previous comments to see if the information that you seek has already been posted.



Easton tests a handlebar for fatigue strength. The machine
flexes it thousands of times more than it will see in actual use.
Helpful tips:

• Try to stay on point. Ask one question at a time and follow your question with a brief context about the situation, for example: add your weight, riding style and your bike after a question about handlebar strength.
• Try to keep your questions to about 100 words.
• Ask Us Anything is a service to PB readers who are seeking helpful information, not a forum to broadcast opinions or grievances. If you do have a negative issue that you want to ask about, no worries, just keep your complaints relevant and in the context of a question so that it can be addressed in a productive manner.
• Use comment propping to up-vote questions you care about, and down-vote the losers.



Easton Havoc 35 bars and stems

Easton's oversized, 35-millimeter Havoc DH handlebar system has been well received by racers and riders alike.



About Easton Cycling:
Easton Cycling is two parts science and one part passion. Born at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California, Easton Cycling exists for one reason — to make bikes better. Everything we do is based on performance. We embrace new materials, create new technologies and introduce industry standards all to make your bike ride smoother, go faster and last longer.

Check out Easton's Tech Center
Must Read This Week









738 Comments

  • + 22
flag cork (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:36)
 With so much talk about stiffer = better, why do we not see larger diameter bar/stem clamping bores in the motorcross world? It seems like if stiffer is better, it would make sense to run something like a 35mm setup there as well.
  • + 18
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:52)
 Cork, We did introduce 35mm bars for motocross. They did received a lot of positive reviews but had a difficult time with all the clamp configurations. You can still find them online. This is where this inspiration for the 35 x 800 bars came from.
  • + 6
flag Borgschulze (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:05)
 Motocross bikes vibrate a lot... you wouldn't want your bars to be too stiff. Even with 7/8" bars it's still rough when you're on the bike for a few hours.
  • + 6
flag deeeight (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:33)
 Mass Dampers exist (US patented in fact) that can tune-out the bar vibrations. They're designed for motorcycles but can work wonders on mountain bikes also.

www.vibranator.com

One of the geniuses behind them, Don Richardson, is who invented the full floating shock linkage (successfully suing suzuki when they stole the design) and who also actually inventer Inertia-Valve Shocks FIRST (it damn well wasn't anyone at Specialized or Fox).
  • + 175
flag trozei (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:51)
 I'm scared to click that link.
  • + 19
flag dirtjumper771 (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:57)
 I'm not even going to consider it, especially since I'm near the front in class.
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:58)
 Great bit of history there about Don Richardson, Thanks Deeeight!
  • + 3
flag lumberjerk (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:59)
 @trozei - i wanted to t-up that but couldn't bring myself to ruin the +69 lol
  • + 3
flag maglor (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:02)
 The stiffness isnt just related to the bar diameter, the larger diameter means stiffness can be gained while keeping the wall thickness small and therefore weight down, motorbike bars have much greater wall thickness to gain stiffness and strength while remaining fairly slim since weight isnt quite as much of an issue when you have an engine.

Just to add dont really agree with the whole 35mm new standard easton are trying to sell, i get the reasons why and its fair enough but stop giving us more standards and compatability issues, its just not worth it, are you really going to notice the gain over 31.8mm bars?
  • + 6
flag Borgschulze (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:25)
 I'm gonna buy my wife some Vibranator's for her Birthday, I'll upload photos when she tries them out!
  • + 5
flag hoolydooly (Mar 11, 2013 at 23:38)
 I was hoping to see "Norbs got robbed, why?" as the top comment.
[Reply]
  • + 18
flag andreasmoser (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:00)
 Just wanted to say thanks to the Team at Easton for pushing the products of cycling to a whole new level. Love both my Ec90s and Havens! Best investment I have ever made in my ongoing love of cycling.
  • + 6
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:06)
 Thank you Smile We appreciate your comment.
[Reply]
  • + 20
flag highlandrider3 (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:39)
 Easton is one of the few companies out there doing it right!
[Reply]
  • + 14
flag RVD604 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:16)
 Props to Easton for putting themselves outthere, within reach of the consumer, such as this format of open dialog on PB. A good move in my eyes, and it shows you that the customer is a priority for the organization. Wow im impressed! And i love the work you guys are doing with carbon materials engineering.
[Reply]
  • + 13
flag drop20 (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:14)
 Maybe kinda an odd question but...Have you guys considered making DH/FR/AM or the like bike frames? It would seem to be a good idea as you are so good with your carbon manufacturing and all. I would definitely check them out! Just a thought, it would be pretty rad!
  • + 1
flag drop20 (Mar 16, 2013 at 10:53)
 I guess they dont want to let the cat out of the bag that they are working on frames Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 14
flag slashnasty (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:32)
 Are there any products you give to your sponsored riders that you feel will never be appropriate for the mass markets/ production?
  • + 11
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:34)
 We sometimes test new things with our sponsored riders, but always with the intention of learning how to make production wheels/components better. Team Lapierre tested our Havoc 35 bars/stems for a full season before we brought that stuff to market.
  • + 7
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:36)
 We actually used their feedback and modified the Havoc 35 Carbon bars. A few of those riders said that the first version bar was too stiff, the iterations that came later (and the production bars) had more damping built in to decrease arm pump.
  • + 17
flag johndhill (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:44)
 Huh I wonder where you got this question from... Still a good question I don't want other companies pullin a RS
  • + 6
flag kramster (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:31)
 So if the new 'standard' of 35mm bars is to make them stiff, and you modify them to make them less stiff because stiff is not actually better, why the need for a new 'standard' in the first place? What was the 'problem' you were trying to solve that was worth creating obsolescence over? Never noticed my 800mm Enve bars to be too flexy. Who was complaining they didn't get quite enough arm pump, shock/vibration transmission and deflection from 31.8mm bars?
  • + 15
flag sino428 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:29)
 I think people need to stop referring to this 35mm bar thing as a 'standard' and getting all bent out of shape about it . Changes in standards can be a pain but 'standards' are IMO things that are integral to your particular bike, things that can't be changed once you commit to a particular bike or at least not with changing out a major component like a fork. Things like wheel sizes, bottom brackets, chain guide mounts, head tube sizes, axle sizes, direct mounts stems, etc.

Handlebar size IMO is not that. Its not a real change in standard. If you want to go to the 35mm bars, or even switch back, all it takes is a change of stem. Its not like bikes need to be manufactured differently to accommodate the 35mm bars. I see this no differently than say something like the I-beam seat/post. If you want an beam seat you need a new post, nothing more. Its just an option. I didn't see people getting all bent out of shape over that, complaining about a new standard.
  • + 16
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:41)
 We tested every existing 800mm handlebar on the market and found that they were not as stiff as our 750mm Havoc 31.8 bar. We've had a lot of great feedback on the 750mm and we really wanted to make a wider version of it. We soon realized that making a wider version and keeping the 31.8 clamp would compromise either weight or strength or stiffness. We obviously didn't want to have any compromises, so we increased the clamp diameter.

We're happy to hear that you're enjoying your Enve bar. But we're Easton, we didn't want to make a bar "as good" as the Enve. We wanted to make something better. And we're proud to report that our Havoc 35 Carbon bar is stronger/lighter and stiffer. But, thanks to the rider feedback, the bar isn't "too" stiff. Does that answer your question?
  • + 2
flag Protour (Mar 11, 2013 at 23:24)
 That was a great answer and Easton bars rule I love the 9 degree sweep.
[Reply]
  • + 10
flag redhairrider (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:55)
 How difficult is it to get a job as a product engineer at Easton, or other bike/outdoor related companies? and what are some good steps to take after receiving an undergrad degree if I decide to pursue this career path?

(Background: I'm a 2nd year ME major trying to figure out what I'll do if I survive the next two years)
  • + 8
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:10)
 There is no position open currently, but we do plan to open a junior level engineeer position in the next 4 - 6 months.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:46)
 Check the replies to Hanofly and MTBLegend92 for more info on how to persue your career path and fulfill your interets.
  • + 1
flag millsr4 (Mar 13, 2013 at 17:27)
 so i know i'm a little late on this article but... how would one go about applying for this junior level engineer position?! i'm a manufacturing engineering major who graduates in June and this would be a dream position to me! I have experience in manufacturing environments and extensive CAD/CAM training but all i need to know is where to send my resume...
[Reply]
  • + 8
flag RafaGamas (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:53)
 Easton components are only tested by professional riders or you also have "normal" skilled riders testing your prototypes and new products?

I'm just curious because there are a huge diference between a world cup downhill racer and the avarage amateur rider and theoretically you make the components to sell to the avarage rider.

Thanks
  • + 11
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:13)
 RafaGamas yes wee have a large army of riders to test product other than professional riders. Lots of time we get more detailed feedback from average users than the professional guys.
  • + 10
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:17)
 Good question and, yes, we agree, there's a bit difference between Sam Blenkinsop and you and me. We have a core group of local guys/girls and a bunch of shredders here at the Easton-Bell Sports office. Everything we bring to market has been tested by these folks as well as the pro riders.
  • + 11
flag RafaGamas (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:30)
 Thanks for the reply. That's good to know. Good luck to all the Easton staff to keep building better components helping push mountain biking further
  • + 7
flag Jimmy0 (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:46)
 Ok now how do I become one of the average riders that tests all the stuff? That is the real question.
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag micah356 (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:37)
 You just announced a fix for your rear hubs, starting with the 2012 model year.

I have a 2011 Easton Haven wheelset, which has been fixed under warranty twice due to the bearing preload adjuster that loosens during use. Is there any fix available for the 2011 model? Both warranty repairs have consisted of just replacing it with the same parts again, and it never lasts more than one ride before loosening again.
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:00)
 We have some best practices to keep your first generation Haven wheels running smooth. If you check out our post from the M1 Bearing Spacer Upgrade Kit announcement we go through those tips. Check it out in the "comments" section: www.pinkbike.com/news/Easton-Cycling-Hub-Upgrade-Kit.html
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:17)
 micah356 also contact our wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com with the same question.
  • + 1
flag micah356 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:20)
 Sounds like a "no" to me. Even on a hub with freshly replaced internals, and locktite on the preloaded adjuster, it still loosens after one to two rides. Is there no way to replace the internals with the newer version?
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:24)
 If you've tried everything that we recommend and are still having issues, send us an email at wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com. We can get you going with a new hub on your current wheel, but it's up to our customer service on how much to charge you.
  • + 2
flag digital-criminal (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:27)
 we can sell you another hub that's like only going to work with our wheel and we can charge what we want too... cause that's what I just read.
  • + 14
flag trozei (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:58)
 They could be charging MSRP or it could be free. You don't know any more than any of us. No point taking bites at them.
  • + 4
flag diablo911 (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:12)
 There is no point in taking bites at them but...... things should work properly in the first place. This is "ask us anything", thing's might get a little heated from time to time, that's a good thing. If the company couldn't take the heat, they wouldn't be doing this Q&A thread.
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:18)
 micah356 as stated drop us a line on the wheelinfo email and I'm sure we can get this sorted. We stand behind our product 100% and understand that you have had a frustrating experience thus far.
  • + 1
flag micah356 (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:09)
 Thanks. I sent the email earlier today, so we'll see what they say.
  • + 1
flag ukr77 (Mar 11, 2013 at 20:34)
 It will be interesting to see if you get directed to OGC (and your LBS). Or can we actually deal with and get hub spares direct through Easton? Even in the 'Mecca' of MTB, North Van, it is insane how hard it is to get spares. Last fall I was needing a freehub body. OGC out of stock, with no ETA. Same with spokes and nipples. Now I need a couple hub body seals ( the orange silicone ones), and bearing. The pain starts all over again. Please Easton can Canadians source spares direct?
  • + 1
flag flightsolutions (Mar 12, 2013 at 14:13)
 Hopefully you'll still answer this being a day late. I just picked up a set of 2012 Havoc's. Is the fix compatible with them?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 13, 2013 at 12:13)
 flightsolutions,
If the hub number is M1-121 then yes. If not give us a call.
here are some videos to help with the hub numbering: www.pinkbike.com/news/Easton-Cycling-Hub-Upgrade-Kit.html
  • + 1
flag flightsolutions (Mar 14, 2013 at 7:34)
 Just confirmed with the store that they're M1-121s. Looks like I get the fix!
  • + 1
flag micah356 (Mar 14, 2013 at 14:50)
 No answer from wheelinfo yet...
[Reply]
  • + 8
flag cork (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:39)
 One more question from me. Your carbon DH rims have made a few appearances over the years but it looks like you've decided to hold off on producing them for now. When can we expect to see a production carbon DH wheelset?
  • + 9
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:59)
 We don't have a finish date for the Carbon DH wheels. It's one of those projects that is not tied to a model year calendar. We have developed a few different tests to better evaluate the impact testing in house. We have made good progress on the project however at the moment it is lower on the priority level.
  • + 10
flag RichardCunningham Mod Plus (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:18)
 How does Easton adapt its carbon process to make its rims more impact resistant? Is there an off-the-shelf material available that is designed specifically for impact strength?
  • - 10
flag jaybird951 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:23) (Below Threshold) show comment
 is this a rhetorical question? no answer from Easton so far. If it is not carbon or aluminum, is it aluminium?
  • + 5
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:36)
 RC, in our Armored Ballistic Composite rims (Haven Carbon and EC90 XC) it's a materials and a resin change. It's a material that we found in military applications and we adjusted it slightly to work for our wheels. It is designed specifically for impact resistance and we've never seen anything as strong in any material. That's how we can offer the industry-leading two-years "no questions asked" guarantee on the Haven Carbon wheels!
  • + 3
flag the-vault (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:46)
 When you say you have never seen "as strong" in any material. Are you talking impact resistance which I always think of as an energy measurement, versus something more ultimate strength, which is a force measurement? Also is this more a specific strength [strength/mass] or an absolute measurement of strength regardless of material density?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:17)
 The-valult, this was referring to impact resistance.
  • + 4
flag dualsuspensiondave (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:03)
 @the-vault, Put it to you this way, Easton Haven Carbon wheelsets have the strongest rims made. Period. Not that it should be advertised, but my friend hit a tree head on at 30mph on a carbon Trek Remedy equipped with Carbon Havens, and the frame broke into four pieces and the wheelset was perfectly true with not one blemish. They are expensive, but worth every penny.
  • + 2
flag jaybird951 (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:21)
 Hi, I apologize for posing the dumb question above. It was meant to illicit discussion. On the bright side of things: I am firm believer in Easton products. I have purchased 2 carbon haven sets in the last 16 months. One for my ibis mojo HD, and one for my ibis mojo SLR. Both sets have held true and had no issues with bearings or rims at all. I recently sold the bikes and am looking to building a third Ibis Mojo HD. When I do it will be with Easton Carbon Havens. No doubt.

Recently I built a Santa Cruz Nomad 2012 C. I finished the build last month. The wheels I chose were Easton Havoc USTs. These were half the price of carbons and were the easiest setup and so far have held up with no issues. The workmanship on them is excellent. No complaints. I have also recently purchased the Easton 35mm boxxer stem and orange bar. the combo is so noticeable in terms of turning and stiffness that if I ever build a new Ibis Mojo HD, it will get the Easton 35 treatment.

www.pinkbike.com/photo/9254050 my recently built up Santa Cruz V10c with Eastons Havoc USTs and 35mm Havocs

my 2011 ibis mojo hd with easton bits:

www.pinkbike.com/photo/8874063

www.pinkbike.com/photo/8874065

www.pinkbike.com/photo/7565363
  • + 6
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:04)
 jaybird951, you have A LOT of really nice bikes. Consider us jealous! Can we use a pic of that v10c on the Easton FB page? We do a "Hot or Not" bike pic every week. That thing is certainly "Hot" it would be cool to see what kind of it response it gets from our FB fans. Also, thanks for the nice comments!
  • + 0
flag jaybird951 (Mar 12, 2013 at 11:00)
 Yes you can, I would be honored. Thanks.
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag theg-man (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:29)
 Are Easton and Raceface products made in the same factory? The anodized finishes are exactly the same, the serial numbers printed on the bars are also very similar (down to the last couple of digits), as are the weights (31.8 clamp, Atlas's cut down to 750).
  • + 4
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:47)
 No. We are two seperate companies.
  • + 2
flag theg-man (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:52)
 Then can you explain the nearly identical products?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:10)
 Which products are you referring to specifically?
  • - 19
flag agnostic (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:03) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Great question. I bet they do share floor space in Taiwan.
  • + 8
flag jengah (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:17)
 Hi - not to hound you, but the question was "Are Easton and Raceface products made in the same factory?" - you answered that they are separate companies. Can you answer the question at hand?
  • + 6
flag Kamba6 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:25)
 They did. The answer was "No".
  • - 4
flag agnostic (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:28) (Below Threshold) show comment
 LoL @ PG groms for Neg repping my above post that just says the same thing as the OP. lol
  • + 3
flag digital-criminal (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:28)
 I thought RF was made in Vancouver? maybe just high end stuff only?
  • + 3
flag agnostic (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:30)
 @digital-criminal, Most of RF stuff now come from Taiwan. Only the very high end is still made in New Westminster BC.
RF was bought by and EX Easton CEO.
  • + 2
flag trozei (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:55)
 When Raceface went under my neighbour placed a rather large bid to purchase RF's carbon fibre division. The deal was going through and then someone, apparently an ex Easton CEO according to you, bought all of RF.
  • + 38
flag Raceface-Suit (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:59)
 Race Face is a COMPLETELY privately owned company - and a company without any ties to Easton. We use a high end handlebar factory in TW....and you can be sure that other brands may be using this same vendor but that does not imply any relationship between Race Face and any other company working with these TW vendors. Race Face creates and engineers our own proprietary bar designs that we have that HB factory make. Race Face does produce its all its carbon cranks and many of its chainrings in its Canadian facility.
  • + 13
flag Terrafire (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:36)
 Boom. Knowledge'd
  • + 9
flag agnostic (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:45)
 As I had stated and got neg repped for "I bet they do share floor space in Taiwan". A lot of companies share factories and suppliers in TW.
  • + 3
flag theg-man (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:57)
 I was referring to the Raceface Atlas FR bars, and (31.Cool Havocs.
  • + 23
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:08)
 Theg-man, To be frank we don't see the resemblance. Other than they are both excellent AM/DH bars. At a minimum they are different width, rise, and weight. If you look deeper and cut them open they are different material. Different dimensions for handle, center, taper. Not to mention the difference in process, heat treat, bending, butting,and drawing.
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag meathooker (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:35)
 Do you plan on making carbon rims available for sale individualy? If so would they have the same warranty as the complete wheel?
  • + 6
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:41)
 We've been looking at that for a long time. The short answer is no, we're not going to have rims for sale separately anytime soon. Our UST rims (with dual-threaded nipples/eyelets) are not compatible with J-bend hubs, that leaves out 90-percent of most builds.
  • + 1
flag Jhou (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:47)
 Beat me to it. Thanks for the quick answer.
  • + 2
flag cedrico (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:27)
 @Easton
Could you give a few more details as to why the rims are not compatible with J-bend hubs? I have never heard of rims being specific to J-bend or straight pull.
Selling the rims individually would be great.
Thanks!
  • + 9
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:41)
 Sure!
The UST nipple system we use needs to be explained first; there is a precision formed insert in the rim at each spoke hole. The insert has a left hand (reverse) thread which is lined up exactly with the spoke hole in the hub when it's eventually assembled.
The nipples have complimentary left hand threads on the outside and regular, right-hand, spoke threads on the inside. This turnbuckle system allows us to true and tension the wheels like normal, adds durability and cuts weight when compared normal nipples. unfortunately when you try to assemble this on a j-bend spoke/hub it leads to two problems;

1 - The assembly procedure necessary to achieve a strong, fully-tensioned, wheel requires the spoke to spin in the hub while getting the nipples started in the rim. Something not possible with J-Bend spokes/hubs.

2 - While lacing a normal wheel the spokes and nipples can be loose and 'float' in the rim while the other end is fixed at the hub.
Threading the nipple into the rim precludes this ability and forces all the spokes to make some wacky bends and curves between the hub and the rim. this makes it really really easy to cross thread the nipple/rim threads. Not to mention that you cant thread the thing into the rim because the spoke won't twist indefinitely.

We have tried everything we can think of to build UST rims on j-bend hubs, and we've found methods to achieve basic assembly but proper tensioning is not consistent, predictable, or usually even possible.

A lot of rims were destroyed in that experiment.
  • + 2
flag cedrico (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:56)
 I usually avoid proprietary stuff but I must say that I like the system that you guys have thought up. I will definitely consider some easton haven carbon wheels when they are available in 650b, especially when they come with such a great warranty! Cheers!
  • + 3
flag EnduroManiac (Mar 12, 2013 at 0:04)
 Sounds very similar to any (or I should say most of) Mavic wheelset from Deemax to Crossmax.
  • + 1
flag cedrico (Mar 13, 2013 at 11:44)
 @EnduroManiac
The tubeless nipple/rim system is simlar for mavic (except for the god damn proprietary nipples) but does mavic drill the rim holes in the direction of the the spoke?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 13, 2013 at 12:09)
 Yes, on the surface the two systems appear similar. (The rim has some threads and then some type of spoke/nipple thing screws into the rim to attach the spoke.)

Both systems work well but if you dive a bit deeper the differences become more important.

The 'fore' process involves making a very thick (heavy) rim. Push some of the thick material at the nipple bed to the inside of the rim and then tap threads into it. Milling processes are then used to remove as much of the excess material as possible.

The Easton UST process (which doesn't have a catchy name) allows for a very light rim which is drilled and then has threaded inserts formed in place. The process of forming these inserts sandwiches a large area of nipple bed making a super strong connection between the thin nipple bed and the threaded insert.
We think this gives us a couple of advantages;
-Use regular spokes (we do have special nipples though)
-No need to attempt to machine out the extra rim weight which was added for the early part of the process. This translates into wider rims at the same weight.
-Armored Ballistic Composite, UST, rims!
  • + 1
flag cedrico (Mar 13, 2013 at 12:16)
 Thanks, I really appreciate your replies. There's nothing like getting my tech geek curiosity satisfied by people that work with the products! Smile
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 14, 2013 at 14:09)
 It's really my pleasure, I love this stuff! -Scott
[Reply]
  • + 8
flag cwoiszwillo (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:15)
 Is there a lot of carry over engineering and materials work being done between your hockey, baseball, cycling etc divisions?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:37)
 Cwoiszwillo, great questions, we share materials and new processes from all divisions. We were using Scandium in our bat products before we brought it over to cycling. While the products are different understanding the materials is what keeps us ahead of our competition.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:39)
 There's a fair bit of cross over. We are extremely fortunate to be in a company with "outside the bike industry" resources. We share a lot of the material know-how, and we share some of the testing fixtures. Easton is a company that's been rooted in sporting goods since 1922, so we attract intelligent engineers and seem to be getting better and better all the time.
  • + 1
flag cwoiszwillo (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:49)
 Thanks, I like studying up on new alloys and materials, which are being used for what and why (i wish all parts came with spec sheets and drawings). Having broken many of your carbon equipment in half, seat posts handlebars and hockey sticks,I now buy cheaper metal alternatives. If I had saved my Monkey Lite bars and ea70 carbon seat post would those have been able to be warrantied?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:58)
 We can't say without getting more information. You should contact our customer service anytime you feel like something should be warrantied. Our components carry a 5-year warranty. The best way to keep your carbon parts safe is to always use a torque wrench and follow torque specs.
  • + 1
flag nsfreeride (Mar 12, 2013 at 19:50)
 also using carbon paste Smile
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag MTBLegend92 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:01)
 For the engineers- what (on average) does a typical day or even design process look like for you? Do you all work together on everything, or is one of you the CAD specialist and someone else does stress testing, another machining, etc. (each does what they are best at)? I'm finishing up my 3rd year of Mechanical Engineering with the goal of working in the industry, and although it would be cool to be able to say I designed something, I'd rather say "yea I designed that and I could go make one right now."
  • + 13
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:20)
 Legend92, Depending on the size of the company, roles become more diverse or specific. In a small company, you for sure will get a full range of experience and trial by fire, an awesome way to learn and be exposed to significant responsibility. In larger companies, there will be CAD/design engineers, industrial engineers, manufacturing engineers, prototype machinists, engineering managers, test engineers/techinicians - all with specific roles in the process. Easton product development structure is likely typical for the medium to large size companies. We have been smaller in the past and my specific experience had me in smaller companies which would have me making prototypes in the shop, and learning how to quickly make accurate structural prototypes for future testing with what we have on hand. In the current Easton structure, we divide our projects based on experience, interest, and work load. So during a development calendar, each engineer can have ~2-5 projects to take from design through production, with support staff along the way to aid the production ramp. We collaborate on our test programs, design finalization, drawing reviews, and prototype field testing, as well as sourcing test riders. As your interests form, and in the right size company, you can tailor your work to the company needs. And this really depends on your interests, the company size, needs and product development goals. And the management mentality in allowing productive interests to flourish outside of your role or staying within specific roles. All those factors create the confinement or vast opportunities for your career interests. Hope this helps, Todd
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag Rocoid (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:45)
 Can you please make a 31.8mm Carbon Havoc bar that's wider than 750mm? I need one, and don't want to go 35mm diameter route, because ironically, I want to use a stem that's 35mm long!

Alternatively, could you make a stem that's both 35mm long and 35mm in bar clamping diameter?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:15)
 We are working on new lengths of stems for the 35 platform. At this time I believe 40mm is the shortest in development.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag gnarbar (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:48)
 Bought the Easton Havoc 150mm UST wheels set last year and they ran like a dream. So smooth! No issues and they feel really good. Was a bit of a gamble I guess, as I'd never had any Easton components before (riding for 7 years). Very impressed, for sure. Just sayin'......
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:26)
 Thanks gnarbar, glad to hear you are happy. Just so you know if when you get a new bike those wheels can also convert to the new emerging standard of 12x157 with an endcap swap.
  • + 2
flag gnarbar (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:50)
 Good to know, thanks.
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flag lushcinema (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:36)
 When will you guys have the XX1 compatible freehub available for your Haven wheels?
  • + 5
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:43)
 We've been trying to get this thing to market as soon as possible, but unfortunately it's looking like late May or early June.
  • + 2
flag whattheheel (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:38)
 Will that work on the 2011 Havens?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:40)
 Yes, the XX1 cassette body will be compatible with all of our M1 hubs, regardless of the generation or model.
  • + 3
flag whattheheel (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:55)
 Saweet!!! Now I can keep my wheels.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:05)
 Sorry we have a correction on the M1 compatibility: The XX1 compatible XD driver body will fit every M1 rear hub ending in a '1'. We are hustling to catch up with the XX1 cassette and bodies which should be shipping out of our warehouse in early June.
  • + 2
flag whattheheel (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:20)
 Well f*ck me in the goat ass. You want to crash replacement my wheels? Or send it in and get it relaced to a new hub?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:26)
 whattheheel contact wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com and we can swap out the hub if you are not compatible.
  • + 1
flag comacruz Mod Plus (Mar 11, 2013 at 19:07)
 Sweet, my hubs will work.
  • + 5
flag isaacschmidt Mod Plus (Mar 11, 2013 at 20:01)
 Whattheheel, you can't even count to 11, why do you need 11 gears?
  • + 1
flag whattheheel (Mar 12, 2013 at 8:00)
 I can count to 11 watch. 1, 2 , 3, 11. Now go get back to building that imaginary bike!
  • + 1
flag comacruz Mod Plus (Mar 12, 2013 at 8:34)
 You forgot potato. 1,2,3, potato!
  • + 1
flag whattheheel (Mar 12, 2013 at 8:51)
 I was going to do 1, 2, 3, f*ck YOU but I thought that might be too rude??
  • + 1
flag comacruz Mod Plus (Mar 12, 2013 at 8:57)
 Not bad. I would have also accepted, ham.
  • + 1
flag isaacschmidt Mod Plus (Mar 12, 2013 at 8:59)
 You're just jelly WTH, too many potatoes fo you.
  • + 1
flag whattheheel (Mar 12, 2013 at 9:07)
 Jelly? Moi? Never.
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  • + 3
flag hanofly (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:36)
 For Todd - I was wondering how you went about a product design/development/engineering job in the bike industry? I'm a postgraduate product design student in the UK, and it would be interesting to know any common prerequisites for junior positions.
Thanks so much!
  • + 5
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:00)
 Hanofly, I graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering as I was interested in math/science/physics and figured it would offer a multiple career options. While still in college I an engineering friend gave me a reference for the internship he was working at, which was a vibrator company. Not the type you may be thinking about, but industrial type for moving parts, mail, materials. This provided very little income but experience and resume building was the goal. I actually had an interview with Girvin/Proflex suspension bikes directly out of college but I only had a degree and they weren't actively hiring. The internship had run it's coarse and Girvin was actively hiring about a year later. I called them once a week for 6 weeks and finally got an interview. I went in with interview experience, current research on Bob Girvin, motorcross experience, and fresh threads. The job I received wasn't even listed yet and it was an R&D test engineer. Crazy awesome. I created the opportunity for luck to happen. Build your internship, resume, and experience and try to get in the door of a company in your interests. Actively persue references, network and be in the position to grab an opportunity. They won't come to you, and you may not find them, but you for sure won't find them if you don't scrap for them. Create the situation for a great job to present itself. I just saw this happen to our latest hire here. He beat the other intern candidates here by having awesome education, internship experience and maturity. There wasn't any sure path to a full time position at the end of the internship but there was a bit of a staff shift here and he was in the perfect place for luck to happen to him and now he's a full time Easton Cycling engineer. Create your situation. Best of luck. Todd
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flag NoahColorado (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:01)
 Love your stuff! Will we be seeing any of the Haven product line with the 35mm clamp diameter?
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:10)
 Good question. Never say never, Noah.
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flag Socket (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:38)
 Years ago on your tech articles website, you had an article about why 25.4 bars were lighter for a given strength than 31.8, and essentially said that the larger diameter (at the time, 31.8 ) bars were a less efficient structure - if I had to guess, I would say due to wall thickness issues at the edges of the stem clamp zone. As 35mm is a standard you have not only adopted but actually introduced, what has changed between then and now that makes 35mm more viable in your eyes?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:20)
 Socket, Excellent recall from about 2001 from our estimation from Dain, a former journalist familiar with this article. Two things are in play here. The first is state of the art testing at that time used vibrational testing with weights at the handles where a stiffer bar actually did worse. This changed in the early-mid 2000s and load controlled testing is now the norm. The other change is much better suspension and riding style that demands less flex in the frame and bar/stem, leaving the suspension and wheel set to manage the control to the ground. Based on where the DH/FR/All Mtn riding category is currently the stiffer 35 platform made sense.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag dhpinner (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:51)
 Adam Marriot,

My son is a beast on bikes. He is a factory racer (company not disclosed intentionally) and has destroyed a couple haven stems (55mm). The havoc carbon bars have held up well. The stems distort and become twisted over time. When contacting your customer service the replacement price we receive is much higher than what we can obtain them for at an online retailer. I would think that as a company, if you are serious about developing a quality product that you would want to both take care of the riders who push your products over the edge and more importantly, get your hands on product suffering catastrophic failure.
  • + 6
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:10)
 dhpinner i'm sorry to hear you have had issue with your Easton Product. We always want to get failures back for evaluation. As I don't know the whole detail from the return I assume customer service offered you the crash replacement which is 30% off retail. We would like to learn more about your issue, if you can email wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com we can get into the detail.
  • + 2
flag p-romano (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:00)
 I have also had a very similar issue with blown up wheels, since most parts are proprietary; hubs, spokes, rims; I cannot get replacement parts readily. When I contacted customer support they told me they could rebuild my havoc wheels for more than I paid in the first place but when I asked if I could order parts to fix them myself I was told they were not available. This has left me with hubs and spokes that are completely useless because I do not have rims to fit them with, I am a believer in the product but the experience rubbed me the very wrong way with the company and now a customer, product believer, racer, and ambassador of products I believe in will never purchase another easton product because the lack of reasonable support or replacement parts.
  • + 2
flag digital-criminal (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:29)
 30% off MSRP, not retail/online...
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:33)
 That's really unfortunate. Sorry to hear about the hassle. Most of our customers are satisfied with the pricing on our wheel service program. If our customer service team told you that no parts were available, it sounds like you have an older set of our Havoc DH wheels? The good news is that those wheels use standard spokes/bearings. The bad news is that we really don't have any rims in stock to rebuild them. They would have to be replaced with a newer model. That was an oversight in our service dept for not stocking more rims.
  • + 1
flag Circes (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:39)
 Wow @DHpinner. I'm surprised Easton didn't stand behind their product and offer you a warranty replacement free of charge. Are you not the original owner? Regardless, 30% below MSRP is ridiculous. I'm very disappointed to learn that this is standard practice. Especially because of the reputation Haven stems have acquired for cracking. I'll be sticking with Thomson in the future. As a shop employee, I've always been impressed with the quality of their products and their no questions asked, free of charge, warranty service.
  • + 1
flag p-romano (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:42)
 I was told by whichever lady on the phone that the new rims would not fit, will they because I would gladly put those on instead. I do have the older version of the havoc.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:42)
 Circles, we asked for more information. We can't comment on whether our customer service should have warrantied the stem without learning more.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:46)
 p-romano, the customer service rep on the phone was right. The new rims are not compatible with the old hubs.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag MrBaker87 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:12)
 I have two Easton MonkeyBar DH CNT 711mm bars in 25.4mm clamp diameter . Both are running on AM machines. I've been running one hard for just over a year and the other was given to me used from a friend who used it off and on for a few years before I. I realize that the lifespan for these bars is limited and I should start to migrate away from them at some point. But my questions are: when is this time? If there is no noticeable wear and tear on the bars, am I still safe after one year? two years? five years? Etc.

What would be a similar bar to upgrade to? I ride XC/AM primarily out in Oakridge, Bend and near the McKenzie in Oregon. Is there any sort of crash-replacement warranty I might subject to?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:29)
 That's a great question. In a perfect world you could get 10+ years out of those bars and they'll still be stronger than their aluminum counterparts. But anytime the bar is compromised (over-tightening levers/crashes/big scratches) it should be replaced. If there's no noticeable wear and tear and you use a torque wrench, keep riding those bars. If you're concerned, it might be time for an upgrade. Unfortunately you're running out of options in 25.4mm.

Our Havoc Carbon bars represent the evolution of the bars you're currently running.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag benthirlwell (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:01)
 What is the flex like on your Carbon 31.8 bar compared to your alloy version? And what is the difference in flex between the carbon 35 and 31.8? Also I want to run carbon bars on my next bike, I feel the 35mm bars would be too stiff, but I also want a bar wider then 750mm.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:22)
 We tuned the stiffness from feedback from our professional and test riders. The 800x35 bars are stiffer but keep arm pump low. This is accomplished by the vibration dampening in TaperWallTechnology. The flex in both carbon and alloy bars are similar, however the carbon bars have added vibration dampening due to the material.
  • + 2
flag benthirlwell (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:33)
 Are you planning on releasing a 31.8mm carbon bar that is wider then 750mm? I feel since I am very light that the 35mm is over the top, and will decrease the performance, but I also like my bars between 770-790. I want the vibration damping of carbon, but I still want a little bit of flex on hard landings.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:41)
 Benthirlwell, The Havoc 800x35 bar is lighter than the Havoc 750x31.8 bar. It's ok that you are a light riders the bar will out preform 31.8 bars. The carbon and taperwall technology will give you that vibration damping you are looking for.
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag probeaddict (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:48)
 more companies should do this !
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  • + 3
flag tetonlarry (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:42)
 I need to send in a 2010 Easton havoc Dh rear wheel for servicing. I destroyed the rim. My question is do the newer tubeless rims fit your older hubs? Is it possible to pay an upgrade fee, send you both wheels, and have the rims replaced with tubeless rims?
  • + 7
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:56)
 You should send an email to our wheel service center (wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com). Those guys can work out the best/most affordable option for you.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Emailsucks98 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:39)
 Just wanted to say I am super happy with my Haven Carbon wheels- The most recent hub guts (sept '12) have been good for me... I'm guessing the latest design will be easier to maintain. Anyways the continual support for existing owners is really top notch customer service. And the rims are simply awesome.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:47)
 Appreciate your comments. Keep in riding and enjoying those wheels.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag matt5311 (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:45)
 will you make enduro/DH rims that are suited to tyres more than 2.3" wide ie 25/29mm internal width? i ended up buying flow ex as haven/havocs were too narrow.
  • + 3
flag foghorn1 (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:53)
 Votes for 29mm internal!
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:02)
 Our rims will evolve to be wider. But in our testing (in house and with our pro teams/riders) our Havoc rims (23mm internal/28mm external) work very well with 2.5-inch DH tires.
  • + 2
flag matt5311 (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:38)
 i prefere the feel of wider rims. 25mm internal width for 2.3" and 29mm for 2.5" in my opinion 17mm rims are fine for narrow road tyres but need to go the way of the dodo on mtb.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag masterk (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:45)
 hi i have the easton 35 carbon bar and stem and want to upgrade the bolts to ti bolts what size will i need for the face plate and steer tube bolts i know the heads are 4mm and 5mm but what thread thanks masterk
  • + 9
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:15)
 We do not recommend changing the bolts on any of our components. It will void your warranty.
  • + 9
flag masterk (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:19)
 ok i wont then thanks for heads up
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:39)
 Sorry to put the brakes on that project!
  • + 1
flag masterk (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:51)
 Hey i guess it my safety 1st you guys are doing a good job with the stems and bars im super Pleased with mine
  • + 1
flag seraph (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:24)
 It's not about safety honestly, it's about liability. Easton doesn't test their stems with titanium bolts so they can't guarantee that the whole setup will withstand the kind of riding that you do with the new 35mm bar/stem combos. In the past many many people have upgraded their stems with titanium bolts and had no issues, but most of them voided their warranties when they did so.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Marlfox87 (Mar 11, 2013 at 22:39)
 With all your experience with aluminum why haven't you created a frame? I know popular consensus views aluminum frames as something cheap, but a high quality aluminum frame can provide a powerful, and responsive ride for a fraction of the cost of carbon.- my first build was a 7000 series aluminum hard tail that has yet to be matched in explosive power by anything else I've owned.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:27)
 Easton actually pioneered butted aluminum tubesets in cycling. Throughout the 1990's nearly every high-end aluminum frame was built with Easton tubing. We believe that aluminum will always have its place in cycling. Unfortunately sales of high end aluminum tubesets really trailed off in the past 2-3 years and we recently decided that we would no longer be in that market. We're now staying focused on wheels and components. There are still tubesets available from places like Nova Cycle Supply. You can get a kick ass Easton Aluminum tubeset from them and get a great custom builder to make you your dream bike. I'm still riding a custom bike made out of Easton Ultralite Taperwall Aluminum. I love it.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag jmblur (Mar 11, 2013 at 20:52)
 Just want to say a big thanks to the good people at Easton (Dave, Todd, Brendan, Chuck, and many others) who were incredibly hospitable to me when interviewed out there a couple years back... even when I got lost halfway through the lunchtime ride! Great group of people, sorry I wasn't able to come out and work with you!

Best of luck and continued success to all of you.

JB
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:18)
 Thanks JB, we appreciate the note. You're welcome to come on an Easton lunch ride anytime. We'll do our best to not lose you next time!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag The-mnt-life365 (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:44)
 Dear Easton
I just turned 15 and i know I'm really young to be saying and asking this but i want to become a professional mountain biker Everybody always tells me that i am super fast and really fluent and that I'm really good and they will look for me in the pros, i dream about riding its all i talk about and almost the only thing i do or talk about. But i don't know how to get noticed or how to get sponsored.I learned to ride no too long after i learned to walk, and Ive ride every day bmx mountain and occasionally dirt bikes when my dirt bike is cooperating which isn't often but o well Razz. And you guys are one of the companies that are on my dream sponsor list cause i love your products and i even use your baseball bats cause i play baseball but that doesn't matter, And i would be honored just to talk to you guys. I am doing DH races this spring and summer and my best riding buddy and i are hopefully going to go on a RV riding trip this summer, so how can i get sponsored, I know i have the skill and my work ethic is fanominal so can you guys help me out please! Any response would make me estatic thanks and have a good one!
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:54)
 Hey there, sorry for the delay. This is a good question. Sounds like you're on track to do some really great things. When I was 15 (this is Dain talking here) I was a lot like you and all I wanted to do was ride and race and talk about mountain bikes. I even did an mountain bike RV trip when I was 15! (it was the best summer ever!) My biggest advice to you is be patient. If you work/train hard and make sure that you're well prepared at the races you will do well. It might take longer than you think, but there are no real secrets in racing. Talent is part of it (sounds like you have that), but a bigger part of it is hard work and training and traveling to events.

It sounds like you're having a lot of fun. That's great and really important. Make sure you never lose that. If you're winning races and having fun, sponsors will be knocking on your door and everyone will want you riding their gear. That includes Easton.

One other thing, if you're ever at an event and you see an Easton tent, come by and say hello. Sometimes that's the best way to get in with a potential sponsor. A "hello" and a high-five goes a long way.

Good luck out there.
  • + 1
flag The-mnt-life365 (Mar 13, 2013 at 14:57)
 Thank Dain your a great guy! And that's awsome that I'm like same kid at 15 yrs old! Hopefully ill see you at a race! It would be awsome if we stayed intouch this summer/ when I start racing no matter how I do I'm going to post my results and I'm putting up pics today asking all 12 ppl that follow me for ideas for trails in these spots so If you have any ideas please comment on the photos and tell me them! The more ideas the better riders my buddies and I can become and the more exposure to building and stuff I can get and the better shots I can get of us riding!
Once again thank you sooooo much man you guys are awsome!!!
Sincerely
Sean Kelly
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag mramsay (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:00)
 Hi Easton

I'm looking for a conversion axle for Easton Havoc 20mm through axle to drop it down to 15mm

Searching the forums, I believe there is a part available for this - can I get it in the UK?

Thanks guys - amazing wheels!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:08)
 Email wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com

Happy Trails!
  • + 2
flag mramsay (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:11)
 Done - thanks!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag bizutch (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:11)
 Why doesn't Easton have an intelligently designed and well thought out youth design set of components? Products specifically geared toward kids bikes and their ergonomic needs are part of motocross, baseball, softball...most everything Easton as a brand produces.

I've got 2 daughters 7 & 9 who are on Specialized Hot Rock bikes. The components are BOAT ANCHORS. I can look in any other product category in sports and find lightweight, modestly priced gear for youth athletics, but not for 20" and 24" kids bikes. Slim, relative lightweight flat pedals, Decently durable, light weight bars, stems, seatposts, etc that you can trust and don't put your kid riding a tank.
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:33)
 I completely understand with your plight as some kid bikes can easily weigh as much or more than 'adult' bikes. Unfortunately the market for fancy high end kid bike parts is somewhat limited. There are a lot of ways to drop weight from your daughters' bikes. Try looking into some of the high end parts for BMX. Many of the wheels, tires, handlebars and saddles designed for BMX racing will apply.
  • + 1
flag bizutch (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:04)
 I don't think it has to do with volume. Making parts for kids is in the interest of the sport's growth. Groms with solid gear ride more and longer, farther, faster. Easton makes everything in Softball from the t-ball gear to the best bat on the market. Parents buy your brand for their kids and appreciate it and spend the real dollars on your core products.

Plus, parents buying kids bike parts are more affluent. You're after a more affluent market in bikes right?
  • + 2
flag dualsuspensiondave (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:11)
 I have to say bizutch, almost everything has to do with volume. I completely understand your frustration, however after working in the industry, the demand for high end youth bike products is very, very small. I would expect to sell one component group a year as a manufacturer, maybe two. Kids grow out of things too quick, and it's not like there are many kids framesets available. It would be awesome to see the youth market expand, however the demand isn't there yet.
  • + 2
flag thorsbane (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:21)
 As a dad with three kids and an avid cyclist, I so agree with bizutch! My youngest daughter hated to ride and no wonder, her little kid bike weighs almost twice as much as my full size bike! I bought a used, totally upgraded XS size bike that weighed a lot less than her big box brand bike and guess what: she loves to ride now! Says "dad, I don't have to push so hard to make it go!" Easton (IMO) has a huge untapped market here, kind of like when lunchables were created. package it right, price it right and you could have every LBS' kids bike decked out with really lightweight components, further differentiating between those bikes and the big box retailer bikes. Those Easton components don't have to be as light or as tough as the grown up versions, heck you could even sub-brand if you are afraid of hurting your brand value. There is just no way I can afford to deck out all my kids bikes with top-end Easton cockpits, but may with a kids version that is priced accordingly? Just maybe.
  • + 1
flag trailchef (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:42)
 a company out of calgary(spawn cycles) is making some good kids bikes not sure where they are getting thier components from.
  • + 4
flag valleyimagewerx (Mar 11, 2013 at 21:36)
 My 2 daughters (7 and 5 years old) are on Specialized Hotrock 20's (6spd) bought on ebay, and I upgraded their parts - they're running Thomsom stems (ebay) 25.4 Easton carbon bars that have been cut to fit them (PB buysell), Easton Carbon Posts (PB buysell), I built them new wheels with BMX rims and 9spd hubs (ebay for the hubs and rims) hub spacing is an issue for the frame as it is 130mm not the mtb standard of 135mm, and put on some lighter and narrower BMX tires that have good enough tread for the tame trails they like to ride (ebay). I also gave them my old sram x9 x0 shifters and derailleurs. The bikes are dialed and they love to ride them! They love shredding on them especially if you play up the "Carbon bits that are the same as on Dads bike" they love that. Got them matching used TLD Carbon helmets on Pinkbike buysell and they love it. All this and I have 2 great bikes for them and spent less than a new Hotrock. Don't tell me you needed a company like Easton to figure all this out for you....cmon. the parts I replaced were the obvious choices for lightening the kids bikes by many lbs each next on the list is some used BMX cranks from Crupi short light and cool colors!
  • + 2
flag bizutch (Mar 12, 2013 at 6:42)
 Don't get me wrong. Ebay and PB are steal of a deal places, but right now I'm stuck waiting on a composite bat a company lied to me about being in stock...and a cell phone LCD screen that was faulty that's taken the company a month.

One stop shop for kids upgrade piece parts that all have a universal standard would be great. Most people don't have time to pick and choose one part at a time off of sites like that. Imagine you are like me and just bought a Hotrock 20" for your kid off Craigslist for $80!!! But the only parts light enough for kids have to be chopped, hacked and retro fitted from BMX bikes.

Now, go search for a Kawasaki KX50 or KX80 and upgrade parts. They're all over the place. Just saying. Big Grin
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 13, 2013 at 12:21)
 Nice work there Valleyimagewerx!
gp1.pinkbike.org/p4pb6309682/p4pb6309682.jpg

We love it!
  • + 2
flag valleyimagewerx (Mar 13, 2013 at 17:05)
 This is the more recent incarnation of my Girls bikes

www.pinkbike.com/photo/9035399
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flag trailchef (Mar 15, 2013 at 10:42)
 my son is three and rides 6 ms to daycare a couple times a week and is on a 16 wheel bike( norco scorpion). can't seem to find a set of shocks that actually work or have a disc mount.. the v-brakes suck, and the parts are all steel that came with the bike. i replace the parts i can with aluminum but it would be nice to just be able to buy a decent spec'd bike out of the box.
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flag mackster23 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:04)
 I've got a set of the new Havoc UST 150mm wheels. I'm having some reservations about mounting them, they are still new, because I am 220lbs. I'm not the roughest guy on my parts, but I've been known to 360 a drop or two and I hit everything in the 2012 Crankworx slopestyle course, should I be worried about the strength of these wheels? I don't want to be the guy who buys the wrong tool for the job, and then bitches when I can't get em warranted.
  • - 15
flag Georgi-G (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:11) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Don't bother! Get rid of them ASAP
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:19)
 Good question mackster. We have a number of really good slopestyle and FR riders on those wheels (Watts, Bizet, Aggy). If you're doing 360s and hitting everything on the slopestyle course, than you know that no wheels will withstand a full season of that sort of abuse. The Havoc UST wheels are incredibly strong for their weight, but they are wicked light and designed for winning world cup DH races.
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flag Masr (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:44)
 Sorry if it's too vague of a question, but will we be seeing more budget options coming in the near future? The majority of your components I seriously lust after, but being 15 it takes pretty long to save up for even a bar or stem.

By the way, I think this is an absolutely brilliant move from you guys, keep it up!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:09)
 This is a good question Masr. Easton is a premium brand and our engineers are always focused on making the best stuff possible. Unfortunately "budget" can sometimes mean "compromise" (weight/durability/etc.), so it's not a big focus of ours. My biggest recommendation to you, Masr, is to keep an eye out for deals on things that are two or three seasons old. For example, when we announced the benefits of Havoc 35 our standard Havoc line became a bit more attainable. Sometimes we're amazed at the deals on the new stuff that's just a couple of seasons old, be it drivetrains/frames/suspension/brakes.
  • + 1
flag Masr (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:43)
 Ah I that's fair enough, I completely agree that budget can sometimes mean compromise. And i'll look out for some deals! Thanks very much! Big Grin
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flag lawman91 (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:41)
 With brands like Thompson, E-13 and other making dropper seatposts, is a dropper post something you will might produce in the future?
  • + 4
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:46)
 All of us on the Easton staff ride with dropper posts on trail bikes, so it has certainly been talked about. But there are a lot of great options now. Rock Shox and Fox are great options. Actually there are a handful of reliable dropper post brands.
  • + 2
flag lawman91 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:08)
 Do you think there is still a market for a reliable and really light dropper? Would your carbon processes be well applicable to a dropper?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:47)
 In a word yes. But it would highly depend on the design.
  • + 1
flag lawman91 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:25)
 Perhaps out-sourcing the internals and manufacturing the rest in house would be a good way to go. Droppers are still quite weighty and the remotes on some aren't great either!
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  • + 1
flag Foxrock (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:27)
 I use an EC90 seatpost and Haven Carbon Bars. Wanted to change my alloy Haven stem to a longer matching carbon EC90 (also because I think they are beautiful). Will the EC90 be up to the job with only a single bolt steerer clamp? Or is there a Haven carbon stem in the pipeline? Use is usually XC racing, Marathon, Enduros but not DH or big jumps (120mm/Element MSL)
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:33)
 We test the EC90 Stems to the mountain bike standard but it is certainly designed for a different use than your Haven bar. The middle-ground is filled by the EA90 stem which is also available in a 0 degree.
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  • + 1
flag shacky (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:31)
 I have a pair of easton haven carbon wheels costing £1999.99. I live in the UK and seem to be sending my wheels back to you more than they are on my bike. In the 11 months I have had them I have had 6 front and rear wheels bearing SETs! They have been back to Extra UK twice and had them done by easton specialists. The other times have been fitted by my local bike shop! What is going on? After looking on forums I am not on my own with this problem with easton hubs????
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:42)
 Hi Shacky,
While the wheels are absolutely covered under warranty this is still not ideal.
This is why we recently announced a free upgrade for all existing M1-121 hubs, this upgrade will absolutely extend the life of your bearings.
www.pinkbike.com/news/Easton-Cycling-Hub-Upgrade-Kit.html
  • + 1
flag shacky (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:51)
 Thank you, I will get these sent back (hopefully for the last time). Thanks.
P.S they are awesome whilst working! Never had to true once and I have never had that with another wheel!!!
  • + 1
flag hampsteadbandit (Mar 13, 2013 at 15:29)
 @shacky

there is a reason these wheels are all being sold at big discounts by CRC, etc. Wink
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flag gt-fury (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:54)
 I have a 2012 Havoc 150mm UST rear wheel and looking at the part number it is not compatible with your M1 upgrade kit. It ends in a 3 not a 1? Is there anything that is going to be coming for the hubs that are not compatible with the upgrade kit?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:01)
 The Havoc 150 hub has this feature already built into the axle. You're all set!
  • + 1
flag hitarpotar (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:28)
 Meanin the Havoc 150 UST doesn't need the upgrade kit at all? Smile
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:30)
 Correct, The way the kit works is it puts a spacer in between the bearings. The Havoc 150 hubs have this feature on the axle already so the upgraded kit is not needed nor would it work.
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  • + 1
flag minty1 Plus (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:09)
 Having wanted to buy your havoc 150 wheelset but not, due to ongoing bad reviews and press regarding the quality of the hub,do you think you will be releasing the next incarnation of said wheelset with better hubs? I ride in the uk,read wet and muddy,and don't know a single owner of your wheelsets that has not had reliability issues with the hub on the havoc and the carbon haven,why do you think you have had such a bad history regarding hubs??
P.s love the 35 carbon bar.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:40)
 Glad to hear that the bar is working well.
The 150 hub is a very different system from the narrower 12x142/135 hubs (such as those found on the Haven wheels) and is not subject to the same type of bearing wear as it has no bearing preload adjustment.

We have definitely been addressing bearing wear with the in line changes we've made. But the real solution is the bearing spacer which has been tested for over a year. Bearings will still wear out eventually but it will take much, much longer now.

The hub reputation is really fairly recent, I believe there are a couple of factors at work here; Until recently all of our high end hubs had bearing preload adjustment. Which, like any other adjustment on a bike if it's ridden while maladjusted can do all sorts of terrible things. The other side is that the competitor hubs which are generally revered for their bearing durability are simply less common.
  • + 3
flag mega-turtle (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:43)
 Because no one does wear and tear like the British weather!!!!!!!
  • + 1
flag hampsteadbandit (Mar 13, 2013 at 15:26)
 @minty1

simple answer to your question Wink


Hope Pro II Evo hubs, hand built with Sapim or DT Swiss double-butted spokes and brass nipples, onto your rim of choice (I'd recommend the Mavic EX series for DH abuse)

Hope design and manufacture their hubs in the UK to suit the filth-bucket that is our climate...simple Smile
  • + 1
flag minty1 Plus (Mar 13, 2013 at 16:08)
 Yeah thanks buddy,I'm running mavic 823's laced to king hubs which are sweet enough but wanted to drop the weight
  • + 1
flag hampsteadbandit (Mar 14, 2013 at 6:05)
 I always think "wheel weight" is way over rated with wheel sets

wheel performance is so much more than just a lower weight Wink


the lighter, weaker, more flexible wheel sets are not efficient at transferring rider power to the terrain

and to keep the strength and rigidity high and weight low = the cost becomes insane and require proprietary parts like specialist spokes, nipples, rims and hubs, which are hard / time consuming to source as replacements and stupidly expensive

often the "factory wheelsets" require specialist skill to repair, which means sending them away to a service centre at high cost

I'd always prefer a quality set of handbuilt wheels using regular spokes and nipples, and Mavic / Stan's / Sun rims which can be easily sourced

King, Hope, etc. for hub as these hubs have had years of development to iron out issues, the durability / quality is much higher than the hubs used on the factory wheel, and all spares are easily available Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag willstoke (Mar 12, 2013 at 8:13)
 I'm studying for a degree in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering at Glyndwr University in Wrexham, UK. I'm hoping to write my next report on the Testing of bike components such as frames, handlebars, stems, suspension wheels etc. I'm currently having problems finding details about the testing process for all of these parts and what standard must be met by bike and component manufacturers.
I was hoping Easton could assist me with some small details to discuss in my report. If possible details about the testing process for wheels, handlebars and/ or stems would benefit me greatly. I currently use Easton handlebars and stem on my Cube Ltd I think they are EA70 handlebars, if you could provide details of these under testing that would be easier for me to discuss knowing how they ride. These would be great but any details would be fantastic.

Thank you for taking the time to read this,

Will Lawton
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 10:22)
 Thanks for the response Will! A good start for your project would be the EN standards, both EN 14781 and EN 14766 (one is for road and one for mountain). If you don't find what you're looking for within these documents, check out the DIN standards regarding bicycles. A quick internet search should bring both of these up no problem. Good luck!
  • + 1
flag willstoke (Mar 15, 2013 at 8:25)
 Thank you for responding!! That's great, I've got more than enough now to write into my report, might have actually gone over the word limit, but I'm sure my lecturer being a mountain biker, he might let me off. Thanks again for your help and advice, hopefully I'll get the mark I'm after!!
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  • + 1
flag dorse (Mar 12, 2013 at 13:46)
 I have the 2011carbon havens. How do you fix flat tires on the trail? Those beads are really tight. At home I have a Park PTS_1 (www.parktool.com/product/tire-seater-pts-1)
I run the tubeless ready Schwalbe tires with Stan's. I was thinking of bring a 2 oz sealant and dumping it in and try and get a seal. Does Easton make a tool I could carry with me that would work to break the bead? So I can just carry a tube to use in the event of a flat.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 17:16)
 It shouldn't be that hard to get your tires on/off. Have your local shop take a look. You might want to send those wheels back to us for service.
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flag perrybmx (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:53)
 When can i get the hub upgrade for my rear haven hub, they are knocking like shit and annoying the hell out of me , changed the bearings numerous times and no good results, how long before the upgrades are avadable in the UK ? can i get em direct from easton ? i have emailed you but 4 days later. no reply...
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:59)
 Kits are landing in the UK very soon or we may have shipped one from the US. our customer service team is working super overtime to keep up with the emails. The easiest way to get this is to go through your local shop. they may already have some.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag romanian (Jun 6, 2013 at 7:19)
 Hi, I have an easton exp500 wheelset (CUBE FRITZZ PRO 2012).
The cassette body hub needs replacing (pawls are worn) and I can't find out which easton replacement I need:
www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=42632
www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=50422
www.bike-components.de/products/info/p28072_R4SL-Freilauf-.html
www.bike-components.de/products/info/p25544_R4-Freilauf-.html
www.bike-components.de/products/info/p24374_C2---V2---R3-Freilauf-.html?xtcr=21&xtmcl
Cassette body is compatible with the products of other manufacturers?
Please help me.
Thank you.

P.S. I wrote wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com, me did not answer.
I wrote www.cuberussia.ru, me did not answer.
Only hope for you.
P.S. 2. I write with the help of an interpreter. I'm sorry if there are errors.
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  • + 1
flag bono33 (Mar 23, 2013 at 6:32)
 Just wondering about the hub on my Easton EA90 XC 2012. On the hub I can read M1-220. According to www.eastoncycling.com these hubs can only be used in configuration 135x10mm QR, but mine is 142x12 through axle. I didn't modify anything by myself, I got it from chainreactioncycles.com. Can I apply the M1 bearing spacer upgrade kit?
Is my wheelset maybe an older modell and not from 2012?
Thanks, Nic
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag yetiking303 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:33)
 is it possible to make your carbon wheelsets with a single mold? or does it take multiple pieces bonded together to get the internal cavity shape you want?

are carbon stems going to be coming out soon, or is the vibration dampening not significant enough to justify the difficulty of manufacturing?

sorry if im asking about RD stuff- im and Engineering student, and this stuff fascinates me.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:47)
 Our carbon rims are made in a single mold with no post mold machining. This is the best way to achieve the durability we require.

EC90 SL stems are approved for use on XC bikes.
www.eastoncycling.com/en-us/dirt/components/stems/xc/ec90-sl
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bullit76 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:20)
 I recently yard-saled my bike and attached, new Carbon Havoc DH bars which resulted in a good scuff/scrape of carbon (missing from the top-left of the bar). Is it OK to leave the raw carbon exposed? Should I still ride the bars? I know this may be hard to answer without having the bars in-hand. Basically, you can see raw carbon on an area that is about 2-3 inches across.
Thanks!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:28)
 I can't possibly make that call without seeing the bars but it sounds like a bar I wouldn't ride without getting it inspected.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:45)
 An area that large likely also has some carbon damage. Paint damage is ok, carbon damage - not ok.
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flag John999s (Mar 15, 2013 at 7:23)
 I like the look, weight of your Easton Haven wheel set for my new S-Works Enduro project bike. But...I've been warned about the issues with the rear hub bearings which do not seem to have been durable. A dealer friend has the carbon version on his own bike and they are not good after just one season-and he doesn't do massive km's. I like your guarantee but I'd rather they are reliable. Did you change anything for 2013 so I can remove my one remaining worry?
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flag focofox37 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:40)
 Why hasn't anyone made cranks with the pedal bearings built in, or externally mounted? It would make sense with how EXO B.B. spin better than the old style and with the big push for thinner pedals. With the bearings in the crank, all pedals have to be is an aluminum platform with a spindle and locking nut.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:52)
 Campagnolo has this on the road side but I haven't seen it on mountain bikes yet. Maybe Campy's working on Record OR 2.0!
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flag Varaxis (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:18)
 Can you tell me what kind of background your engineers have that may make them distinctive over your competition's staff? Which Easton products are your engineers "personal favorites", from a technological perspective, perhaps ones they helped create, pouring a lot of love into?

I'm curious because I believe that great products are more about the people directly responsible for such individual products, creating the designs and managing all the decisions of how it's made from design, production, sales, and support, rather than the company's name and reputation (the rep attracts great staff, I admit). I recall your ABC tech came from a carbon expert with military experimental equipment research experience.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:45)
 Varaxis, All of our engineers have engineering degrees at a minimum, and some have masters degrees as well. All of us are passionate about performance and cycling. When asked what I do for a living, "I make bitchin' bike parts." Other's are are just as passionate and cyclocross / triathlon racers, road, cross country riders, etc. We can all fix, modify, hop up most anything mechanical - great to have on road trips. As our personal favorites, the Haven Carbon wheel set rocks, certainly changed my perception on how great carbon rims can be. I was skeptical for all mtn rougher riding and now sold hands down. The XD driver body for XX1 is in the works and surviving testing without issue. And the Havoc 35 bar and stem is a recent launch of more things great.
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flag Golich (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:58)
 I have your Havon Carbon wheelset. In the main they have done you proud and I'd happily buy another set. The dilema I have is I have 4 bikes 2 are 135x10 and 2 are 142x12. My current race bikes are both 135x10, but its clear where the market is going and at the cost of these wheels you buy for the long haul. Can I buy a 142 hub and convert down to 135x10? Or at sometime in the future could I have Easton's UK service centre completely replace a 135 hub with 142 hub at the cost of a hub and wheel build when I'm ready to change up to all 142x12?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:08)
 Yes, and yes! All the 12x142 hubs can be adapted down to 10x135QR The UK distributor may be able to change the hub at some point in the future but this is not possible right now.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bighitter (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:47)
 Hi Guys,

I have a set of Easton wheels that are compatible with your newly released M1 hub upgrade (major props for the way you've gone about that BTW). How can I go about getting my hands on one and will this remove play from my freehub body and help prevent these bearings from wearing again?

I have tried emailling the UK distributor however I have not received a response (I emailled them last week) and unfortunately I don't have a local shop that I can rely on.

Cheers.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:49)
 The very best method is to go through your local bike shop. If they don't already have them I'll bet there are some on the way.
  • + 2
flag bighitter (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:10)
 Unfortunately I'd be better off trying to forge my own hub internals out of chocolate than deal with my local shop. Last time I had to deal with them they lost my bike twice in one transaction and then ordered the wrong size warranty frame resulting in three months without it. Thanks anyway.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:13)
 Sorry to hear it bighitter, but we like the sound of chocolate hub internals. We might need to write that one down for Easton holiday gifts to our friends/families.
  • + 1
flag bighitter (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:18)
 If you can send some my way and I'll let you know how I get on installing them.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:15)
 Just reading through this one again bighitter. You had us distracted, thinking about chocolate bike parts.

If all else fails, and you can't get your hands on an Upgrade Kit, shoot us an email at Wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com and we'll sort it out..
  • + 1
flag bighitter (Mar 22, 2013 at 14:48)
 Hi Guys,

I emailed you last Sunday and I am disappointed that I have not yet received a reply from either yourselves or the UK distributor. I'm sorry to be posting this on a public forum but it looks like this is the only place I'm likely to get a reply. I appreciate that you guys must be fairly busy with this but please can we sort something out?

Cheers.
  • + 1
flag bighitter (Mar 25, 2013 at 23:52)
 I actually just received a reply from you guys so sorry for my above post. I can be a little impatient some times! Cheers
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flag iflow (Mar 13, 2013 at 9:51)
 I am a software developer by occupation and I love to ride. If I could develop software that I was really excited about, for example some business software for Easton, I would be a very happy cat. I have been thinking about this for a long time. I almost applied at Yeti Cycles a year ago before I landed a generic position in Cali. I'm still dreaming of working for a cycling company. I realize that most every company can use a proficient software developer. So, what are the odds of me, a BIS grad with experience, finding work with a company like Easton. I want to join the lunch break rides. That sounds like the perfect environment for me.
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  • + 1
flag nosi (Mar 12, 2013 at 8:08)
 How did you guys balance stiffness and strength for handlebars? I currently have a OEM handlebar which has quite a bit of flex and my mates are raving about the stiffness of their aftermarket bars. I know that if something is too stiff it is more likely to brake rather than bend. I'm sure your bars are strong enough not to brake so I guess the real question is to what extent does flex/stiffness indicate handlebar strength.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:51)
 Stiffeness/flex is separate from ultimate strength. As you mentioned, a really flexy object will bend before it breaks. The best handlebars are stiff enough to provide good control of your bike while providing enough damping that you don't get arm pump.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag proraptor (Mar 11, 2013 at 19:28)
 Im a huge Easton fan and have a lot of your products on my bikes. I wanted to ask though how really tough are the easton havoc wheels for freeride? Im running mavic 721's on kings right now but could save a pound by going with the havocs but with only 24 spokes and being so lightweight I just dont think they would hold up to my try the hardest chunkiest line riding style. Also what kind of warranty do you guys offer for riders that are hard on their wheels?
  • + 1
flag proraptor (Mar 12, 2013 at 10:08)
 no answer?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 15:47)
 hello proraptor, our Havoc UST wheels are exceptionally strong. We think that you're going to find durability on par with your 721 rims, and yes, they're a lot lighter.

We have a two-year warranty on wheels. That's against manufacturer's defects, not against abusive riding. We also have a crash replacement program and have very reasonable pricing on wheel service and rebuilds (with quick turnaround).
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag anthony3vans (Mar 11, 2013 at 18:41)
 Hopefully I'm not too late to ask, but I am the head mechanic for a shop in British Columbia (am currently vacationing over seas in Australia to wait out the snow!) Always have confidence riding and selling Easton products with their/your proven reputation a question, however not completely specific I have is; Unlike metal components that are easily recycled at any scrap yard I have often wondered where carbon fiber products maybe sent/taken to recycle... I vaguely recall Trek having some carbon recycling program but thought you guys may know of something...

Cheers!
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 15:26)
 You are right that Trek has a carbon fiber recycling program. As far as we know, they're the only ones offering this service. It's a great program. We found some more details about it here: www.trekbikes.com/us/en/trek_life/news/article/3074/2012/04/22/treks_carbon_recycling_program_keeps_70000_lbs_of_carbon_from_landfills_in_first_year

Have fun in Australia!
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  • + 1
flag Varaxis (Mar 11, 2013 at 18:41)
 How often do you guys find yourselves creating new innovative designs or manufacturing methods and later finding it is already covered by a patent? Do you end up dropping that idea in favor of engineering another design, rather than deal with the previous inventor? Have you become more conservative with designs, in order to avoid such conflicts?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 12:38)
 Intellectual Property (Patent) Non-Infringment is a large issue for all companies to manage. And it's a global marketplace so what may be legal to make in Africa can't be sold in the US or Europe due to where protection exists. Companies with resources protect their patents in all countries, or the countries that have the manufacturing, existing and growth market customers they are intereted in. And on the other side, you need to defend patents, which also costs money. We have enough legal background, understanding, and staff to research the areas that are already covered, open territory, and options to innovate around existing protection. A real situation is when two companies parallel develop designs similar enough and one beats the other to patent protection. The later company may need to scrap the design or arrange a licensing agreement. We work to innovate in areas that are free territory.
  • + 1
flag Varaxis (Mar 12, 2013 at 15:30)
 Thanks for taking time to answer. I kind of already knew that answer, but it's good to know that perspectives are similar. Shimano seems to be patenting a lot of stuff, yet not really taking much of it into production, maybe since the market isn't ready for it. We got an electronic revolution coming up, with sensors and electric motor sounds making bikes sound like robots coming up maybe! Big Grin
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flag thegofastguy (Mar 11, 2013 at 19:51)
 As you guys are a big company and buy your materials in bulk, how much more expensive is it to make carbon components then aluminum ones? And do you think that with time, it will be just as expensive if not cheaper to make carbon parts rather then aluminum? And also what do you think will out perform carbon in the future?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 15:51)
 Carbon fiber components and wheels are a lot more expensive because they require a lot more hands-on labor. Aluminum will always be more affordable for that reason. Every year we're getting more and more performance out of carbon fiber. With different resin systems and material lay-ups, we're now doing things we never thought possible. It's hard to imagine anything as versatile, light and strong as carbon. But you never know what the future holds.
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flag torstenfrost (Mar 12, 2013 at 3:40)
 Hey guys my Easton Flatboys gave up on me after 6 months. I had imported them and so couldn't get help from the online bike store. I emailed you twice and received no reply. I got the impression on many forums that people with issues with your products also weren't getting any response from the email address on your website regarding warrenty issues. This was a good few years ago now, have you addressed responsing to people regarding warrenty issues on their products?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:41)
 Sorry to hear about the difficulty with our customer service department. We have a great team on customer service these days and we'd like to believe you'd have a much better experience now. Give our guys a shout at WheelInfo@Eastonbellsports.com. For the best results, give them a couple weeks to get through all of these new inquires from PinkBike!
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flag Ebraker (Mar 11, 2013 at 22:47)
 Q1: Can you please share some vibration analysis results of carbon vs. aluminium (31.9, 25.4, 35)? Graphs are ALWAYS appreciated to help compare products and technologies.
Q2: How much does cutting down carbon 800mm/35mm bars reduce/change the vibration absorbtion? I am thinking there must be some type of tuning/resonant frequency effect?
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flag PhilR (Mar 11, 2013 at 20:45)
 Well looks like I'm late but we'll see what happens... Made sure I went through this whole article and I must say I have your 35mm stem and bar... And now will be buying the rest of your components that I can get for my dh rig except for maybe one ... I had your wheels and loved durability but coming from bmx background hated engagement... I now run profile elite with a 1.4 degree engagement, Would love to have your wheels again any plans on hitting those numbers and if not why?
Thx for your time
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:16)
 The short answer is no. If 1.4-degree engagement is your primary need, then Easton wheels aren't the best choice for you. The main reason why our hubs don't have quicker engagement is because most of the mountain bike market doesn't demand instant engagement. Additionally, on many hubs with fast engagement you'll find that efficiency isn't as good. We have noted your feedback, however. We'll certainly take engagement into account on our next round of mountain bike hubs.
[Reply]
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flag jgreermalkin (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:18)
 This is a comment and not a question. I had a brand new Santa Cruz Nomad fly off of my rack going 60mph, on an LA freeway, on the way home from the shop. Everything on the Easton Heaven handlebars was completely trashed but the bars themselves are just fine, one minor scratch. If they can survive that, they can survive anything I am going to throw at them on the trail. Good work Easton!!!
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:31)
 Thanks for the comment jgreermalkin. We suggest trading that bar out with a new Easton Haven bar. A 60mph freeway thrashing is more than enough for any carbon bar. We're glad you're safe and want to make sure you stay that way. Happy trails.
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flag jgreermalkin (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:25)
 I had the same thought and replaced them with the Havoc Carbon Bars, absolutely love them! What torque should I be tightening my brakes, shifters, etc?
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:39)
 All good.

Always tighten everything to the manufacturer’s specs (probably around 3 Nm).
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 18:34)
 Hey Easton Fans and Pinkbike users,

Thanks a ton for all of your questions and comments! We had a lot of run with you all today. I'd say we should do this again soon, but hopefully you don't have any more questions left.

It was great talking to you all and it's great to see that our customers love riding--and talking about--bike parts as much as we do.

It's time for us to get out of the office. It's still daylight here (not for long) and we're itching to get outside. So that's all for now.

If you wake up in the middle night and realize that you forgot to ask your big question, don't fret, you can hit us up here on PB anytime or on facebook.com/eastoncycling.

Happy trails amigos,

Easton Cycling
[Reply]
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flag TozeOliveira (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:58)
 Hey Easton,
First of all, thank you for answering our questions! Great initiative!

first question: Do think the bike market will aim to bigger components in general like your new bars&stem or will new materials be able to handle bigger impact with the same measures?

second question: i would like to know what programs you use to design and test your components.

Thank you! Smile
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 18:05)
 We're pretty happy with the durability of our current product line, but of course we're always working on making things stronger, lighter and more affordable.

We have a ton of testing fixtures here in house. Our attention to testing and engineering is what sets us apart from a lot of our competitors. You can see some of the tests here on the website: www.eastoncycling.com/en-us/dirt/technology/#components
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 18:15)
 Most of the sizes of tubes and shapes were designed around steel (example: 1 inch steerer tube) so you would continue to see those increase when using alloy or carbon as the material has different proprieties.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 18:23)
 We design all of our part in Solidworks. We have an array of in house industry standard test as well as many more Easton specific tests we put the product through before sending it out for ride evaluation by sponsored and non-sponsored riders.
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flag jojo2x (Mar 12, 2013 at 7:44)
 What about FEM? Do you use it, or is it "cheaper" to produce a few parts on a CNC and then make a durability test?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 12:30)
 We employ 3D cad, FEA, structural calcs, plastic prototypes, CNC prototypes, molded prototypes, all varitites of development, analysis, and prototyping for our components. Depending on the type of component, construction, and how different the design is drives the design and prototype processes.
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:23)
 drop20, As an OEM supplier of components to Bike brands we don't feel it would be in our best interest to make Easton brand frames. That said we have had a lot of influence over the years with many bike manufactures and making amazing frames with our tube sets. We have even made several carbon frames for customers.

What most people don't know is way back in the day there was an Easton owned bike brand. Anyone know the name?
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flag jojo2x (Mar 12, 2013 at 4:26)
 Have you ever tested your handlebars on how much can they handle if you do not properly thighten them. If the torque is lets say 20% greater than it should be... And does the torque have a linear efect on how much can the handlbar take or not. Static force/short time durability.

Plus, since all "plastics" are time dependent, how would the torque impact on handlebars lifetime of being safe.

Thank you for your time and answer.
[Reply]
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flag joshdh (Mar 12, 2013 at 0:23)
 hello easton, i have some easton havoc carbon bars, and just around the end of my grips (between my brake lever and grip) my bars have gone white , i was wondering if this is a sign of stress and i should replace them or not. thank you
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:31)
 It wouldn't be from stress, but it's hard to know what's going on without knowing more. Can you send us a photo to WheelInfo@EastonBellSports.com?
[Reply]
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flag hitarpotar (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:44)
 I have a Havoc UST 2012 wheelset 20mm/12x150mm, bought it second hand but in an imaculate condition. Couldn't be hapier with it - absolutely problem-free wheels. Some time ago i cleaned the bike in a car wash after a muddy ride - since then the rear freehub has become louder. I guess the grease inside has come off or something. Still no problems, only it's louder - i prefer it that way and the sound is nice, but is this a problem for the freehub? Should i open it and regrease it?

And another question: i'm thinking about trying your 35mm bar/stem standart. Problem are colors - none of yours is what i'm looking after. Are you planning on releasing other colors (for example red)? If not, is it possible for me to order you a custom color and how much more would it cost? Smile
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:53)
 Custom colors would be really cool. Unfortunately we don't have that capability right now. As for your rear wheel. You are correct in thinking that the grease has been flushed out. You'll get better durability out of your hub if you overhaul it. We recommend that you use Easton Cassette Body Grease, or if that's not available, Phil Wood's Tenacious Oil works really well. Glad to hear that you're enjoying your wheels!
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flag hitarpotar (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:09)
 Well, till now, it's been flawless. Will overhaul it soon, if you recomend. Smile Been told to rerease it with oil instead of grease, but noone recommended any brand of oil. And i'm not sure i can find Phill Wood's around here - i have to order it online and wait for it for od knows how long. If i look for an alternative, do i have to look for something speciffic regarding quilities of the product? Smile
As for the colors, as far as i know, anodization is achieved by some chemicals (acid or something like that). Do you need different chemicals for different colors, or what? Smile Let's say, i'm really, really interested in the color RED. Smile
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:20)
 Any light grease or heavy oil will work better than leaving it as is. It's not that we can't do red anodized bars, we just need to make sure that we can sell enough red bars to justify making them. We appreciate the feedback. Consider us one step closer to making red bars.
  • + 1
flag hitarpotar (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:39)
 Red is always one of the fastest colors! Therefore, more people should want them. And not only bars - stems, too. Smile
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flag LD81 (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:06)
 Hi, I've been runing a nice set ec90 xc wheels for a season and a half, unfortunately i've been breaking spokes two times under normal riding conditions. I wonder if I should to get my wheelset to be rebuilt before the season start ? I think my wheelset is still under warranty and I don't want it to happen again.... especially on a race day.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:21)
 You really shouldn't be breaking spokes. We recommend that you send your wheels back to our Canadian distributor, OGC. They can rebuild your wheels right and keep them running well.
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flag finnrambo (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:12)
 Hey Easton, any thoughts on making wheels for lighter riders? I'm 130ish pounds and wouldn't mind a super light road wheelset, and whats with the prices? This is more a question for the road wheel world in general but teens like me still need good light race wheels and it's annoying as hell when companies expect 1-4 grand for a set of decent wheels, use a set of vistas (discontinued now) to train on and I'd be stoked to be on a set of ec90s
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:28)
 The EA90 SLX is a really great road racing wheel. And compared to the EC90s they're a real bargain. Seriously, sub-1,400 grams and less than a $1,000 (US) and they're really strong. They are a great option.
  • + 0
flag finnrambo (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:32)
 I guess... still a pain at my age, where do these prices come from? If the cost is justified it's fine but idk where even a 1000 comes from in a wheel
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:35)
 They're entirely built by hand and they're built to last.
[Reply]
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flag trailchef (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:36)
 a market for higher end kids bikes seems to be slowly developing, my 3 yr old rides 6 k to daycare a 2-3 timewse a week and i would like to be able to build him a decent bike that could comfortably be riden on blue trails but quality products are few and far between. even decent pedals would be nice.
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:50)
 Thanks! we'll definitely think about it.
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flag brett7 (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:15)
 Guys I've got the new 35mm direct mount stem and DH bars in black, the white decal/graphics seem really soft and have lost their cool look ini a matter of weeks, they as you know aren't cheap and I'm a little miffed! Any ideas?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:18)
 Brett7, that doesn't sound good. Not really sure what's going on there. Can you send us an email with some pics? It could be warranty-able.
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flag brett7 (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:20)
 Thanks guys will do! Email addy please Smile
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flag brett7 (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:21)
 Awesome kit to use tho despite the graphic issue Smile
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:23)
 WheelInfo@Eastonbellsports.com will get you in touch with our customer service.
  • + 1
flag brett7 (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:24)
 Cheers Smile
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flag RajunCajun (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:24)
 Engineering question if you are still on here:
How do you come up with baseline forces to design parts around?
That was the major struggle for us, without have the ability to test previous products or competitors for a design criteria.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:33)
 Always on it - Design forces is a challenging realm. We all want components to survive everything, but that doesn't result in competitive product. High performance use in reasonable realistics situtations is the goal. At that relatively mature stage of bike industry testing, many of the legal test requirements are well established. For some test requirements, these are more than sufficient to provide safety for some requirements, so those are set. Other test requirements aren't up to speed with new technologies or all usage types, so we must fill in gaps in this testing to deliver safe, high performance and quality product. Determining what loads, impact levels and how to test comes from years and decades of development experience. We develop appropriate tests, benchmark product we understand to be high and low performers and determine the appropriate performance targets. None of this is cheap, easy, or fast, and one of the things separating Easton's development ability from the rest of the pack.
  • + 1
flag RajunCajun (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:37)
 Thanks,

Is there somewhere I would be able to get a hold of these standards for future use?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:48)
 The current state of the art standards are the European Norm, EN 14781, for racing (road) bikes, and EN 14766, for mountain. These should be pubilically available.
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flag nitzsche (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:49)
 Havoc wheels use bigger bearings compared to other barnds or they just have a biger boddy? thanks a lot!! your products are really hot! i´t would be great to have you here in Argentina whith some official dealer, MTB is going a little bit bigger each day down here!!
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:09)
 It depends on which of our hubs you're looking at wheel brands you're comparing us to. We use standard sized bearings (so they're easy to find if you ever need replacements). You can find more technical specs on our site: www.eastoncycling.com/en-us/dirt/product-manuals
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flag raph11 (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:45)
 Iv'e a havoc ust wheelset, stupid question maybe but how do I replace a spoke ? there is hard plastic inside and there is no way to take it out and access to the nipples from inside the rim, so I suppose there is an other technic. (fortunatly I didn't brake any spoke for now)
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:49)
 That's not black plastic inside, that's all aluminum! Our wheels have a nice, sealed rim bed because of the dual-threaded spoke nipples. You can learn more about the system and learn how to replace a spoke by watching this video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAdO33oLvn0&list=PLEAFFC31B14945B62
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flag raph11 (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:53)
 lol thanks a lot, didn't know this mounting technic/technology
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flag GT-CORRADO (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:51)
 Easton is best know for it's Aluminum & Carbon Fiber products.
Is there any development going on in the "Skunkworks" related to other high strength/low weight materials, such as Titanium, Aermet, etc?
Just curious, as although they expensive and are a bear to work with, the fatigue life is incredible.
  • + 5
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:55)
 we have an "advanced concepts" team that looks at all possible materials. Including things that none of us have ever heard of. It's an exciting time right now, and there are a lot of great options. We've been making some impressive advancements with carbon fiber too, of course.
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flag DJRYNO4LIFE (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:54)
 I love your bars and they will forsure be my next purchase but, Ive heard alot about how your havoc stems slip quite abit have you done anything diffrent to them? And if i were to purchase one that consistantly sliped would i be able to send it back and get a new one?
Cheers,Mark
  • + 10
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:08)
 That's literally the first we've heard about that stem slipping. All of our stems with removable faceplates have something that we call "Top Lock Technology". If you instal it correctly this system is a much more consistent/secure interface. It also works well if you don't instal it correctly. www.eastoncycling.com/en-us/dirt/technology/#components

If you have any trouble with any of our stuff you can always send it back. We have a 5-year warranty on all of our components.
  • + 3
flag DARKSTAR63 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:31)
 I first of want to say I think this open forum with your customer's is a great idea. I have no questions or concerns at this time but thank you for the opportunity to present them. I own your Havoc bars and stem (31.8 ) and your Haven bars and stem. LOVE them both, fit and finish first rate. Wait! I do have a question.... I want an all-mountain/enduro stem just a tad shorter than the Haven. 50mm, 45mm Haven? Maybe just a little more robust but not quite a Havoc? Smile
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:43)
 To go shorter than 50mm you have to step up to the Havoc stem. We'll certainly take your feedback into account for the future product line, though. Thanks.
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flag DJRYNO4LIFE (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:00)
 That was very helpful, Thanks alot! I look forward to trying out your products Cheers
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flag MasterdaveDH (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:50)
 Hi Easton, first point, ... awesome products Wink

I love the 35mm standard, are there any patents on your 35 Stuff, I would like to produce a longer stem, in small production and i dont want any problems Wink

Best whishes from Bavaria
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:55)
 First off, thanks! We really want to see more industry partners utilize the 35mm diameter. We see a real performance advantage in the increased diameter and we think the market could use a few more options. If you're going to be at EuroBike, stop by and say hello. Or bring by one of your stems, we'd love to see it. Good luck!
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flag MasterdaveDH (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:00)
 Cool i hope, i have a prototyp till then. So im looking forward to see you! Which exactly diameter have your bars? 34,9mm?

Thanks
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:02)
 Contact wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com and we can get you the tolerance and sizes.
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flag ScandiumRider (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:01)
 I'm a bigger guy, 6ft, 215lbs in riding gear. I ride on Vancouver's North Shore for 99% of my rides. I have a bit of a fear of carbon parts. I'm afraid that they will fail with my weight and the rough riding day in, day out. I would love to lighten up my bike a bit though. Why would your carbon products be right for me, and what would you recommend? Can your carbon wheels be daily drivers for a guy like me?
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:07)
 We like your PB handle, ScandiumRIder! Yes, you can enjoy carbon wheels every day. The Haven Carbon wheels were designed for guys like you. We don't have weight limitations on any of our components or wheels, but we only ask riders to use common sense and to pay attention to recommended usage. Don't hit big drops to flat on XC wheels, etc.

Generally, the fatigue life of carbon is more than 10x better than aluminum.You just need to pay attention during installation (use a torque wrench and follow torque specs) and make sure to inspect carbon parts after every crash. If you see a deep gouge it's probably time to replace it. If you're unsure whether it's a cosmetic scratch or something more serious, you can have your local bike shop inspect the parts or send them back to us for inspection.
  • + 1
flag ScandiumRider (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:35)
 Thanks!
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flag beeriggs (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:19)
 I'm also a noth shore local riding easton carbon hoops on my 29er, now for two years without a problem. I'm also running the carbon 750mm bar on the same bike no issues. Top notch parts buddayyy!
  • + 2
flag beeriggs (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:31)
 Also would have been good to mention 6'2" 230 and pretty hard on parts, these wheels blow me away.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:39)
 Thanks for the props and the North Van usage. Enjoy!
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flag Jboyd888 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:40)
 Any chance of seeing some new pedals from you? Like the flatboys and the cully's but both have quite a high profile and weight.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:52)
 Thanks for the feedback. Can you please provide more details of what you want to see and / or reference other pedals currently on the market?
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flag Jboyd888 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:16)
 The platform is ideal they just feel too high, so something like the Nukeproof nuetron or DMR vault, correct me if I am wrong but they are about 200g lighter too.
  • + 1
flag lawman91 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:19)
 Something similar in size to the flatboys but 16/17mm thick
  • + 1
flag DrRave (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:21)
 Something like the Hope F20 or PointOne Podium would be a great Smile
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flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:34)
 Thanks for the information guys. We appreciate hearing from you. Your friends at Easton
  • + 1
flag Jboyd888 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:51)
 Is that a CNC machine I can hear being turned on then?! Or will it be a carbon offering?!
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:08)
 Stay tuned Smile
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flag james1306 (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:18)
 hey i am doing composites engineering at university and am wonderin how you go about making you rims. do you make a one piece mould and inlfate an internal bladder if you do it that way how do make certain parts of the rim different thickness's as i cant see how a stretchy elastomer would be able to provide more pressure in certain areas rather than others. also when the rim is made do you leave the bladder in there? how do you get it out? if you dont do it that way what do you do sorry for the wordy questions but i am thinking about this for my disertation
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:26)
 Great choice of studies and great question. We can't share every bit of our proprietary process, but you can learn a lot by watching this video that we put together last summer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxTWSTo2_4Q
  • + 2
flag james1306 (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:36)
 This is an even longer shot on the question front there would be no chance of a placement/internship with you. with a chance of a dissertation topic at the end of it? i have done a fair amount of composites work
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:44)
 We do have an intern program, more information here: www.eastonbellsports.com/careers/internships
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flag octalex (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:01)
 Have you guys ever tested or toyed with the idea to produce a carbon direct mount stem?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:45)
 We are always looking at ways to maximize performance in components (as well as wheels). Our current (aluminum) direct mount stems are among the lightest in the industry as well as the strongest. We're pretty happy with aluminum for the time being!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag freerabbit (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:56)
 Well i know this is not as trendy as it used to be but to you guys have any plans on doing higher rise bars like you used to. Like the havoc carbon 31.8 mm in 2" rise would be a dream come true. For riders who do lots of pedaling before going down a good position is also important.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:03)
 We are working on different rise bars. We hope to have a bar that fits all riders. We are also offering a riser kit for the DM stems to rise the bars 2mm / 4mm / 6mm
  • + 1
flag PhilR (Mar 11, 2013 at 20:13)
 Where can I find pictures or information on this riser kit.... I've been rising these since I was able to find anywhere offering them, always wished they were a fraction higher but dare not to get new parts because that bar and stem are beautiful
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 12:13)
 This kit will be available ~May-June, we're working on it currently. It will be called the Easton Direct Mount Stem Riser Kit, or something similar to that.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dutchct (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:56)
 Whats your opinion on the cheap Chinese carbon rims that have been popping up over the last year?

forums.mtbr.com/29er-components/cheap-chinese-carbon-rims-673410-101.html

www.light-bicycle.com/wider-mtb-26er-carbon-bike-rim-26-inch-rims.html
  • + 4
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:11)
 There's always a tradeoff. I imagine those rims will be ok for a little while. We've tested some other 'off brand' rims and they didn't do very well in impact durability. Ultimately it's up to you to decide whether you trust those things to hold up as you're charging through rocky or rooty sections. We invest an extraordinary amount of research, engineering, and materials science into our carbon rims to be able to guarantee they'll hold up to years of use. Additionally the materials required hit our weight and strength targets are extremely high tech and therefore somewhat expensive. Because this stuff is expensive we're always looking for ways to trickle technology down to lower price wheels. This is what we did to get to the EC70 Mountain wheels.
[Reply]
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flag Legis (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:45)
 Hey guys, i have a question, because i love bikes and my dream is to connect my life with them but on a higher level then riding and i'm about to choose my studies what will be the best direction to get best knowledge about desining bike component's? Smile
  • + 2
flag Terrafire (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:56)
 Start turning wrenches at your local bike shop.
  • + 4
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:12)
 Yup, we agree. Start at the local bike shop. The majority of us here at Easton worked in bike shops in high school and while we were going to college. There's no better place to work when you're a student that's into bikes. Think about it: you can learn all about bikes, talk about bikes all day, and you usually get a discount on bike parts!
[Reply]
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flag Rocoid (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:50)
 Can you please make a Carbon Havoc bar in 31.8 that's wider than 750mm please? I don't want to go down the 35mm diameter route because ironically, I want to use a stem that's 35mm long!

Alternatively, can you make a stem that's both 35mm long and 35mm in clamping diameter?
  • + 5
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:57)
 We don't feel 31.8 bars would be strong / stiff enough in sizes wider than 750mm so only plan to offer those wider sizes with the 35mm clamp diameter.
  • + 1
flag Rocoid (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:05)
 How about a shorter 35mm diameter stem then?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:12)
 If you look at how deep the clamping surface is on a Havoc 35 stem, you'll notice we can't go too short. We're working on a shorter option than 50mm, but it won't be quite as short as 35mm in length.
  • + 1
flag rosszpenz (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:33)
 "We don't feel 31.8 bars would be strong / stiff enough in sizes wider than 750mm..."

Do you mean your bars or all of them out there?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:49)
 It's a game of compromise. You can certainly make a bar wider than 750 in 31.8mm, but we found that we would have to either make the bar heavier or compromise stiffness. If you look at the numbers, there are no 800mm wide options that come close to our Havoc 35 bars in strength or weight. We can increase strength/stiffness and decrease weight because of the 35mm clamp diameter.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:55)
 There are bars wider than 750mm in the market we would trust on our own bike and others that we would not. Most of the top brands who make 750mm bar are doing it right. We could make a bar in 31.8 wider than 750mm however it would not be as light, stiff, and strong, as the same bar in 35mm
[Reply]
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flag slanham (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:03)
 I have an Easton Haven wheelset. And when I fully tighten the rear maxle it appears to squeeze the cassette and so the cassett will no longer freely move. My LBS have looked at it and cleaned the freehub but have said they can see no problem with the bearings and spacers which they originally thought may be the problem. In order for the cassette to spin freely the maxle has to barely be finger tight. Any Ideas?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:13)
 it's hard to address the problem without knowing a bit more or seeing the wheel. Please send us an email at WheelInfo@eastonbellsports.com and we'll get you some answers.
[Reply]
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flag QQdownhiller (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:14)
 Hey Easton,
I have been intrigued by your Carbon wheels since they first came out. But after reading some reports and seeing that they do crack how do you plan to fix this problem? I can buy $150 Chinese Carbon rims with almost the same results. Do you offer warranty or replacements? They are so expensive and seem to have a short life span. Anything you plan on doing?
Thanks
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:25)
 The composite we use for the Carbon mountain bike wheels is unlike any other carbon out there, it's specifically designed for impact resistance. This is why the Haven Carbon wheels carry a two year no questions asked guarantee. no matter what happens to your wheels we'll repair or replace them. labratory testing has proven that Haven Carbon wheels are significantly more durable than their aluminum competitors in impact strength and durability. No matter how good as we make things somebody will still find a way to break it, our goal is to make wheels which take that limit beyond the norm.
  • + 1
flag QQdownhiller (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:33)
 Good to know! Thanks Easton!
[Reply]
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flag Sularma (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:11)
 With your older Haven wheelsets I've heard of the hubs not being very durable. Namely the bearings and cassette bodies. How do the new hubs compare to the older Havens?

Currently I have a set of 24 spoke wheels that I like cause they are light but I'm looking at getting something stronger for light downhill use. Which wheelset would you suggest for a rider 185 lbs for downhill with no major drops or jumps?

Last thing. What is the pawl and engagement set up for your current hubs?

Thank you very much for your time. I absolutely love my Havoc stem and bar!!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:27)
 We recently announced a running change and a free upgrade kit on our M1 hubs. You can read about it here: www.pinkbike.com/news/Easton-Cycling-Hub-Upgrade-Kit.html

As for your DH wheels, seems like our Havoc UST wheels would be perfect for you. You can read all about them on our website:http://www.eastoncycling.com/en-us/dirt/wheels/gravity. To answer your question about the pawls: There are three pawls and 12-degrees of engagement.
[Reply]
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flag al-pine (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:25)
 As much as I love your Havoc wheelset for their light-weight - there seems to be a distinct issue with their strength. They buckle far too easily and ding just as quickly.

When searching for spare spokes last summer (after snapping an array of spokes on both front and back wheels) there was a distinct shortage and an attitude of 'send the wheels back to Easton'. Spokes were like rocking-horse poo.

Is Easton going to do anything to address the issues of wheel strength and spoke supply? I've had to bin my wheelset because of lack of spares in favor of a Hope/Mavic combination which is a shame.

Thanks.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:34)
 We're sorry to hear about the issues. We've tested the Havoc wheels against every other "DH Race" wheel and we're proud of the results.

The good news is that we use standard, straight-pull spokes that should be easy to find and replace as needed. A lot of good bike shops have spoke cutting/threading tools, so they can cut a spoke to length for you if they don't have the right one in stock.

If you have a big race weekend planned or a week of shredding in the Alpes or something, we would recommend that you bring a couple of extra spoke nipples with you. The dual-threaded nipples are the only proprietary Easton parts. Everything else should be easy to source on the go.
  • + 1
flag al-pine (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:44)
 Thank you very much for the reply. I didn't realise that the spokes were standard issue straight pull spokes.

As for the nipples - I was finding that the spokes were snapping off in the nipples rendering them useless. Is this a tension issue with the wheel build? Where can I buy nipples from? They seem to be quite hard to locate too?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:53)
 It's hard to know why you were breaking spokes without seeing the wheel and getting more information.

Our distributor in France is Shimano. You should contact them to get a hold of some spoke nipples. If you don't get a response from them, you can contact us directly for spoke nipples. But we encourage you to go through our distributor (or have your favorite local bike shop contact our distributor).
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:31)
 One of the bonus features with our Easton mountain wheels is each hub model is designed to use the same spoke length for all locations. No need to carry different lengths for Rear Drive, Rear Non-Drive, and Front, so that helps the spoke purchasing and spare carrying a bit. We use Sapim spokes which should be available if you're looking to match your stock setup. Check the exact spokes on your wheels for the butting profile to order.
  • + 1
flag al-pine (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:25)
 That's interesting because I measured spokes out of my Havoc 2012 (150X12 rear, 20mm front) wheelset and the front and rear spokes were different sizes.

One of the teams Easton sponsored teams kindly gave me some spokes (with nipples) but they were too short to work with the back wheel - they only worked on the fronts. They would work with the rears but there was a very small amount of thread in the nipple and it made little difference whether the nipple was barely or fully screwed into the rim.

I'm just a little confused how this could happen if they all use the same lengths? I measured them and there were shorter and longer ones.

I would just like to reiterate my thanks for your responses to these questions, and I'm not attacking your products, just genuinely confused.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 13, 2013 at 12:24)
 Ouch, yes the Havoc UST 150 rear needs a different spoke from the Havoc UST front and Havoc 12x142 rear because it has 28 spoke not the 'normal' 24 spokes. more spokes in a DH wheel made too big of a difference to sacrifice it for the sake of consistent spoke length.
[Reply]
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flag Georgi-G (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:08)
 Purchased a complete bike equipped with an easton wheelset. Upon delivery i noticed a large dent in the rear rim. Requested that a replacement rim is sent to me by the vendor. That rim cracked on me after two rides. Had to send it to you for warranty, which the rep refused to do, so I had to pay for service. As service was not performed in over a month after numerous calls and emails I was jsent a replacement wheel, which would have been fine as long as it did not have the wrong size hub... After more calls and emails I was sent a conversion kit. Why did u not send me the m1 bearing upgrade??? Now I have to send more emails and be on hold for hours yet again.... Maybe after few more months I'll b able to run that havoc easton wheel set!
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:22)
 Wow, that's a lot of hassle. Sorry to hear that. Were you dealing directly with our customer service/Wheel Service Center?

The reason that we didn't give you that upgrade kit when we had your wheel here for service was because we simply didn't have them before the announcement was made last Tuesday.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag freerabbit (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:52)
 Well i know this is not as trendy as it used to be but to you guys have any plans on doing higher rise bars like you used to. Like the havoc carbon 31.8 mm in 2" rise would be a dream come true. For riders who do lots of pedaling before going down a good position is also important.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:55)
 We've had a few of other requests/questions about this. We addressed them above. We appreciate the feedback.
[Reply]
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flag monkeyofbrass (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:09)
 Have you guys ever looked into mold injected rims? If you have, what sort of things have kept you from going that direction? If you haven't, can you send me some free samples?! Just kidding...

Thanks for opening up this questions forum!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:33)
 We've looked into this and our investigations led us back to hand laid composites for weight and durability reasons. Rims can certainly be made but you probably wouldn't like riding them too much.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag CMDS (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:24)
 As a Student taking Engineering with an interested in a career within the bike industry some day, what qualifications/experience does a major brand like Easton look for in a candidate? Can you guys give any tips or advice for someone looking to get into the industry?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:37)
 CMDS, above the standard things, i would say lots of experience 3D modeling with Solidworks and work with FEA software. Having examples of your work will help separate you from other candidates.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:25)
 Check the replies to Hanofly and MTBLegend92 for helpful info.
[Reply]
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flag Ploutre (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:31)
 Where is the Havoc wheelset produced (and built) ? Looking for a set of wheels to replace my Crossmax SX, but with parts made not in Taiwan Smile
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:14)
 The Havoc wheelset is produced and built in Taiwan.
  • + 1
flag Ploutre (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:48)
 Darn ... thanks anyway !
[Reply]
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flag yeagerrr (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:15)
 Do you guys have a grass roots sponsorship program? I race the BC Cup and Canada cup circuits and I use all of your dh products and absolutely love them but I haven't been able to find anything on your site?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:26)
 Our Canadian distributor, OGC, does some great grassroots sponsorships. Remember the video a couple weeks ago with the riders doing push ups with their bikes and the girl, Danice, skying those doubles? That's OGC's downhill team.

The best time to reach out about sponsorship is in the fall. By early spring we're pretty much tapped out.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag tkeegan1 (Mar 11, 2013 at 19:03)
 Thinking of purchasing a set of Easton havoc dh wheels and I have a few questions.
If I buy them, do they come with the upgraded bearings in them?
What are the warranty details with those wheels?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 15:34)
 This is a tricky question. You mention the Havoc DH wheels. That was a bike park-specific wheelset that we don't make any longer. That's been replaced by the "Havoc UST". The Havoc UST is available as a 10x135/12x135/12x142 rear wheel or a 12x150/12x157mm rear. That 150/157mm rear was designed with bulked up bearings, an oversized hub body and 28 spokes (instead of 24). Spokes on that particular are straight gauge instead of double butted too. Team Lapierre International (actually they're called "Lapierre Gravity Republic" now), Stevie Smith/Devinci and Kona have been racing and winning world cups on that Havoc UST wheel. They love it.The 150/157mm version of that rear wheel never needed the "upgrade kit" because the main feature in the upgrade, the bearing spacer, was designed into that hub from the start.

The other version, the 135/142mm wheel, is now shipping with the upgraded hub internals. If you had one of those wheels that was not already upgraded, you could retrofit the wheel quite easily.

Warranty on that wheel is two-years against manufacturer's defects.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag GiantMan7 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:46)
 I am intrigued by the actual physics behind the 35mm bar and stem strength increase, what about it makes it stiffer, and how much is the weight gain/loss from a 31.8mm clamp and bar of the same width and rise?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:10)
 Good question. We have a wealth of information about Havoc 35 on our website: www.eastoncycling.com/en-us/dirt/havoc35
  • + 1
flag GiantMan7 (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:56)
 Thank you! To both sides of your response!
[Reply]
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flag martinzone (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:08)
 When are you going to release the carbon havocs?
www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;menu=1000,2,140,17;product=33690
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:12)
 Answered above. They are still in development however no launch date is assigned to this product. Currently is is lower on the priority level.
[Reply]
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flag samminett (Mar 12, 2013 at 2:39)
 First off can you ask you costomer help to email me back and second off for us with the faulty haven rear hub that is not getting the free fix kit what happens for us do we get any help or a replacement cheers Sam
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:36)
 Sam, our customer service pretty backlogged right now. They can't respond to everyone right away. Because of the heavy load, I would expect an email back within a week or two. Sorry, we we're working just as fast as we can
[Reply]
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flag AllMountainNEXT (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:26)
 You guys should make a sub 400g pedal, with a large platform, thin (below 12mm), and interchangeable pins. With your name on it, it would sell like warm bread.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:28)
 Thanks for the feedback. Our Flatboy is a great, reliable option, but we agree with the points above.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag trailchef (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:55)
 you need to sponsor a kids hockey team. once they start beating eveybody hockey parents will get on board with their kids buying nice bikes. ice time is expensive and not always available.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:58)
 The hockey connection help us a lot. Most people that have had positive experiences with our hockey/baseball/lacrosse products expect the same out of our bike parts!
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag dREKwu (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:35)
 Is there ever going to be red bars/stems?
  • + 5
flag Hermit185 (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:41)
 look he got neg propped but its not a totally stupid question. personally i was also wondering if easton had plans to offer more anodized colors in the future?
  • + 2
flag tankzaclover (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:50)
 Can we get different coloured carbon bars? Really want a white carbon bar.
  • + 5
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:52)
 There's no such thing as a stupid question, right? Only stupid answers.

With that said, we don't have any plans for red bars/stems in the immediate future. Obviously bright colors are getting more and more popular. What colors (aside from red) do you think we should do?
  • + 5
flag matt5311 (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:54)
 a blue similar to hope hubs
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flag Hermit185 (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:57)
 just some more anodized stuff, i like the orange and green you have, but gold/red/blue etc. would be nice.
  • + 6
flag lawman91 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:01)
 More of the green you have, a set of haven carbon wheels with green hubs and Havoc carbon bars with green decals please!! I'll even test them for you Wink
  • + 6
flag Enduro27 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:11)
 You should make a gold color that matches saint gold
  • + 2
flag DARKSTAR63 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:35)
 Stealth.... black on black Haven and Havoc lines.....
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:14)
 We already have the "murdered out" stealth black Haven line for you Darkstar63.
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flag DARKSTAR63 (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:25)
 Oh wow, guess I need to check your site more often. Good stuff!
  • + 1
flag tankzaclover (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:32)
 Defo agree with Enduro2. Gold would be snapped up buy me, just waiting to find a gold or white carbon bar about 770 and i will part with my left arm and leg
  • + 1
flag hardtail29er (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:39)
 yeah the anodized colors are what you should do a lot of
[Reply]
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flag fishentrails (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:33)
 When choosing handlebar width, should it be based upon the build of the rider or just the type of riding to be done?
I've heard a lot of people say wider is better because of the leverage.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:44)
 The size of the rider is a major factor when choosing bar width. I would never suggest just going with the widest bar regardless of the riders size as it can cause discomfort and fatigue if it's too wide. That said a wider bar does provide more leverage assuming it's not too wide to be comfortable for the rider.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Samlllancs (Mar 12, 2013 at 6:13)
 Why are you parting ways with madison distribution in the UK? Making it harder for all end users to obtain your products without using online retailers, and undercutting bike shops?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:48)
 Easton Cycling is currently handled by Extra UK and has been for the past several years. Extra is great partner. It is not our intention (or Extra's) to undercut bike shops. In fact we're making a big effort to police the price-slashing online partners with a new UMAP policy. We know that some retailers feel that way at the moment and we're trying our best to show our dealers the appreciation that they deserve.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag NomadNinja (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:15)
 Why no mid rise carbon bars? I love easton products but I'm looking else where for bars with just a bit more rise. I've talked to many riders that feel the same way. 711mm wide is perfect for trail riding too.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:22)
 We this addressed different rise bars question in some of the comments above. Thanks for the feedback.
[Reply]
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flag joshostrand (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:57)
 Why should i buy Easton over raceface or truative? What makes easton better than the rest?
  • + 5
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:04)
 Great question. First off, our friends at Race Face and Truvativ/SRAM do a great job. We always point to the numbers. Each and every component (and wheel) in the Easton line is competitive in price and performance. Here's an example: compare our Havoc 35 Carbon bars with the offerings from our competitors. Check out the weight/price and look up testing results. That should answer your question of why, they're the best. You can play the same numbers game with any of our components. But we also understand the appeal of the other guys. Sometimes you have to follow your gut. Maybe the other bar option is heavier, but you like the color better. It's good to have options in the bike market.
  • + 1
flag DARKSTAR63 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:30)
 I love the 9 degree backsweep of your bars too.... no enough brands offering that.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag betsie Plus (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:56)
 Do you have any innovative products in the pipeline for the coming 1 to 3 years that you can divulge any information on?
or does Easton have any intention to venture into other areas of bicycle equipment such as the chainset?
I always think it would be interesting to see the development road map within R&D of bicycle component manufacturers... if only eh!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:02)
 betsie, We work on a very advanced schedule, we kicked off our 2016 model year product line December of 2012. This is due how long it take to develop wheels and forks. Bar, stems and posts take less time but we put them on the same schedule. We have a new category for us launching at Sea Otter this year, however it might not be what you're thinking. We have no plans to develop a crank or other drive-train pieces at this time, but never say never.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag will-castaneda (Mar 11, 2013 at 21:35)
 Im trying to be more precise when it comes to maintaining my bikes. I work at a shop and torque wrenches are becoming a more popular thing around the shop and im definitley willing to go down to the precise nm on each bolt I can. as far as torque wrenches go what do the guys in you lab use model wise. is there a specific favorite?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 12:45)
 We don't have a favorite, we use all different types for the lab testing and the shop. Get a decent brand, treat it with care, and unwind the torque setting back down to zero when not in use. Consider it a precision tool and treat it as such. On the click type, don't overload it past the click, you're adding torque and possibly damaging the tool. After and drops, damage, or extreme use consider that it might be inaccurate and try to check it against a new one.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jimmychoo401 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:05)
 amazing ket love it to death.... but why do you still only have 30 something engagements in your wheels?? would love to see alot more, will make your wheel feel soooo much more amazing Smile thanks
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:17)
 Thanks for the passion Jimmychoo We prefer to speak about degrees of engagement rather than get into the crazy math of 'engagement points'. The M1 hubs have 12 degrees of engagement which is a bit easier to compare between brands.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cobra20 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:07)
 I'm looking at getting some handle bars for my build of a Niner WFO9 I was thinking of the Havoc bar and stem combo do you think that would be a good option? What other bars you think would be good for that build?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:17)
 Cool bike corbra20. We're big fans of Niner here.

The Havoc bar and stem should work great. Your 29" wheels will benefeit from a wider stiffer bar.

Enjoy!
  • + 2
flag cobra20 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:55)
 Yeah right now I'm riding a Niner Air9 and once my WFO is built I'm looking at a ONE9. Then to save for the new RIP9 RDO will you guys ever be doing blue components??
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:42)
 No blue components currently planned. What are you trying to match?
  • + 1
flag cobra20 (Mar 13, 2013 at 8:32)
 I'm hoping someone comes out with stuff to match the new RIP9 RDO
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flag skawt-1 (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:47)
 Why you no make conversion kits for front hubs! 15mm to 20mm front hub axle pleasssse.
  • + 1
flag Kootenaycycle (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:20)
 Easton makes axle conversions to go from their 20mm to 15mm, but not the other way due to bearing size. The 20mm hub shells are larger in diameter.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:21)
 We do make conversion kits. However you cannot go up in size, only smaller. If you have a 20mm front wheel, it's an easy conversion to go to 15mm.
  • + 1
flag skawt-1 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:20)
 I know Frown Bit of a nuisance but I can live with it I guess.
[Reply]
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flag Forest-Gnome (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:18)
 Hey easton; is there any chance to see the "magnesium" colour for your 2014 haven products ?? The bling factor is really high with this color;I don't like the 2013 black logo on black stem/bar ! Thanks for answering !
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:24)
 Forest-Gnome Sorry, we won't be offering the "magnesium" color for 2014.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag freer1d3r (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:46)
 Currently using the synergy ST and have to say I love it. However apart from your stick line (stealth rs, eq 50 etc.) Bauer has u beat on every aspect. What do you plan on doing in your skate department to compete with their vapor and total lines?
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:52)
 I'll have to turn that one over to the Hockey guys.
Maybe they'll do an AMA on whatever is the the hockey equivalent of Pinkbike.

Does hockey have a 'pinkbike'?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag MadMax883 Plus (Mar 13, 2013 at 20:56)
 I just wanted to ask. why are your wheels so unreliable? I'm on my 2nd (in addition to the original) bearings on my easton haven wheels after 6 month. My friend has a set also and has the same issue
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag johndhill (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:42)
 What sort of products do we expect to see in the upcoming season. Like any new products or just improvements? Anything really exciting?
  • + 4
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:05)
 We are planning some exciting new products which we will present at Sea Otter next month Smile We'll also present some cool new items around the fall trade show season. You will not be disappointed.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag zer0c00l44 (Mar 12, 2013 at 19:33)
 First thing I do as soon as I get a new bike. Swap out the bars for a set of EA70s and am currently running some Havens and they are sweet. Thanks Easton for manufacturing such quality gear.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 13, 2013 at 10:56)
 Thanks for the sweet words, have a great time out there!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag trickadoodle13 (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:36)
 I want strong wheels, which are also absorbing a maybe not so clean whip. i love your havoc series and ride everything except the wheels. can you tell me if they are strong enough to keep up with me in whistler this year?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:43)
 Our Havoc UST wheels are very strong. They're also very light. Lots of people enjoy our Havoc UST at the Whistler Bike Park (and that means casing jumps and not bringing that mega whip all the way back). But keep in mind that these are DH race wheels. They're designed for winning world cup DH races.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag naveednasir (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:25)
 hi there will you be offering hub axle conversion cups - I don't want to have to buy 2 sets of a front wheel, one 15mm and one 20mm. Other brands like Hope offer the conversion option and for me it really is important.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:33)
 naveednasir, Our hub do convert, The current Haven and Havoc wheels will convert between 15mm and 20mm, EA90 will convert between 9mmQR and 15mm. This does require more than just endcaps as we feel a solid axle is a better system. All axle kits are avaliable from WheelInfo@eastonbellsports.com
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag tonycooper (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:20)
 I try Easton carbon bar a lot of years ago (monkey lite)
I never look back again!!!
I Run HAVOC Carbon now and just one word to describe it : PERFECT

Thanks Easton.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:31)
 Thanks for the comment tonycooper. We appreciate your support and love hearing from you. Best Regards!
[Reply]
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flag NorthVanMan (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:59)
 Have the hub issues on the higher-end pre-built wheels been worked out? was it as much an issue as the internet forums make it out to be?
  • + 4
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:19)
 We're continually improving our hubs. The latest improvement was announced last week right here on PB: www.pinkbike.com/news/Easton-Cycling-Hub-Upgrade-Kit.html
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag MountainSensei (Mar 12, 2013 at 13:41)
 I just bought a some Easton Haven Carbon bars for my new ride (See my gallery) and I am finding they are not wide enough for me at 710mm... Do you have any 780-ish carbon bars?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 17:14)
 Our Havoc 35 bars are a full 800mm wide. They require the Havoc 35 stem. The widest that we go with 31.8mm stem compatibility is 750mm. Sick bike, by the way!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag stolennick (Mar 12, 2013 at 13:55)
 would you recommend your products (especially the wheelsets) for heavy riders in dh use?
i destroy wheels all the time, not sure it is because i am a heavy rider or a bad one.
(i weight about 110kg in my riding gear)
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 17:17)
 We addressed this question above. Yes, we recommend our wheels to larger riders (and bad ones!). We have no weight limitations on any of our products.
[Reply]
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flag Apookjumper (Mar 11, 2013 at 19:20)
 Is there a possibility that I could test out some products?? I am a high school racer and would look forward to testing products for you during training and races.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 15:44)
 We currently have a great pool of riders for testing. The Easton staff actually goes to the High School Races. Maybe you can find us at the California State Championship race on May 19. We can talk about your experience with Easton's and other company's bike parts there. Good luck this season!
[Reply]
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flag game (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:49)
 will we be seeing a taller version of the havoc bar?
  • + 4
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:25)
 We are launching a direct mount riser kit that will allow you to increase the height of the direct mount 2mm / 4mm /or 6mm. We are also looking and testing different rise bars.
  • + 1
flag DARKSTAR63 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:33)
 Iv'e already seen one..... I think mounted to one of the new carbon Kona bikes...
  • + 1
flag game (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:03)
 would love to see a 38mm havoc, asthetically it would be much nicer than running risers. The 35mm diameter makes the bar look deceivingly flat
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag BobcatSig (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:17)
 When can we expect to see availability of the new 35 components and the Havoc UST wheelsets in the United States? Both are either sold out or unavailable on your site.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:43)
 The eastoncycling.com inventory is not a refelction of our actual inventory and our retail partners have first pick. There is a lot of inventory which retailers have access to through our B2B site but doesn't always show on the website. if it looks like we don't have it on our website your locval retailer can probably get it for you or may already have it in stock.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag HITNRUN Plus (Mar 11, 2013 at 22:55)
 i'm stoked on the 35mm bars, all my bikes are running them. i don't think i'll look back on the 31.8. it would be nice to have a few rise options though.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:28)
 Great to hear HitNRun. Thanks for the feedback. It's noted.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag HUGOLOHRER (Mar 12, 2013 at 9:06)
 Hi engineers,

since you have carbon products, i must have a "resistance to fatigue (MPa) vs number of stress cycles (N)" graphic. Any chance you could send it to me?

thanks
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 17:25)
 Sorry we can share this confidential information, but basically Easton carbon components that are undamaged by impact or abuse will out live the owner. The fatigue life is amazing.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag chrisclifford (Mar 12, 2013 at 18:47)
 Easton, would you guys consider making the Havoc 35 stem in a 1.5 steerer size? I know there are a lot of 1.5 riders like myself who would love to run Havoc 35. Thanks
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 13, 2013 at 10:55)
 Hey downhillpunk, We were really excited when 1.5 steerers came around but they just haven't been adopted widely enough to justify more stems for the size.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag joejoeliketobike (Mar 14, 2013 at 15:43)
 I am looking to get a new wheelset and i was wondering if it would be better to get the non-carbon havens or the havocs specificaly for dirt jumping?
  • + 1
flag siderealwall2 (May 23, 2013 at 7:38)
 havens lighter
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag Borgschulze (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:12)
 Has Easton ever considered expanding into the motorcycle wheel world? We could benefit from having more carbon wheels on the market for Supermoto bikes, not sure about MotoX, or Enduro bikes.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:22)
 We are in the motorcycle world. Already addessed moto in the reply above.
  • + 2
flag Borgschulze (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:28)
 I can't find that reply you speak of.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Hermit185 (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:37)
 carbon downhill rims in the future? i love your price points and would be disappointed to see enve comparable prices for future parts.
  • + 0
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:10)
 We addressed this question above.
  • + 1
flag Hermit185 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:21)
 ahh see it now, technically my question was first, but thanks
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag HUGOLOHRER (Mar 12, 2013 at 8:56)
 Hi Eric Benhe,

when you are assembling a carbon wheel, do you change de arrangement of the carbon fibre, or do you keep one direction?

thanks
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 17:23)
 We definitely have a fibers running every direction using numerous ply layers. This way we can tune strength, stiffness, and compliance in the directions and areas we desire.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Wesselized (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:03)
 How much awesomesauce goes into the products you guys design and make? And where can i get that sauce?!
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:07)
 That sauce flows freely up here in Santa Cruz. Come visit us and we'll get you some Smile
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag ihaveissues (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:32)
 What aluminum do u use in your havoc stem? Is it 7075 or 6061 or some other blend?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:55)
 It's a special "Easton Blend" 6000 series
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag makripper (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:51)
 Will you make a havoc 36mm boxxer stem with a better rise? The current one is too low. I was just about sold but would ruin riding position
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:58)
 There is a riser kit about to hit, that allows you to raise the bar 2mm/ 4mm/ 6mm
  • - 2
flag makripper (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:02)
 So what your saying is, you have to spend even more money?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag UncleCliffy (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:54)
 I love my Havoc 35 bar/stem setup on my trail bike. I wish there was an even shorter stem option at times though. It looks like a 40mm option could be designed...?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:18)
 We addressed this one above UncleCliffy. We hear you.
  • + 2
flag UncleCliffy (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:22)
 Just saw that. 10mm is still a big difference, so if you're going to do one, Mark me down. Wink
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag hardtail29er (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:24)
 Do you have plans for a carbon rim with carbon spokes built into the wheel as one piece
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:39)
 There are a lot of great questions buried in there! I actually saw a guy on some old Rev-x wheels last weekend. He seemed happy.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Death-Con-Four (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:54)
 hi there easton, ive seen te new stem and bar combo for te direct mount 35mm set up, will there be a bigger range of colour other than the four you have now. Smile
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:56)
 We aren't planning on introducing any other colors anytime soon. Is there a specific color that you'd like to see?
  • + 1
flag Death-Con-Four (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:19)
 red bars and direct mount stem combo would be cool but without the masses askin fer them i think it will be a loooooooooooooong time off Smile
i think you have nice colour awready but im a red,black n purple fan me Smile
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag dhmatt123 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:21)
 Is your heat treatment done in-house? what sort of treatments do you use
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:13)
 Heat treatment is done in the factory.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag CaRaBeeN (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:45)
 Is that true that I should first tighten the upper bolts (there's o-ring figure) on Havoc 35 stem? Than there's significant space in between bottom bolts...
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:54)
 Yes, we call this feature "Top Lock Technology" here's a video to walk you through the process:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEBxa_1dOJI&feature=share&list=UU9Pho4BBQx_-fMgz_0FBQVQ
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag nhp890 Plus (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:44)
 Can we expect a 2-piece direct stem (like the 35mm one) for 31.8 bars?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:48)
 We are not currently working on it as wit would require a bar redesign as well, because the clamp is much wider than the clamp section of the bar.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag adub78 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:19)
 where can I get the new freehub body that will accomodate the shimano 11 sp setup?
they seem impossible to find and are very pricey when I do
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:47)
 adud78
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:48)
 Shimano 11 for our road wheels is in stock now, contact WheelInfo@eastonbellsports.com to order one.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Padded (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:40)
 Just wanted to say I love my 35 bar and stem, keep up the good work guys!
Also, why didn't you do a 780mm of your 31.8 havoc bar and a carbon version of havoc seatpost?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:49)
 We could have made a 780 x 3.18 bar but it would have been heavier than the 800 x 35! So instead we put some cutting guide marks on the 800 bar.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag gnartail (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:03)
 What is your biggest challenge when trying to market your product?
What type of marketing have you found most effective?

Thanks guys!
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:13)
 We're fortunate to have a long legacy of kick ass components and wheels. So when we go to market with something new, people expect it to be good. The biggest challenge that I find (from Dain, the marketing guy) is that our resources for advertising/promotion are more limited than some of our competitors. Easton is a product/engineering brand, not necessarily a "marketing" brand.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Norski (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:59)
 Hi, I have an easton exp500 wheel set. The cassette body hub needs replacing (pawls are worn) and I can't find out which easton replacement I need. Thanks.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:08)
 Dear Norski, This is a rare case where Easton sold a rim to a manufacturer for use on a non-Easton hub. We suggest going back through the bike brand to get your cassette body replaced.
  • + 1
flag Norski (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:15)
 Thanks. I hate being a rare case, it's never good !
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:41)
 Norski, we have been discussing more here. Did your wheelset come on a Cube? If so that is an Easton hub and rim just built by Cube not Easton. We can get you a replacement cassette body if it did indead come on a Cube bike. Contact wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com
  • + 1
flag Norski (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:14)
 Yes it was a cube fritzz pro 2012. Great, much appreciated - will be in touch. Props to all at Easton for this session.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag kona-stinky-trek (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:30)
 How forward are you guys looking to be by making products more slopestyle/DJ oriented? Pushing it? Or are your products staying more towards dh / all mountain / xc
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:47)
 Most of our DJ athletes run Haven and Havoc product. That said what would you like to see from us to make our product more DJ oriented?
  • + 1
flag kona-stinky-trek (Mar 12, 2013 at 11:59)
 It'd be nice to have a more dj specific wheel set and cranks or something
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag hardyk (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:24)
 I have a wheelset Easton Havoc DH 2010, why are the bearing in the hubs/cassette holder so easy to break ? also can i have a new wheelset >
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:54)
 We did update the axle on this design to improve the bearing mate surface, but it may not be aware to everyone and your wheel may or may not have it already. Contact wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com and ask them to speak to engineering if they aren't familiar with this upgrade. Also check what you are using for through axle torque. For sure you need to keep the wheel very secure in the frame, but the nut and axle can generate huge compressive force which all goes into the hub. The wrench sizes can allow a huge torque but all of it may not be necessary.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag MtlWoodworker (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:53)
 Is the 35 havoc carbon bar the same torque spec as the alu version?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:13)
 There is no torque spec for bars. Torque spec is specific to the stem.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:41)
 For controls mounting on mountain handlebars, aluminum or carbon, we specify a limit of the 3Nm or 26 in-lbs. The controls don't need to be any tighter than to keep them from rotating.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Pabail (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:35)
 1. What is the most exciting product Easton has got lined up for us in the near future.
2. When you going to make s dropped post?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:45)
 As mentioned above Easton will be presenting some exciting new items at Sea Otter this year. Come join us in Monterey for this great event. Also mentioned above, all of us on the Easton staff ride with dropper posts on trail bikes, so it has certainly been talked about. But there are a lot of great options now. Rock Shox and Fox are great options. Actually there are a handful of reliable dropper post brands.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag siderealwall2 (May 22, 2013 at 7:36)
 Do you guys plan on a dirt-jump/4X/Slopestyle line?

And also, will there be charity editions of your products?
Pink=breast cancer, Puzzle pieces= autism........
Thanks
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag scrivo (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:49)
 Thanks for the reply. They are M1-113. Is there anything that can be done for me? Want to race enduro on them but my fork is 20mm.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:54)
 Sorry, the bearings in that hub are just too small to accomodate a 20mm 'axle'. If you ask your local distributors very nicely they may be able to help out but no guarantees.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag bradbajawhite (Mar 11, 2013 at 18:22)
 Not sure if this is over. But wanted to say 35mm havoc carbon bar and stem ordered. Thanks Easton
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jcklondon (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:07)
 Easton, ever wonder which of your component materials is more environmentally friendly? Carbon dioxide, pollutants, recycling, lifespan and the like?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:31)
 That's a whole can of worms there, jcklondon. I can tell you my point of view: Everything that we do has an environmental impact. Personally, I consider the environment whenever I make any purchases. I look at packaging and I consider a product's lifespan. I ride things until they're absolutely worn out and then I recycle items that don't have any life left.

As a company we recycle our aluminum chips and use 3D forging to minimize wasted material.

All types of "recreation" have their impacts on the environment. But mountain biking and cycling in general are positive contributors to the environment when you look at the bigger picture (for example, if not for mountain biking, some folks would never learn to appreciate the outdoors).
  • + 2
flag jcklondon (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:46)
 It is complicated and an ongoing discussion ever since one rider in the group claimed cf was the clear winner. I'd bet that a component's lifespan is probably the best indicator so maybe my friend is onto something as cf ought to last longer from what i gather.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag StinkyKieran (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:03)
 Hi
Do you have any plans to produce other mtb components alongside your existing products, such as cranks, chainrings etc?
Thanks, Kieran
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:06)
 Good question. We addressed this one above. What, specifically, are you looking for that you're not getting from Race Face/SRAM/Shimano/e13?
  • + 2
flag StinkyKieran (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:07)
 I dont think theres anything in particular that is wrong with any of the brands youve mentioned, i do think though that with easton's expertise in aluminum there is a lot of potential for a good quality crankset that would at least present another option for riders Smile thanks
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dirtypants (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:50)
 When will the Hub body for XX1 become available? and is it possible to make the Haven carbon wheels with Hubs other than easton? can anyone lace them?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:18)
 We are hustling to catch up with the XX1 cassette and bodies which should be shipping out of our warehouse in early June. The XX1 compatible XD driver body will fit every M1 rear hub ending in a '1'. The UST system in the rim makes it impossible to build a wheel with this rim on any j-bend hub.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag deadpool2e (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:50)
 I have some Havok carbon bars and they have some scratches on the top (not gouges) how do i know when a carbon bar is compromise?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:00)
 Deadpool2e, There is a clear coat on the bar, if the scratch goes through the clear coat and through a layer of carbon it should be replaced. If the scratches are due to a crash you should inspect the whole bar, if you don't feel confident in the inspection take it to your local shop or send it back to Easton.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag Telemahn (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:55)
 When will we be seeing a wider taller version of the Carbon Haven bars?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:16)
 Thanks for the feedback. We are currently working on the Haven platform. Keep your eyes open.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jbenson2000 (Mar 11, 2013 at 19:09)
 Two questions:
1. Why did you use a non-standard canti post for your Easton ec90x fork circa 2008?
2. Can I please get a pair to replace the ones on my fork?

Thanks!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 15:40)
 There are a number of different canti posts out there, and our engineers thought that one was the most appropriate on the EC90 X fork.

Yes, you can still get those canti posts from us. Just send us an email at WheelInfo@Eastonbellsports.com or give us a shout at 877-835-6629
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag will-castaneda (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:22)
 Watched the stress test vids in the link you commented. I'm now a owner of some havoc 35s
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:29)
 Some great stuff in those videos. Glad you enjoyed it!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag hardtail29er (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:35)
 who has the best beard on duck dynasty and what is your opinion on carbon wheels
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:40)
 Phil is the king and he's also a big fan of Haven Carbon wheels. He's actually pretty demanding, he says he won't ride "old metal wheels" on any of his bikes anymore.

All joking aside, carbon wheels are absolutely amazing. Just be careful, after one ride you really won't want to go back to alloy.
  • + 1
flag hardtail29er (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:44)
 how long do the wheel sets usually last for with a lot of agressive racing?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:01)
 I've been riding the same set of Haven Carbon wheels on my Nomad C since the wheels were first introduced nearly three years ago. I ride them pretty hard (I ride them like I work for a wheel company and have an endless supply of rims). My Nomad has seen some real abuse, I've been known to case some jumps and I do the occasional pro Enduro type race--top American (4th) at the Inka DH in Peru. Mostly I just trail ride around Santa Cruz and in the Sierras, in places like Downieville, in the summer.

So far I've retensioned the rear spokes once. That's it. In fact, I'm still riding the original rear hub (one of those M1-120 hubs that people complain about). I did burn through some bearings before giving it the "locktite trick". The wheels are still straight and true. By the way, that Nomad C isn't set up like a long travel XC bike. It currently has a 36 Van fork/DHX coil rear, chainguide, 2.5 tires and a Havoc 35 bar/stem.
  • + 1
flag hardtail29er (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:04)
 im impresed. if i worked to a rim company then i would almost try to break the rims just to test how stromg they are. with a nomad the riding must have been epic.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Adym (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:13)
 As a materials science student, seeing what you do with carbon is seriously impressive! Any chance of an internship over the summer with you guys?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:15)
 Thanks for the inquiry Adym. Nothing currently open, but we do plan to post a junior engineering position in the next 4-6 months.
  • + 1
flag Adym (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:17)
 That would be amazing! Thanks for letting me know, and keep up the good work!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:22)
 Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag roberm (Mar 11, 2013 at 20:19)
 I'm considering changing wheels to the Easton EA70 XC 29" Wheelset. How will these perform different than my Bontrager Race Lite wheelset?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:10)
 From what we can tell from Trek's website, the two wheels have a similar rim width. Trek didn't post the internal rim width, but with an external dimension of 24mm, it's probably 17 or 18mm internal. That's a good width for 2.1 to 2.3-inch tires. We couldn't find a weight on those wheels, but we did find the retail price of $700 USD. Our EA70 XC retail for $525 and weight less than 1,700 grams (in the 26-inch version). Both wheelsets have straight pull spokes which is good for a nice ride quality. It's hard to know how these Bontrager wheels perform without knowing the weight. The EA70 XCT wheel might be a good one for you to look at too. It's more expensive ($725 USD), but it's completely UST tubeless. You don't need to mess around with rim strips or sealant and the EA70 XCT are only 1,620grams.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jclnv (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:20)
 Hey Easton. You need to make a 780mm (min) width flat bar for people buying 29'ers who can't get their bars low enough due to only wide riser options. Hurry up!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:35)
 Thank you for the feedback. We appreciate hearing from you.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag expatrider (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:21)
 Any plans to make the Haven carbon wheels in a 650B?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:30)
 Good one! We don't want to give away too much here, but we will have some great options sometime soon. It's a lot easier to make a new aluminum rim than carbon, however. In an ideal world we'd have 650B versions of all of our wheel options starting right now. But, unfortunately, these things take time.
  • + 2
flag cedrico (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:22)
 650b havens would be great!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag CRANKWORX101 (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:57)
 What separates Easton parts from all other companies?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:24)
 In 1922, Easton was founded on improving sporting goods through testing and engineering. That's been our focus ever since. Easton has introduced some really remarkable, game-changing components and wheels throughout the years. We thrive on making the bikes ride better and last longer and everything we do is based on performance. But don't take our word for it, do the research and compare the numbers. Each and every product in our line is competitive in weight, price and performance. Usually when you look at these numbers the Easton parts are a no-brainer.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag togood2die (Mar 12, 2013 at 8:14)
 Yeah.... Need any CAD Designers or anything like that?
No, seriously...
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag downhilla-trailbuilda13 (Mar 11, 2013 at 19:19)
 How could someone apply for a sponsorship from Easton Cycling?
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag FernandoRV (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:09)
 who do you see the future of carbon in Easton downhill components?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:52)
 Carbon and other composites certainly have a lot of potential to improve performance of downhill parts as they have in bike frames. The trick is to improve durability at the same time. Our materials engineers are always working on this kind of thing.
  • + 1
flag nailen (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:50)
 Do you thing, the production cost is going to sink, if u do Carbon only, so more people could afford it?...
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:56)
 Nail en, Carbon fiber requires very labor-intensive production. Until we figure out a way to simplify production, it will always be more expensive.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag dylanvicente (Mar 11, 2013 at 20:05)
 what is the very last number of pi ?
  • + 1
flag CookiemonsterMan (Mar 12, 2013 at 20:02)
 3 buddy
  • + 1
flag dylanvicente (Mar 13, 2013 at 10:56)
 last not first Wink
  • + 1
flag CookiemonsterMan (Mar 13, 2013 at 23:46)
 psh apparently I was too tired to read..
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag downhere67 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:46)
 You guys ever think about getting into the crank market?

dave
  • + 17
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:49)
 Dave, Yes, we made road cranks. But are no longer in production. Every time we thing about it there is a new BB standard, and new chain ring configuration and it makes us reconsider.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag muchentuchen (Mar 11, 2013 at 19:02)
 Who is that nice lady assembling the wheel?
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag timileB (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:50)
 Do you make a 10mm axle conversion kit for the Havoc 135mm QR hub?
  • + 0
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:26)
 No. Only 12X135 thru axle or 12X142 thru axle.
  • - 4
flag Enduro27 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:42) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Lame
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag jordanpl (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:42)
 Does Easton utilize industrial designers in the design process?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:43)
 Yes, this is an important step, in making great product where function will allow it. We have a ID pallet for each level and category product.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag konabrother1 (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:17)
 If a grom rider is looking for product support from easton, who should they contact?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:26)
 Thanks for asking. We don't have any sponsorship opportunities right now. The best time to reach out to us is in the fall. Hit us up on here or through our Facebook page.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag japhex (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:32)
 Why stealth graphics on bars for 2013 and why no 3k option ? (2012 haven's look better than 2013)
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:43)
 We try to keep the main color option classic and simple so that it fits on most any bike and doesn't look too dated in a couple years.

Personally, we like the colorful versions more around here and this is exactly why we make Haven alloy bars in two colors. Here's a link to the the non-black version for 2013: www.eastoncycling.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/785x727/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/a/haven_bar_alloy_sil.jpg
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jameswr87 (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:36)
 Are my Easton Havoc AM wheelset one of those that qualify for the rear hub warranty parts?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:40)
 Jameswr87, The Easton Havoc AM wheelset is not one that qualify for the rear hub upgrade (not warranty), However you might be mistaken with the Havoc UST wheels in which case they can receive the upgrade parts. Check your hub to confirm or contact wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com
  • + 1
flag jameswr87 (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:45)
 Sounds good. I had my LBS do the rear hub conversion to the 10mm axle. It has been excellent and stiff. I love the wheelset, and they are by far the lightest/strongest wheelset I could afford. However after little use, the casette body doesn't stay pressed and attached to the hub exposing the pawls when I take the wheelset off. I have made sure there is no obstruction to this pressfit seal, and cleaned and regreased th pawls to no avail. Any suggestions?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:56)
 Jameswr87, this might require more information, but if you have the Havoc AM with the 10mm bolt-on alxe the cassette body is held on by the endcap via an o-ring in the endcap so it doesn't come off when off the bike. On the bike the clamp force from the bolt will keep everything together. I would check the O-ring in the endcap to make sure it's still in place and get a replacement if needed.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag tony1j (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:11)
 Sorry if this was asked already but are in the process of maing the M1 hubs compatible with SRAM XX1?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:24)
 Yes, we addressed it above.

TLBig GrinR yes, soon, backwards compatible
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:26)
 yes, we'll have an XX1 cassette body available for M1 hubs by early June.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Enduro27 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:15)
 Any chance you guys will produce a 38mm/1.5inch rise standard havoc bar for us talller riders?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:47)
 I'ts not on our website any longer but we still have some of the mid-rise Havoc 750mm x 31.8 bars in stock.
  • + 1
flag Enduro27 (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:06)
 but is that a 30mm rise?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:16)
 Yes, it is a 30mm rise.
  • + 1
flag Enduro27 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:05)
 darn
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag niesen-ranger (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:38)
 how can i mount a 35mm direct mount stem/handlebar combo on a manitou dorade with flat upper crown?
  • + 0
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:43)
 Heck yeah!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag eritter (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:45)
 Do you test the torque that can be applied to shifters and brake levers fasteners on your carbon bars?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:52)
 Hi, We have been able to test some, but not all of the shifters and brake levers available. Although we do occasionally see handlebars crushed by over-tightened controls sticking with the manufacturers torque specification won't lead you astray.
  • + 1
flag eritter (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:57)
 Just for your information, my Haven Carbon did crush way before reaching the 3N.m torque specified by Shimano on their XT 2013 Shifters and Brake levers. At least now I know what not to do. Thanks.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:09)
 We have a LOT of experience with that setup and it hasn't shown up. Please contact us at wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com. otherwise I'd carefully investigate the clamp and my torque wrench.
It's slightly unrelated but here's a link to some general carbon clamping instructions:
www.eastoncycling.com/bike/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/bar_ends-EN.pdf
  • + 1
flag eritter (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:20)
 Thanks, I will contact you.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag willclh (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:01)
 What makes the rims more durable than say Roval(like xc carbons such as ec90?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:09)
 Good question Willclh! EC90 XC and Haven Carbon are built with Armored Ballistic Composite. It's a material that comes from a military application. It was created specifically for impact resistance. We haven't found any wheels (of any material) that handle impacts as well as the Haven Carbon. And the EC90 XC is much stronger than any other XC wheel.

The fact that both of these wheelsets are UST certified and completely airtight right out of the box is also a big selling point. But even if you have no interest in ever going tubeless, these wheels are stronger than the competition and also very competitive in weight.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag altix (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:33)
 Why is there no 70mm stem option for the 35mm bars? Such a bummer Team Furbee needs these!!!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:35)
 We are working on different stem lengths for the 35mm bars. More to come in the future.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag frost1988 (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:18)
 Have easton got any other products lined up in the future like cranks and chain rings headsets and maybe even frames?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:30)
 We addressed this one already. Anytime we venture out beyond the categories that we're already in, engineering resources are strained. At this point we're staying focused on wheels/bars/stems/post and a few accessories (like our Flatboy pedals). We will have one new category introduced at Sea Otter. Stay tuned!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag emeriska (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:03)
 Everybody is going crazy about dropper post these days, any plan on developing an Easton one?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:24)
 We are also crazy about the dropper posts on our trail and All Mountain type bikes. We addressed this sort of question above with a "not planning on it"
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag HolmesRacing (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:27)
 Why does rear suspension look like a toilet paper holder? I think ya'll should get more creative...
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:32)
 I think that's way out of line HolmesRacing... If you ask us toilet paper holders look like rear suspension, not vice versa. Maybe the inventor of the modern TP holder was inspired by rear shocks.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dh-bomber (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:59)
 do you guys at easton still make frame tubing for companies like banshee or rocky mountain anymore?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:03)
 Unfortunately that market got smaller and smaller as carbon fiber became more prevalent. We still have aluminum tubesets in a stock with some of our suppliers (like Nova Cycle Support), but we are not producing them presently.
  • + 1
flag lawman91 (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:45)
 Would you guys be looking at taking a similar approach to ENVE have with Santa Cruz and develop frames with manufacturers? I think stuff like that would be a great way to get carbon out there and remove any sceptics still left out there.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:47)
 We've done some partnerships like that in the past. BMC was the biggest. We manufactured the tubes for their early carbon bikes. We are certainly open to more things like that in the future.
  • + 1
flag lawman91 (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:55)
 Good to know, I've got a great idea for new brand, but having no engineering background or money to get started, so if I ever win the lottery I'll give you guys a call Razz
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag CookiemonsterMan (Mar 11, 2013 at 22:06)
 Easton this may just be me but why do your havoc bars and stems look like the atlas ones?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:21)
 We don't see the resemblance. Would you prefer if they resembled Truvativ bars with the big bulges?
  • + 1
flag CookiemonsterMan (Mar 12, 2013 at 18:08)
 haha sorry no im not trying to point anything out I was just wondering if because of the popularity of atlas you maybe went down the same road in design
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag JasonYeardsley (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:10)
 I'm looking at getting the havoc carbon 750mm bars for my xc bike what size stem should I go for?
Cheers
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:26)
 50mm or 65
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:30)
 This is really personal preference, typically you will need a shorter stem if you go with a wider bar.
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:30)
 agree with Eastoncycling. I went a frame size smaller (large Intense 951/M9 to Santa Cruz v10c 2012 and also went to the 35mm havoc stem for boxxer with the 800mm havoc aluminum bar. awesome combo.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag synaptonaut (Mar 12, 2013 at 9:15)
 What can you tell us about the Havoc Carbon wheels?

Edit: nevermind, didn't notice I missed the Q&A
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag will-castaneda (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:25)
 How would a 35 carbon havoc hold up to my dirt jumper falling bars down from 10-15 feet on a mulch/sandy step up repeated times
  • + 0
flag will-castaneda (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:29)
 Ad stem. Which do you thing would be the most likely to fail. Not saying it will but where's the weak point bar failure before stem failure?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:23)
 We do a lot of laboratory and real world testing. We also have a lot of internal benchmarks and proprietary testing which helps us quantify the relative impact strength.
In spite of all this we have not yet developed a repeatable version of the 'drop-a-bike-off-a-building-onto-the-handlebars' test. In the real world carbon bars tend to break when the controls are over-tightened.

Maybe some videos of the Havoc 35 testing will help. www.eastoncycling.com/en-us/dirt/havoc35

Either way I recommend inspecting the bar carefully after each time you do this.
Or maybe landing tires-first?
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag natalot (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:05)
 2 Questions: What would be your advice to a small company who wants to get into carbon manufacturing? What's the best way to produce carbon parts on a small scale?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:38)
 If you can provide something truly innovative that is always a good place to start. Focus on excellent customer service and quality. Good luck.
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag blocks (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:22)
 Hi my name is Shane Haines. i have a small bike repair shop. in Canada i have a partner who is a welder. we are trying to find your bike in a box.componets so we can start to build are own frames.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:42)
 Shane. Send us an email at wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com and we'll see what we can do for you.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag smokeybear (Mar 13, 2013 at 8:57)
 I have a set of Havoc wheels is there a way to convert the rear from 150mm to 135 mm
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 13, 2013 at 10:58)
 sorry but the 150x12 hub is significantly different and cannot be narrowed by 15mm. It can be upgraded to the emerging 157x12 option when you get around to that.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag HUGOLOHRER (Mar 12, 2013 at 8:46)
 Hi Eric Benhe,

which fatigue criteria do you use on yours products (Gerber, Goodman, Soderberg, ASME-elliptic)?

thanks
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 9:59)
 Hey HUGOLOHRER, thanks for the great questions! Normally I'll begin with Goodman fatigue criteria to get an idea of where to start on the product. From there, we use FEA simulations to get a better idea of stresses throughout the component and refine from that point. However, the real demonstration of whether a product is good enough to put the Easton name on it comes from hours and hours of destructive testing. We test our products to the EN bicycle standards 14781 (road racing) and 14766 (mountain) but also well beyond these standards with our own internally developed tests. You can find a little more information on what these tests are like on our website at www.eastoncycling.com/en-us/dirt/technology
  • + 1
flag HUGOLOHRER (Mar 12, 2013 at 11:02)
 Why Goodman? Gerber is more precise, isn't ?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:57)
 It really depends on the situation. Goodman is typically a little more conservative, to my understanding, but often the actual design point will be somewhere between the Goodman and Gerber lines. All fatigue theories will get you in the general ballpark, but from there the best way to determine if a product will hold up to years of riding abuse is to test it in the lab and out in the field.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag richierocket (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:53)
 @Easton. When and where can I get the new adapter for my haven wheels? I only have eight rides on them and my(wheels) future looks dim. Please send to me as Spring is here!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:55)
 You can contact us directly at Wheelinfo@eastonbellsports.com to order your M1 Upgrade Kit.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag samminett (Mar 12, 2013 at 2:47)
 Sorry also why do you pair such good rims with such terrible hubs te haven set im taling about cheers Sam
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:38)
 Sam, We'll take that as a compliment that you like the Havoc rims. Thanks for that.

The good news is that our M1 hubs just got a whole better. We announced a running change and a free upgrade kit just last Tuesday. Check it out: www.pinkbike.com/news/Easton-Cycling-Hub-Upgrade-Kit.html

If your wheels are not compatible with the upgrade kit we have some great fixes mentioned in the PB story above.
  • + 1
flag samminett (Mar 14, 2013 at 2:08)
 Ye im a m0 but i dont agree with the was of fixxig it putting locktite on it aint gonna do it the hub if plainly faulty and we all belive that they should be rwplaced i said to my local bike shops what u said about the loktite and they looked at me in horror tey said bullshit mate
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bbeaudoin (Mar 12, 2013 at 0:34)
 You guys want to send me a set of easton havoc rims? That would be real tight thanks!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:31)
 We only sell Havoc complete wheels, not rims, so we can't help you there.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag eric-supertramp (Mar 12, 2013 at 2:36)
 22.2 Stem? (don't want to run ns stems.. or please make a 3in bar with a good looking sweep?)
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 13, 2013 at 11:26)
 22.2?
Just to be clear that's the size of the quill for a 1" threaded steerer, or more likely the clamp section on steel bmx handlebars.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bboutin (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:51)
 When will we be seeing Carbon Havoc DH wheels? I would like some to match my Havoc 35 cockpit!
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:19)
 We addressed this one above. It's a work in progress. We want to make a DH equivalent to the Haven Carbons. For All Mountain/Enduro/Trail riding, the Haven Carbons are virtually indestructible. We want to be able to say the same about carbon DH wheels. That means building a DH wheel that can withstand a 250lb guy on a 48-pound DH bike riding a flat down a rocky DH run.
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:31)
 Thank you Eastoncycling. I love the Easton Haven carbons. This would be a game changer for the DH market.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag scrivo (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:30)
 Hey, i've a set of Haven carbons 26s. Can i convert the front hub to 20mm?
  • + 6
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:42)
 Hi it may be possible,depending on which version of the hub you have

If the hub number is M1-113 it can convert between 9x100 and 15x100.
If the hub number is M1-112 it can convert between 15x100 and 20x110

All current haven hubs are convertible from 15/20 and back
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mackster23 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:10)
 You guys skipped my earlier question.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:23)
 Sorry Mackster, we're going as fast as we can here!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag willclh (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:16)
 will there by ec70 xc wheels?
  • + 4
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:24)
 Good news amigo, the link below will provide you details of our EC70 Trail wheels which have 20mm wide inner rim and are extremely versatile. You'll love these wheels.

www.eastoncycling.com/en-us/dirt/wheels/xc/ec70-trail
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mackartin (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:04)
 Can i have a set of havoc bars in green Smile
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:23)
 The Havoc 35mmX800mm bar comes in green Smile
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:26)
 yes, anytime! they glowin the dark!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag niesen-ranger (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:57)
 why your easton havoc ust 150x12 set have not a 36mm rim?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:02)
 generally speaking if you make something bigger it's going to be heavier. one of the main goals with that wheelset was to design a durable wheelset at a very competitive weight. Going wider would have meant giving up on durability or weight.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dirtjump09 (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:36)
 Im just gonna,throw this one out there..Will you sponsor me
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:45)
 Yes! We'll sponsor you! Send us a self addressed, stamped envelope and we'll sponsor you a ton of stickers!

All joking aside, our sponsorships are all booked up for 2013. You can send us an email (or a private message on PB) and we get get you in touch with our sports marketing guys for 2014.
  • + 1
flag focofox37 (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:41)
 Free Stickies!!! Letter is in the mail!!!
  • + 1
flag hardtail29er (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:42)
 X2 letter already sent
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag hwipwill (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:44)
 If I'm looking for a dirt jump oriented stem, what do I buy?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:17)
 Havoc
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag DrRave (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:03)
 Are your hubs available to buy separately?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:16)
 Currently not.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag OoB4K3RoO (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:52)
 damn it just bought the old havoc combo should have waited
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ssconn (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:27)
 would easton have any interest in a mechanical engineering intern??!?
  • + 5
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:30)
 Nothing currently open but we will be posting a junior engineering position in the next 4 - 6 months.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag estate (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:51)
 Why don't you use CFRP Spokes?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:31)
 Our testing has shown that a high quality, stainless steel spoke has the best performance and durability.
What benefits do you hope get out of a composite spoke for mountain bike use?
  • + 1
flag estate (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:49)
 Mostly weight benefits, I was just wondering why no Company uses CFRP Spokes on MTB Wheelsets. Stiffness/Weight Ratio is great and also Strength/Weight. Also Stress in Spokes is mostly one axis this seems to be made for CFRP.
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 11:21)
 spoke termination is always a difficult thing to solve with CFRP, We have not see weight as an improvement over a light Sapim CX-Ray spoke however stiffness and vibration dampening could be improved if done correctly
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cahlflint48 (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:05)
 ha could i get free stickers as well?
  • + 9
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:12)
 Yes!

Just send a self addressed, stamped envelope to:

Easton Cycling
5550 Scott's Valley Dr.
Scott's Valley, CA. 95065
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag ktmmxrider (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:06)
 Pinkbike: Reddit Edition
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Andrew-Taylor (Mar 11, 2013 at 20:15)
 Why do you continue to make your havoc stems if they crack?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 15:55)
 We continue to make the Havoc stems because they're among the strongest stems we've ever tested. We've had a lot of great feedback about the Havoc stems and they have the reputation as being an excellent option for downhill/freeride. It's quite rare for an Easton stem to crack. If you have any issues with your stem, please contact our customer service. We'd like to learn more (plus it's probably still under warranty).
  • + 1
flag Andrew-Taylor (Mar 12, 2013 at 18:59)
 My friend had that happen to him and he said it slips a lot. Thanks for your time.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dson (Mar 11, 2013 at 20:03)
 Are you guys planning to make the Havoc Carbon bars with higher rise?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 15:52)
 Yes, but it could be a while. Right now we're working on a riser kit for direct mount stems. That will help move your bars up for now.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag infamous45 (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:54)
 Will You ever produce a Downhill Crankset?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 18:06)
 We don't have any plans to do a crankset anytime soon. Do you feel like the market needs another option?
  • + 1
flag CookiemonsterMan (Mar 11, 2013 at 22:11)
 if you can make a good one to compete with saint and atlas then I think you could make some good money off of it
  • + 1
flag infamous45 (Mar 11, 2013 at 23:18)
 I definitely feel like the market could use another option, and that with your current advancements in the technologies you use, that Easton could possibly make the best cranks on the market.
  • + 1
flag SwintOrSlude (Mar 12, 2013 at 4:11)
 Something that could compete with the Race Face Sixc DH!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cheers (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:40)
 How come Easton doesn't make a 600+mm wide EC90 flat bar?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:47)
 Most "XC" riders (outside of BC, California and the UK) don't feel the need to ride a wider XC bar. With that said we value the opinions of the hardcore XC riders in those markets (and anywhere else), and we're in the process of evolving our entire handlebar line to wider. Unfortunately these changes don't happen overnight.
  • + 1
flag cheers (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:54)
 I do admit to be a hardcore XC guy. But a wide light handle bar that is flat also has many uses. Such as in 29ers where we struggle to keep the cockpit as low as possible. Currently I'm running a EC70 Wide which is a nice bar. But I would love to have a super nice EC90.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 12:57)
 We hope to have something awesome for you soon.
  • + 1
flag wheel-addict (Mar 11, 2013 at 22:04)
 @EASTONcycling: your are missing the boat if you think there's little demand for XCers for a wider flat bar. I just built up a new XC race bike and had a difficult time finding something in the 730 to 750 mm range. Thomson has just introduced at 730 mm flat carbon XC bar this year and it is currently backordered everywhere. I just managed to get one. I looked carefully at Easton's current offerings, but everything for XC was old-school skinny. I'm in Nevada BTW, and there are many XC racers here who want truely wide, flat carbon bars.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag SwintOrSlude (Mar 12, 2013 at 4:03)
 What is Scott Junker's fastest lap time in the office?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 12:24)
 I have no idea but maybe I'll get it on Strava for you after working too late at night. I need to work on the line through the file-cabinet chicane. FWIW 'cross tire on carpet grip like velcro!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag brooklynshocker (Mar 12, 2013 at 11:26)
 Is the havoc carban dh Bar good for more than One season
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 17:12)
 Absolutely. If you take care of a carbon bar it can outlast an aluminum bar by 10x. We strongly recommend that you replace the bar anytime it's compromised. Over-tightening your controls or deep gouges can compromise a carbon handlebar. If you have any doubts have your bar inspected by a local bike shop or send it to us for inspection.
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 17:14)
 hard to answer that question but basically, yes. Under normal DH riding conditions a carbon DH bar will last for years. If you're like some of the users above who tend to drop bikes off buildings or onto freeways no part of your bike will last very long.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag HUGOLOHRER (Mar 12, 2013 at 8:50)
 Hi Eric Benhe,

which CAD and CAE software do you use?

thanks
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 10:15)
 We use Solidworks for all of our CAD and Solidworks ePDM for document managment.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag blkmrkt785 (Mar 12, 2013 at 5:04)
 The question window is closed...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag hardtail29er (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:33)
 could you fav one of my photos? it would be an honor
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:37)
 Just saw a cool nighttime shot and fav'd it. Nice work. San Rafael, too, huh? I bet you have Nike Site dialed!
  • + 2
flag hardtail29er (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:40)
 yeah the back side of china camp is where i go to have fun on week days. i am proud to say i have riden every trail there
  • + 2
flag hardtail29er (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:44)
 and some return favs
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag MattStaggs (Mar 11, 2013 at 23:35)
 Would you consider sponsoring me for DH, haha no hate guys
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:30)
 Our sponsorships are already finalized for 2013. The best time to contact us about sponsorship is the fall. You can hit us up on here or through our company email or on our FB page: facebook.com/eastoncycling
  • + 1
flag MattStaggs (Mar 16, 2013 at 13:33)
 So that means spring in the southern hemisphere right?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag hardtail29er (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:59)
 Do you have any plans to make 100 present carbon rims? All one peace
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:13)
 Our mountain rims are made of 100% composite. They are molded as one piece no glue or bonding is used. The bead hook is molded as one single piece, not cut to maintain strength at the bead hook for impact strength.

The only carbon rim that has aluminum is the EC70 SL road rim which has an alloy brake track.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag hardtail29er (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:02)
 are the spokes of the carbon rims that you make carbon or aluminum?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 14:05)
 We use Sapim stainless steel spokes on all of our wheels.

note: All of our mountain bike wheels use the same length spoke for the whole wheelset.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag rileysandstorm77 (Mar 13, 2013 at 16:59)
 What wheel would you use for dirt jumping?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag santacruzrider13 (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:27)
 Why do you pair such horrible hubs with your amazing havoc rims?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:34)
 Hey santacruzrider13, you should pay us a visit! Seems like you're a local guy. We'll take that as a compliment that you like the Havoc rims. Thanks for that.

The good news is that our M1 hubs just got a whole better. We announced a running change and a free upgrade kit just last Tuesday. Check it out: www.pinkbike.com/news/Easton-Cycling-Hub-Upgrade-Kit.html

If you have a set of wheels that needs the Upgrade Kit, give us a shout.
[Reply]
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flag furious-speed (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:33)
 Will we be seeing a 35mm rise 35mm havoc bar soon especially in carbon?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 13:36)
 We are working on different rise 35 bars and different length stems, we currently have 20mm and are looking at / working on 40mm.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jordanpl (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:38)
 Does Easton utilize industrial designers in design process?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 15:50)
 Not often but, yes, we do. There aren't a lot of opportunities to add design elements without sacrificing weight or fit and our design criteria prioritize performance and function well above appearance. Fortunately there are places like hubs and stems where ID can make something more visually appealing without adding weight.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag kawikamalone (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:13)
 Havoc 35 stem for 1.5 steerer?
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 17:26)
 Not unless 1.5 steerers make a comeback. We still have a bunch of Havoc 31.8 / 1.5 stems in stock. That market really trailed off quick.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mr-smashy (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:16)
 Is there a possibility that there will be a 35mm handlebar with 2" rise?
  • + 2
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 16:27)
 We're working on more options.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag JonnyLotus (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:41)
 Will you branch out into components like derailleurs ?
  • + 7
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 11, 2013 at 9:49)
 Probably not. When we consider branching out, we look at where Easton's design/materials/experience can give us an advantage. Then we consider how much time/effort it will take our staff. (as you can see from the portraits above, we're a pretty small team). A derailleur project could take valuable engineering resources from something like a new carbon rim profile.
  • + 7
flag jaybird951 (Mar 11, 2013 at 10:27)
 i agree with aston. new carbon wheels are better than new derailleurs when coming from easton
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  • + 1
flag hardtail29er (Mar 12, 2013 at 12:06)
 ya'll sill there
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 17:12)
 barely.
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flag Nubbie-123 (Mar 12, 2013 at 7:22)
 my first question is why do your stems crack all the time. every time i see one it is boken.
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:49)
 Easton stems are among the strongest stems we've ever tested. We've had a lot of great feedback about our stems and they have the reputation as being market-leading options. It's quite rare for an Easton stem to crack. If you have any issues with your stem, please contact our customer service. We'd like to learn more (plus it's probably still under warranty).
  • + 1
flag Nubbie-123 (Mar 13, 2013 at 7:24)
 ok, thanks i was just wondering because I've heard allot of people say they are "soft" and "week". i would lite to try one because they are very cool looking. thanks for the feedback
  • + 1
flag ieatbabies (Mar 20, 2013 at 23:50)
 just rippin on easton eh! Wink
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Relentless211 (Mar 11, 2013 at 20:26)
 Are you guys hiring?
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:11)
 We don't currently have any job openings, but we post new postitons on our website when they become available..
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag folsomdj151 (Mar 11, 2013 at 20:54)
 WHY do YOU not have a XD driver available YET!!!!!
  • + 1
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:20)
 We have a number of reasons why. The bottom line is that we're late to the XX1 party and we're just as bummed as you are about it. Hang in there.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Eneite (Mar 12, 2013 at 6:31)
 Blue components please !
  • + 3
flag EASTONcycling (Mar 12, 2013 at 16:48)
 Thanks for the feedback. We've noted your request.
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