Easton Havoc 27.5 UST Wheelset - Review
Easton's Havoc wheelset was designed to withstand the punishing conditions of World Cup downhill racing, but at 1790 grams for the set (with an XD driver), they're still light enough that installing them on an all-mountain rig is a very feasible option. The aluminum rims measure 28mm externally and 23mm internally, and are UST compatible, which means there's no need for a rim strip or tape in order to set them up tubeless. In order to achieve this UST compatibility, Easton uses nipples that are left-hand threaded on the outside portion that enters the rim, and right-hand threaded on the inside where the spoke enters, a design allows the wheels to be trued normally, without requiring any proprietary spoke wrenches.
Easton Havoc 27.5 UST Details
• Size: 27.5"
• 24 straight pull, double butted Sapim spokes
• Weight (with XD driver): 1790 grams
• Width: 23mm internal, 28mm external
• Rim material: aluminum
• Price: front: $474.99, rear: $524.99, XD driver: $94.99
• www.eastoncycling.com
Both the front and rear wheel are handbuilt with 24 straight pull Sapim spokes in a two cross pattern, while a three pawl freehub body engages with 30 teeth inside the hub shell, giving the Havoc wheels 12 degrees between engagement points. A couple of years ago Easton's reputation took a hit due to the poor longevity of their bearings, but steps have been taken to correct that issue, and an updated bearing preload ring is now found on all hubs. On the rear hub, that ring is reverse threaded in order to decrease the likelihood of it coming loose during normal usage, and up front a pin spanner is used to adjust the bearing preload. We tested the 12x142 version with an XD driver, a setup that retails for $1094.97 USD. A 12x150mm version is also available as well, and the front hub can be configured for either a 15x100 or 20x110 thru axle by switching out the axle.
30 engagement teeth are located inside the hub shell.
The Havoc's freehub uses three pawls with a ring around them to provide spring tension.
Installation
There were zero issues installing tires on the Havoc wheels; we ran them with several different configurations, and in each case were able to get them seated and sealed with only a floor pump. UST rims may not be as common due to the extra cost of manufacturing that arises due to the sealed rim bed, but it sure is nice not needing to fuss with rim strips or tape.
Performance
As far as on-trail performance goes, while 24 spokes may not seem like enough to create a stiff wheel, in the case of these wheels, it certainly is. That stiffness was helpful when trying to hold a line in steep, rough terrain, or when touching down onto an off-camber landing, and there was no undue flexing even during hard cornering. The freehub engagement was quick enough that it wasn't ever a hindrance, and there was no skipping or popping from the freehub during out of the saddle, uphill pedal mashing.
Our test wheels made the rounds over the course of the winter, and multiple riders spent time using and abusing them, but each time they returned as true as when they left. The bearings are all still spinning smoothly and are free of any side-to-side play, and the only evidence of the wet and muddy conditions they were ridden in was some corrosion on the steel pawls of the freehub. That corrosion was due to water sneaking in behind the XD driver body, and after a bit of cleaning and re-greasing I was able to remove the majority of it, but it would still be nice to see slightly better sealing in order to prevent this.
A UST rim means that no tape is necessary when running a tubeless setup.
A pin spanner is used to adjust bearing preload, and the hub design means that it's impossible to leave a stray end cap at the trail head.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | For the DH racer looking to shed some rolling weight off their bike, or the all-mountain rider in search of a wheelset that can handle hard riding, the Havoc's are worth a look. Of course, at 23mm the Havoc rims are on the narrower side compared to the 28mm or greater internal widths that are becoming more common, which may rule them out for riders with 'wider' as one of the boxes on their checklist of must-haves for a new set of hoops. The corrosion on the freehub pawls was also a little surprising, and riders in wetter climate should be prepared to keep a close eye on their hub internals to prevent this. Otherwise it's the sum of the Havoc's positive aspects, including their excellent stiffness and rim durability that makes them a solid option for riders that are traditionally tough on wheels.- Mike Kazimer |
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Member since Feb 1, 2009
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That would mean all UK riders right?
had mine built onto my old Hope pro2s, they are excellent!!
went with dt comps, if I did it again id probably go with revs as they are unforgiving going fast over roots and rock gardens
As a professional wheelbuilder I'd be silly to use lasers on mtb builds when the manufacturer specifically says not to use them with discs. D lights and race are more than up to the job.
I wouldn't pay full price, but for what I did I think they're great wheels and don't make loads of noise like Pro II's.
Anyone have a thought about it?
5 wheelsets for 1 year?
That's enough for me.
Hopefully the new boost 110 and 148 hubs with new wider flagges will solve these problems, JK.