The stiffness of any wheel depends primarily on the stiffness of the rim and stiffness and number of spokes. For a stiffer wheel, you need either a stiffer rim, or stiffer spokes, or both. For spokes that means either steel rather than titanium, thicker gauge rather than thinner, and more rather than less number of spokes. Unfortunately, all of these choices have tradeoffs: mostly increases in weight, and in the case of thicker or more spokes, poorer aerodynamics. The trick remains to find the optimum balance. Fortunately, most bikes are not very sensitive to wheel stiffness. Rarely is it a problem for good performance. About the only disqualifying condition for flexible wheels is if it bothers a particular rider. In some cases flexible wheels can be the “last straw” on bikes that are already built with flexible parts (fork, stem, crank, bb, etc.). Additionally, as it relates to handling, uniform flex characteristics are more important than overall stiffness. Non-linear flex can be at best, quite disconcerting, and at worst, overtly dangerous. At any rate, yes, Easton wheels are stiff enough; in fact they are stiffer than many other wheels, including some rigid spoke composites. Easton’s design has uniform flex characteristics as well.

Nothing, except for color. Black spokes are made by applying a black oxide coating (not anodizing) to the spoke. It’s a topical coating for cosmetic purpose only, and does nothing for the function or strength of the spoke.

In the case of Easton and Velomax front wheels, the process of truing and replacing spokes is similar to other low spoke-count wheels. The same is true of the non-drive side spokes of the rear wheel. However, our drive-side rear spokes require additional consideration. When an Easton rear wheel is hand-built, the drive side spokes are brought to the highest tension possible with a spoke wrench. Then, the builder will use the non-drive side spokes to bring the wheel into dish and true. The result is a drive-side spoke tension higher than can be achieved by turning a nipple. This affects maintenance in two significant ways. While truing the rear wheel, the drive-side nipples should not be used. Because of the higher tension, the nipples will likely be stripped if they are tightened. In addition, the uniformity of the drive-side spoke tension is essential to the wheel’s long term stability. If a drive-side spoke is broken, simply re-lacing the spoke will not create the necessary tension to match its surrounding spokes. This imbalance can cause repeated spoke breakage, as the other spokes strain to compensate. To avoid this, the non-drive side spokes must be completely de-tensioned before replacing the drive-side spoke. Once the replacement spoke has been brought to an even tension with the other drive-side spokes, the wheel can be brought back to into true and dish using the non-drive spokes. This process will ensure proper tension, maximize strength, and utilize the original design of the wheel. If you are not comfortable with this repair, you may send the wheel to our Service Center for repair. Please call Customer Service (800 527 9244) for information or to obtain a Return Authorization(RA).

The quickest resolution is to ask the dealer if they have the correct cassette body in stock. If not, the replacement cassette body may be ordered through your local dealer. Swapping cassette bodies is fairly simple, and requires minimal tools. You can refer to our Wheel Service page for information on dis-assembly of the hub, or consult with a Customer Service representative on this process.

All of our current road wheels easily convert to Campagnolo 11 speed with a replacement cassette body available through your Easton Dealer. R4 and R4SL hubs, are compatible with Campagnolo 11 speed cassettes but older 50 and 70 series wheels are only compatible with Campagnolo 9 and 10 speed drivetrains. Some, but not all, Velomax hubs can be retrofitted with a Campagnolo cassette body. Please call our Customer Service(1-800-527-9244) for information regarding compatibility.

If you find that your preload adjuster will not stay in place, simple solutions may be available. Certain R4 hubs have an alternative adjuster which uses a 19mm cone wrench rather than fingers to adjust. This can be ordered through your local dealer, and is simple to install. Please note that it will not thread on easily, requiring more force to adjust fully. Once adjusted, however, it will be harder to come out of tune. Please call our Customer Service (1-800 527-9244) if you have questions about compatibility.

The R4, R4SL, and other hubs have bearing preload adjusters which allow the user to adjust the hubs as the bearings wear. This prolongs bearing life and decreases drag in the hub. Bearing preload should be adjusted with the quick release skewer tight, loosen the adjuster until you can feel play and then turn it to the plus side (clockwise) until the play is gone. If the adjuster is too tight, drag will be created, and the bearing will feel rough. This adjustment will need to be made every 800 – 1000 miles.

No, Easton will only warranty products purchased from an approved retailer, a list of approved retailers can be found under the “Store Search” section of www.eastoncycling.com. Proof of purchase must be included for a product to be considered for warranty repair. Certain authorized retailers do sell our products online, or through online auction sites, when in accordance with our regulations. In order for the warranty to apply, an itemized receipt from that dealer must be included with the proof of payment (e.g. PayPal or credit card statement). A PayPal or credit card statement does not constitute proof of purchase. If you are not sure if the dealer is an Authorized Easton dealer, please contact the dealer and request a physical address and account name. Whether this is an authorized Easton dealer can be verified through our customer service at 855-244-8005. If the seller cannot provide this, and does not provide a receipt detailing this information, then our warranty policy does not apply to this sale.

Yes, 2008 and newer rims and other small parts are available through your local Easton dealer. Haven and EC90 carbon clincher rims are not offered separately. Rims for use with Twin Threaded (T3) hubs are also not available aftermarket. These wheels must be returned to our Service Center for repair or replacement.

At this time, Easton wheels are not available with a PowerTap hub. We do offer many current rims so you or your local wheelbuilder can create a wheel with a PowerTap hub. Our Service Center cannot assemble these wheels, and Easton cannot offer a warranty on these builds.

Straight pull spokes are widely available through bicycle parts distributors. Replacement spokes, rims, and hub parts are available and can be ordered by Easton dealers and distributors.

Please consult our warranty form here

None of our current (2008 and newer) wheels have rider weight limits.

While the manufacturer and many bike reviews have supported the use of this brake pad on both carbon and aluminum rims we find that the Yellow King pads have significantly decreased performance when used on an alloy brake track. In addition, small aluminum shards imbedded in the pad from use on alloy brake tracks can cause damage to the carbon. For optimum braking performance, use the appropriate material brake pad for each type of braking surface.

We recommend the use of Swiss Stop’s Yellow King compound for predictable braking in all conditions. Brake pads are included with all current carbon wheels. We do not recommend the use of any other pad, and are not responsible for the performance of other manufacturers.

On many of our wheels there is a small hole on the outer surface of the sidewall. This hole is there to allow excess moisture to escape from between the two inner walls of the rim.

No. Because we can't confirm that a warranty claim is actually covered until we phsically see the item, the shipping to return a product to us is the responsibility of the end user. If the claim is approved we will return or replace the item and we will cover shipping for the replacement back to you.

The Echo and R5 wheels are already compatible with 11 speed. All wheels using an R4 or R4SL hub can be converted to 11 speed buy purchasing a new cassette body (part# 2038478) through your local bike shop. All other older hub models, including Velomax, are not compatible with 11 speed.