When Easton set out to design their EC90 crank, they gathered all the top-performing carbon fiber and aluminum cranks on the market to see what kind of competition they were up to. Easton’s goal was to take their time in designing this crank, so that the end result would be as stiff as the best aluminum cranks while offering a significant weight savings. Prior to the EC90, a crank purchase had always involved a compromise between weight and stiffness. Easton used the experience they had gained making carbon forks, handlebars, and wheels to create what they hoped would be the ultimate carbon crank.

The EC90 is neither the stiffest nor the lightest crankset available, but it offers an acceptable middle ground. While sprinters might opt for an ultra-stiff aluminum crank and climbers would reach for the lightest carbon setup available, the all-around cyclist has relatively few options for a crank that combines the best of both worlds. The EC90 crank uses Easton’s proprietary CNT Composite carbon fiber, found in the company’s legendary forks, bars, and wheels. The crank is beefy and solid, and doesn’t produce any of the anxiety felt when installing or mashing on a traditional light-weight carbon crank. In short, the EC90 is a carbon crank that behaves like its aluminum siblings, which will definitely appeal to consumers who were previously hesitant to use carbon fiber in such a high-stress area.

Our crank came without a bottom bracket, so we opted for Shimano’s excellent Dura-Ace outboard bearing BB. The crank mated perfectly with this setup, without any looseness or bearing drag. Easton also manufacturers a BB exclusively for this crankset, and while we’ve heard it is just as durable as Shimano’s, we didn’t have a chance to test it ourselves.

This is a professional-level crank, and with a 53/39 chainring setup, it is geared as such. Recreational riders or climbers looking for a compact setup will be disappointed to hear that Easton has no plans to introduce such a product.

The EC90 carbon crank is a reliable and lightweight alternative to cranks currently being offered by Shimano, Campy, and FSA. It features a rock-solid design while noticeably reducing weight- something few other manufacturers have successfully delivered. If you need a lightweight crank that won’t let you down on the hills or in a sprint, the EC90 crank should definitely be on your shortlist.