Submitted by
BIKERBUG61
a All Mountain Rider
from OCEANSIDE, CA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2012
Strengths: Bulletproof. Holds a line like nobody's business. Instills confidence.
Weaknesses: Stickers vice laser etching.
Bottom Line:
Single best upgrade I have done to my bike. I didn't realize how much flex my last wheels actually had until I rode these. The wheels are stiff and hold every line that I point them down. I can't wait to take them to Big Bear this summer. Great product, great deal!!!
Bike Setup: Trek Ex8, Marzocchi 44 RLO, Panaracer Fire XC Pro.
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Submitted by
ricky916
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento,CA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2011
Strengths: Very stiff and strong for only having 24 spokes.
Once bearings are lubed good, they roll super smooth and for a while.
rear hub noise, i love the noise, i don't like silent ones and i dont like obnoxious ones, this one is good imo.
STAY TRUE (even after abuse and a gnarly crash)
Weaknesses: bearings come very lightly and poorly greased.
easton has TERRIBLE customer service (my email still hasen't been answered and it's been over a week).
Bottom Line:
Good wheelset, very strong, my rear disc got a little lube on it and while I was riding downhill at about 25mph rear brake was not working, ended up hitting a tree directly straight on, tire took a huge hit, I was expecting bad damage to it, nothing at all, still straight as an arrow.
I was impressed, I don't think I would buy another wheelset from easton, their CS sucks.
My set was BRAND NEW, 2010 model, if you get them new, LUBE THE BEARINGS before riding, my creaked and were poorly lubed from factory.
Submitted by
stumblemumble
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa, CA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2011
Strengths: Very strong for their weight
Weaknesses: Rear hub loosening
Bottom Line:
Follow up to a previous review four years ago! Finally sold them and got Havens. I hammered on these for almost five years and when I sold them they were still almost perfectly true, even after denting a rim.
The hub play thing is not a big deal, I ride four days a week and about once every few months I'd retorque them.
Also, at about year four I replaced two of the bearings (the rear hub). The freehub and front hub bearings were still fine.
For those interested they sold for $200. Not a bad investment at all.
Strengths: These are very strong wheels, perfect for the intended use (all mountain riding). Can take some serious abuse (have ridden them at DH parks and came out unscathed). Light, at around 2000g for the set and stylish to boot. Wide rim at 23mm inside width and holds a 2.3" tire very well. Easily set up tubeless (with appropriate tire). Front wheel is convertible from QR to thru axle with the included adapters. Rear wheel convertible from QR to bolt-on ($80 upgrade kit from Easton). Sealed bearings are crazy smooth and have lasted me over two years with daily use - they're also easy to service which is a major plus.
Weaknesses: Alloy spoke nipples have a tendency to crack and fail which is really annoying to fix on a tubeless wheel set up with sealant. Not a deal breaker, but an annoyance to consider. Hub could have more engagement (28 points) for a wheelset that MSRPs at $700. Straight pull proprietary spokes can only be purchased through Easton, which is also an inconvenience.
Bottom Line:
Perfect wheels for a 5-6" trail or AM bike. Light enough for XC use even. I wouldn't FR/DH on them regularly but they can take the occasional abuse. I also wouldn't pay $700 for them, but $400 or less and they're a steal. I've beat on mine for 2.5 years and landed the rear wheel on some serious rocks - a couple minor dings in the rim, but no serious damage. Incredibly stiff for only having 24 spokes, and hold up very well considering what I've put them through. Easton customer service is awesome and helped me out when my stock TA hub adapters were not to spec - they replaced them with a new, updated set for free.
Similar Products Used: Various other wheel/hub combos. Mavic, Bontrager, Cane creek, Shimano.
Bike Setup: 1x9 Chumba XCL, RS Lyrik at 160mm, 146mm rear wheel travel. AM Havocs with bolt-on axle kit
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Submitted by
Herks
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2010
Strengths: mid weight, fast, wide tracks
Weaknesses: untruable rims, free play on hub design which easton says it must be that way.
Bottom Line:
I sent the wheelset to the LBS and they have said the rims will never be straight again as spoke are few. nvm that. So I was thinking ahead, if the rims go out real bad, what are my options to purchase new rims?
I do not think there are such options.
I think no one should buy these wheelsets as they are like cheap shoes. buy and throw away. there is little way to repair or replace the rim.
Easton does expect everyone to buy a new wheelset when the wheelset fails. BOO! good product but poorly though off handling of issues wrt to rims.
Weaknesses: In conjunction with the most poorly designed hubs I've ever owned (I've now been riding for about ten years), comes the worst customer service I've ever experienced.
Bottom Line:
*This is a follow up review to my previous, rear wheel review on 08/19/10, in which the bearings failed pre-maturely, and my wheel disappeared for an entire month while being serviced at Easton. I hoped my customer service experience was a fluke, and tried to give Easton the benefit of the doubt in my initial review.
Within a week of finally getting my rear wheel back, and doing a few rides- my front hub started clicking as well. In addition, it developed unacceptable bearing play (like the rear hub), which was exacerbated by the poor design of the 20mm adapters. At speed, you could actually hear the wheel bounce laterally on the axle... think the sound/feel of a wildly under-torqued headset. Having just lost the rear wheel for a month to Easton for service (they had no explanation for my local shop either) I refused to send the wheel out for repair, and simply ordered replacement bearings directly from Easton. I would let my local shop handle the installation, as doing so requires a $50 installation tool (for the installation of an $8 bearing mind you). Like my previous experience, the technical people who responded by e-mail on Easton's website were excellent. The gentleman who answered my e-mails went as far as to set up my order in advance... with a PO number and everything... before I even placed a call to customer service/sales. I ordered, and paid for said bearings on September 9th, hoping they would arrive before a race on September 25th. On September 25th (perfect timing) I finally received a copy of my paid invoice... AND NO REPLACEMENT BEARINGS??? Needless to say I missed my race and ate the $25 entry fee. As of September 28th I still have no replacement bearings.
Bike Setup: 08 Giant Trance XO, Reba Team, XT Transmission
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Submitted by
67degrees
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2010
Strengths: Fairly light weight, convertible front hub with both wheel skewers and 20mm adaptors included with the wheels, reasonable price if purchased online.
Weaknesses: Wheels have too much flex, 20mm adaptors are a poor design and fall off the hub easily when trying to mount the wheel, problem with rear spokes loosening, 100% lack of support from Easton. They simply will not return calls to my bike shop after 15+ calls over a three week period. Decals on rims look cheap, fade over time and make the wheels look much older than they are after only 3-4 months of riding.
Bottom Line:
I was pretty stoked to find these wheels on Ebay for $450 shipped. They were heavily promoted by Brian Lopes and I figure with that endorsement they should hold up fine for trail use. For the first couple of months these wheels were trouble free and I was super happy with my purchase. Then one day I noticed a little more flex coming from the rear wheel. I stopped and checked the spokes and one had nearly backed itself out of the nipple and could be shaken back and forth it was so loose. I took the wheels into my LBS to have the wheel trued and tensioned. The shop owner first called easton to get the correct spoke tensions since he did not have any information on these wheels. He thought they would be fine after that but said if not, to bring them back and he would tension & true again and use DT Spoke Prep to help lock the threads into place. After one 2 hours trailride, the spoke was completely loose again. I took the wheel back to the shop and the wheel was tensioned and trued again and the DT Spoke Prep was used. I got about three more rides in before the spokes, one in particular, started loosening up again. This time, my LBS said they were calling Easton back to see what the deal was with these wheels not holding spoke tension for more than 20 miles of use. He wanted to keep the wheel in the shop till he spoke with Easton. Anyhow, he called them a couple of times a day, spoke with receptionist several times and was told he need to speak with a tech support person. Well, he left message after message on either voicemail or actually speaking with the receptionist or whoever the lady was that answered the phone 15-20 times over a three week period and never did get a return call from the tech support person. So, that is why I say these wheels are 100% unsupported by DT Swiss. I would not recommend buying wheels from anyone that will not return calls. I have been using Easton products, primarily handlebars for nearly ten years and never had an issue. They make the best handlebars in the business in my opinion and perhaps some other products as well but these wheels have not come close to living up to the reputation earned from their handlebars. I am not hard on my bikes, have been riding mountain bikes for 20 years and these wheels have been used on my traibike, not a downhill/freeride rig. Any set of wheels should hold up to the kind of riding these wheels have been subjected to. Value is subjective. A product does not provide value if the price is low and the product does not hold up.
Similar Products Used: Mavic Crossmax XL Disk wheels are the only other factory built wheels I've owned. All handbuilt custom wheels I own or have owned have held up perfectly from day one.
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Blur LT2 with Fox RP23, Fox 36 Talas, X9 drivetrain, Easton Carbon DH Bar, Thompson Stem, CK Headset, Gravity Dropper Turbo Post, WTB Rocket V Saddle, Avid Elixir CR Carbon Brakes, Kenda Nevegal Tires, FSA Crankset, Wellgo MG-1 Mag pedals.
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Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2010
Strengths: Spoke tension has required no maintenance and the rims are durable enough for aggressive trail use. Wheels remained stiff and true after two seasons. My service questions to Easton were answered quickly and thoroughly via e-mail. Furthermore, in an era of $1000 trail wheels, the Havoc price (online) is compelling!
Weaknesses: Wheel bearings were designed at The University of Suck and engagement is sluggish. The 20mm adapters make wheel insertion problematic unless the bike is turned upside down.
Bottom Line:
I have never owned a set of wheels that developed bearing play (especially the rear hub) as quickly as the Havocs. Bear in mind that this entails only midwestern, single track use... no downhill (I assure you)... no built stunts... two foot, dirt drops max. Even brand new, there was notable lateral movement in the front hub, which sort of negated my new 20mm through-axle stiffness. With no way to externally increase the bearing preload tension- mailing my rear wheel to Easton for service was the only option. Though my e-mailed, technical questions were handled exceptionally well- my wheel disappeared for an entire month (goodbye July) for bearing replacement. To give credit where credit is due, once my wheel was finally returned the bearings were perfect. I truly hope they stay that way for a while. I guess I was spoiled by other "set it and forget it" brands.
Similar Products Used: Chris King/Mavic and Bontrager
Bike Setup: 08' Trance XO, Reba Team (Maxle), Avid Elixr CR, Race Face Deus Stem, Race Face Next Carbon Riser, Thomson Seatpost, WTB Tires & Saddle and Full XT Transmission.
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Submitted by
TomK3
a Weekend Warrior
from westchester
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2010
Strengths: Strong, reasonably light, faster engagement than anything in their price range, sets up tubeless easily with Stan's rim strips, nice rim width for 2.3 tires
Weaknesses: not the prettiest set of wheels, wouldn't mind if they were lighter or the engagement was faster, but they would surely cost a lot more
Bottom Line:
For $450, these are hard to beat. I have noticed that some high volume tires can feel pretty funky on a narrower rim. Not a problem with these. Nice engagement. Reasonable weight. All three sets that I own have been completely maintenance free. They are all now set up with Stan's Rhyno Lite rim strips. I never get pinch flats with these rims set up tubeless. The only time I have to change tires is when I want to try something new, or the tread on the old ones wears out.
Similar Products Used: crossride, crossmax XL, crossmax enduro, shimano hubs with rhyno lite rims or various mavic rims (117, 819, 321)
Bike Setup: I have these on three different bikes
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Submitted by
syncliner
a Cross Country Rider
from Lyle, WA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2010
Strengths: cheap
Weaknesses: Front wheel out of tru, rim bent- rear wheel bearings failed
Bottom Line:
Very dissapointed, thought I would get a heavy duty wheel set to complement the light weight wheels I have, not only do they add 1.5 lb to the bike they are not as strong. Have had no problems with any of my existing wheels going far out of tru or the bearing not last at least a couple of thousand miles. These wheels have less then 1000 mi on them and no hard crashes. The CrossMax wheels have 7000 mi on them have only been trued once and needed 2 rebuilds( + yearly rear hub lube)
Strengths: Strong, rigid wheel set. Compliant yet, very responsive on the super harsh technical terrain. The wider rim width allows even a narrow 2.1 tire have ample contact with the trail.
Weaknesses: Propritary type spokes (cant buy on line etc) Crappy Crappy service from Easton. Poor communication or lack of it from them.
Bottom Line:
These are the best wheels I have ever ridden. They take a beating and keep on rolling. Easy service to replace cartridge bearings etc. Well worth $400 a set. Easton service however is crap (like most of American Companies except Intense). I ordered 10 replacement spokes and nipples. My credit card was charged for the full amount. What I received was 5 spokes almost 30 days later. Nice job Easton and for this little mess up your chilly rating drops to two. It does no good if you produce a great product but can't support it. And how about getting with the times and allow on line ordering of parts. I hate having to call and call and call and being placed on hold.
Similar Products Used: These are it man. I own three sets. I have sold off all of my stock wheels. Hands down even better than my old Mavics
Bike Setup: Intense 6.6, Pushed, 36 Talas RC2, DHX 5.0 (600), Sram X.0 all the way, Juicy's
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Submitted by
twenty6black
a Cross Country Rider
from Thornton,Ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2010
Strengths: Strong, wide rim for larger tires, hub design.
Weaknesses: none yet(?)
Bottom Line:
Got these for my son's Dirt Jump bike and I cant stop thinking about how I can steal them from him and maybe give him the heavier Mavic SX wheelset. These wheels are great. Super strong, really light for what they are - AM wheels. These could be the best wheel on the market right now for a do anything type of wheel! (huge statement I know - but thats how much I love these wheels)
They come with 20mm & 9mm qr (also 15mm from website)
setups, put a light tire on these and you will make up for the 300g's over the XC ones (which should have a wieght limit). Also, tubeless (tape) and a wide rim, and you have an amazing race setup. Great job Easton!
Similar Products Used: Easton One XC, Spinergy, Bontrager, Mavic SX.
Bike Setup: Yeti DJ, with 20mm thru. Single speed.
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Submitted by
MTBJong
a Weekend Warrior
from Wasatch
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2010
Strengths: Strong, stiff, versatile, light for what it is.
Weaknesses: Aluminum freehub can get worked.
Bottom Line:
I really like these wheels. I am a big guy and ride some aggressive rough rocky trails all the time and these things hold up well. Still true. I like the versatility of the hubs.
Strengths: Strong,hand built and light for what they are.
Weaknesses: Stickers were a little cheesy but I took'em off.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is D@MN! I bought these as a training/thrasher wheelset to keep my Crossmax ST's straight for racing. Despite being a little heavier these wheels climb incredibly well and the extra stiffnes is really noticable in corners. I weigh 200 pounds and can't phase these wheels. Believe me these wheels are where it's at and at a great price for what you get. I have severely punished these wheels for nearly a year from xc rides to 5+ foot drops. I even got a branch through the rear spokes and while it slightly bent 1 spoke I have yet to true these or do any other maintenence to them. Get'em!
Similar Products Used: Loads of Mavics and whatever else came on bikes
Bike Setup: Tracer VP with 36 vanilla
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Submitted by
Gunnar-man
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2010
Strengths: Light weight, durability
Weaknesses: Aesthetically, graphics and finish are poor but don't affect performance
Bottom Line:
I was looking to replace my heavy 729s with somehting lighter. I shaved about a pound and a half off by going to the havocs and noticed the difference immediately. the wheelset has been pretty bombproof for me for trail riding with no maintenance needed so far. The graphics and the finish showed scratches after th first ride but they have stayed true for the last year. I easily converted them to tubeless this summer with Maxxis ADvantage tires and have been really impressed with them so far.
I see Jensons has them advertised for cheap again so for that price, they are definitely a worthwhile purchase.
