Easton EC90 ALX Gravel Crankset: 27% Stronger, But Only If You Stay Under 44t

Easton's new EC90 ALX gravel crankset claims to be 27% stronger than SRAM Red XPLR while weighing 419g (170mm arms, 40t ring). That's the spec. Here's what it means: if you're hard on equipment—rock strikes, pedal mashes on loose climbs, or you're over 200 lbs—this might be the crankset that doesn't crack after a season. Easton tested it to failure at 5,974 N of force. I can't verify their test protocol, but that's a meaningful margin if it holds.

The catch? Chainring sizes top out at 44t for 1x setups. If you're running 46t, 48t, or 50t rings for fast gravel racing or road-biased mixed surfaces, this won't work. SRAM and Shimano (via Wolf Tooth) go bigger. Easton is betting most gravel riders stay under 44t, which is probably true for technical terrain, but it's a hard ceiling for riders who want one bike to do everything.

Two details I like: the stainless steel wear plate about two-thirds down the crank arm is there to prevent heel rub damage. If you're duck-footed or ride in gritty conditions, that's a small thing that matters over thousands of miles. The other is the shorter-spline "Lite-Spline" spindle design, which sits the cranks closer to the frame for better heel clearance. You'll need to buy the spindle separately ($70) and possibly spacers ($26 for T47), so budget $500–$550 total depending on your BB.

Compatibility is broad: works with Shimano 12-speed chains and SRAM Flattop, 1x or 2x, five crank lengths from 160mm to 175mm. No 167.5mm option, which Shimano and SRAM offer. If you need that length, you're out. Otherwise, this slots into most modern gravel builds without fuss.

The durability claim is the real sell here. Carbon cranks fail, usually at the spindle interface or pedal insert. Easton's "insert binding process" (proprietary resin and layup) is supposed to prevent that, and they back it with a lifetime warranty. If you've cracked a crankset before, or you're heavy, or you just don't want to think about it for five years, $500 starts to look reasonable. If you need a 46t+ ring or you're on a budget, it doesn't.