Easton EC90 ALX Handlebars

Man holding bicycle handlebars

Flared handlebars have become a staple in the gravel cycling community, with many riders believing that the wider the flare, the better the bike’s stability. While there’s some truth to this, I found that excessive flare compromised long-term comfort for me. Over the years, I’ve tested a variety of handlebars on my gravel bike, from ENVE’s G-Series to Salsa’s Cowchippers.

The ultrawide flared handlebar trend likely originated in the bikepacking world, designed to provide extra stability while accommodating a handlebar bag between the drops. This design works well for its intended purpose, offering space for gear and additional leverage. However, after spending significant time riding setups suited for both gravel racing and bikepacking, I realized that I didn’t need as much leverage or space for bags as I initially thought—particularly when focusing on gravel race events.

That’s when I discovered the Easton EC90 ALX bars. They strike a perfect balance, offering enough flare for stability without sacrificing comfort or versatility. For me, they’ve proven to be a game-changer, especially for riders transitioning between bikepacking and racing.

Easton says the EC90 ALX handlebar is the lightest and most versatile option for gravel, pavement, and everything in between—a claim that immediately caught my attention. As a multi-discipline rider who transitions between gravel racing, bikepacking, and the occasional technical singletrack to keep things spicy, this handlebar seemed to check all the boxes for my style of riding.

Choosing handlebars can be as tricky as picking a saddle; you don’t truly know if they’re the right fit until you’ve logged some serious miles. The cockpit is such a critical part of the bike that even small changes can make or break your riding experience. Thankfully, after mounting the EC90 ALX bars, I was impressed by how they delivered an ideal balance of comfort and control. From the very first ride, I could see these handlebars becoming a long-term staple in my setup.

On paper, the EC90 ALX bars evolved from a combination of the gravel EC90 AX and road-specific EC90 SLX bars to give riders the best of both worlds, the ability to have a handlebar that can do it all for on and off-road adventures. They are made from a carbon fiber layup making them stiff and lightweight at just 205 grams for the 42cm version. In terms of sizing, Easton offers these bars in 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46cm widths giving riders more options to choose from for their style of riding.

What I like most about these bars is the 10-degree flare. I find it to be the sweet spot for me in terms of what I’m looking for out of a gravel-specific handlebar. It added the stability and leverage I needed for technical climbs and rough gravel and trail sections, along with a flat top to give my hands space to relax during long endurance rides or while bikepacking.

On paper, the EC90 ALX bars are a hybrid of Easton’s gravel-focused EC90 AX and road-specific EC90 SLX models, designed to deliver the best of both worlds. This handlebar aims to be a versatile option for on- and off-road adventures, combining the stiffness and lightweight performance of a premium carbon fiber layup. Weighing just 205 grams for the 42cm version, it’s impressively light. Easton also offers a range of sizes—38, 40, 42, 44, and 46cm—ensuring that riders can find the perfect fit for their style of riding.

Easton Handle Bar Between Plants

The Sum Up

What stands out most to me about the EC90 ALX bars is the 10-degree flare. For my needs, it hits the perfect balance for a gravel-specific handlebar. It provides the stability and leverage I want for technical climbs and rugged gravel or trail sections while maintaining comfort with a flat top that’s perfect for long endurance rides or bikepacking adventures, without the extreme wingspan flare. These thoughtful design elements make the EC90 ALX a reliable choice for riders looking for a do-it-all handlebar.

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Ridden & Written by

Dwayne Burgess (Manual Pedal)

Dwayne_Self-Portrait

This review is based on my personal opinion and experience. All products & parts were purchased on my own and links provided are affiliate partnerships with Amazon.

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