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.

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.

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.

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.

Some wheels are now covered by our Lifetime Warranty. If you have any questions if your wheels are included, please send us an email at sales@eastoncycling.com and our customer service team will be able to help you out.

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.