Interbike - Easton

Improving carbon, starting at the molecular level

An example of a carbon nanotube

Easton is bringing carbon nanotube technology—the stuff NASA calls the "strongest fiber man will ever produce"—to its newest handlebars and seatposts, boosting strength by 15-20 percent without adding to the already ultra-low weight. Although the nanotubes measure a billionth of a meter in diameter, they make a huge difference.

It all starts with what science-types call the Buckey Ball, sixty carbon atoms all bonded together into the shape of a soccer ball. This is the carbon we all know at the molecular level. Carbon nanotubes (CNT), on the other hand, are comprised of tons of these soccer balls bonded into tiny tubes.

Easton's Enhanced Resin System uses these nanotubes as filler between standard layers of carbon. Normally, this resin layer is the weak-link and is prone to cracking from extreme impacts and over-tightening. With the addition of CNTs the whole layer is basically bonded together, creating unparalleled strength.

EC90 seatpost

For 2005, the entire line of Easton composite mountain bike bars ($90-$150) will feature CNT technology along with the $220, full-carbon EC90 seatpost. Using the Enhanced Resin System, the new one-piece molded seatpost achieves a feathery 190-gram weight, and will be available in three sizes: 27.2, 30.9 and 31.6mm, each 400mm long. Checkout Eastonbike.com or call 800-991-0070 for all the details.