When discussing the Smart ENVE System 3.4 with riders who have just pedaled them for the first time, the words frequently used to describe the experience are, “versatile, stable, smooth, snappy, solid, and fast”.
 
Pro Cycling called these wheels, “the best we’ve ridden”.
 
The new Smart ENVE System 3.4s just got better and are now available in a clincher model.  The 3.4s are specifically designed as a multi-purpose wheelset that can be used in virtually all weather conditions, terrains and disciplines. The 3.4s, being shallower, offer maximum performance characteristics for professional and novice riders alike in mountainous terrain, or when the wind conditions are too strong for the 6.7s or 8.9s. The 3.4 wheel system is capable of producing very low drag numbers similar to other company’s 50-60mm deep wheels, while creating a higher stability index given its shallower depth. The front rim is 26mm wide and 35mm deep while the rear is 24mm wide and 45mm deep.

THE EVOLUTION OF SPEED. INTRODUCING THE SMART ENVE SYSTEM.

The recipe for a fast wheel is no one single element; rather, it’s a combination of factors. When you start with in-frame development and blend proven aerodynamics, optimized stability, lightweight, stiffness and durability, the result is a revolutionary wheel design. Introducing the Smart ENVE System.

SPEED

The Smart ENVE System optimizes the interface between the frame surfaces and the wheels, creating an integrated system. The front and rear wheels interact differently with the air and the rest of the bicycle. Rim shapes are optimized to allow airflow to stay attached at higher yaw angles, thus reducing drag and improving ride performance.

• The front wheel is wider and shallower to improve stability and reduce drag in any wind condition.
• The rear wheel is deeper to reduce drag where stability is less affected.
• Wheels were tested on multiple frame designs in order to produce the maximum drag reduction. The result is a wheel system, which handles predictably, and displays superior drag results when installed in multiple bicycle frame designs.

STABILITY

Steering feedback in variable conditions needs to be predictable to have total handling confidence. Less predictable wheels have a non-linear steering response, resulting in erratic and unpredictable handling in unsteady conditions. The shape of the Smart ENVE System rim is optimized to ensure even and predictable airflow attachment. What the rider experiences is a balanced build up of side force as the angle of crosswind changes. This allows the rider to accurately predict the handling mannerisms of the wheel and avoid dangerous over correction cycles.

• The focus on steering stability resulted in improved handling and confidence in varying crosswinds.
• Therefore, the wheel shape was optimized to produce a predictable and linear response.
• The target stability gradient was 1.0.

STRONG, STIFF, LIGHT – THE ENVE PROCESS

ENVE is renowned for developing the strongest, stiffest and lightest rims on the market. This durability is proven across all disciplines of the sport including being the first and only carbon wheel to podium at World Cup DH events. All ENVE products, including the Smart ENVE System, share this advanced manufacturing technology. These technologies involve:

• Highest strength to weight ratio in the industry.
• Proprietary molded in spoke hole technology.
• Textured braking surface allowing for a more positive engagement and better braking in wet conditions.

* Weights calculated using 20/24 hole count and DT Aerolite bladed spokes.
**ERD includes additional length for internal nipples
Tubular recommended tire pressure: 100 - 140 psi

Warning: when using Non-Locking brake holders, DO NOT apply the brakes while simultaneously rotating the wheel backwards.  Failure to do so may result in ejection of the brake pad resulting in serious harm, accident, bodily injury or death. Note: Campy has redesigned their brake pad holder from 2010 (non-locking) to 2011 (locking). Make sure you are using the correct pad at all times.

May 2012 - Smart ENVE System Clincher Rims
Dec. 2011 - ProCycling  ENVE 3.4 Test
Oct. 2011 - ProCycling 3.4 Review
July 2011 - Lava: "ENVE-ous debut, SMART approach"
June 2011 - Velonews: "Game changer: Smart ENVE 6.7 rims and wheelsets"
June 2011 - ProCycling "Lust & ENVE"
June 2011 - Cycling News: "Enve wheels: can "aero" get any quicker?"

Stability Index
This is by far the most important variable, and it has taken extensive research to define a wheel shape that is both fast and stable. All three wheel systems have a very similar level of stability, and are optimized for speed and ride ability... Read more

The ENVE Process
In designing ENVE wheels, our engineers set out to produce the strongest, fastest, stiffest, lightest and most durable and reliable wheels on the planet... Read more

 Smart/ENVE Process
Simon Smart, an ex Formula One aerodynamicist with fifteen years of engineering experience at the highest level of motor sport, earned global recognition for his design and development of the Giant Trinity and Scott Plasma 3 TT frames in the wind tunnel... Read more

Documents:
Wind Tunnel Data(graphs) .pdf
Spoke Calculator .xlsm
Spoke Chart .pdf

WIND TUNNEL DATA - Wheelset in frame

All testing of the Smart ENVE System wheels were performed using Vittoria 23c and Continental 22c tires. All comparisons: 40 kph (Normalized and aparatus drag removed)

Key:

All wheelsets in this comparison are clincher.

Cannondale SuperSix: