Rolling resistance tests are used to measure the amount of friction or resistance that exists between the tire and the surface upon which it is rolling. There are many variables that define the rolling efficiency of a tire, namely the roughness of the surface, tire volume, rim volume, air pressure, tread compound, and casing construction. With these factors, one must also consider ancillary performance such as aerodynamics, tread compound, puncture resistance, and weight to truly establish the holistic potential of a tire.  

The goal with the SES Road Tires was to deliver rolling efficiency without compromising other critical performance metrics.

[Lower Watt Number Equals Faster Speed]

Aerodynamics are part of the ENVE SES DNA. In order to meet our real-world-fast criteria, wheels and tires are tested in a variety of modern, complete bicycles as well as alone in the wind tunnel to fully understand the aero opportunity and advantage the product will ultimately deliver. Based on the results generated from CFD and wind tunnel testing, the top candidates are then ridden outside to confirm that the product’s performance translates to the real-world. 

Aero testing is performed in the UK at Drag2Zero under the supervision of aerodynamicist Simon Smart. 

The charts below show weighted average drag across the wind angles of 0, 5, 10, and 15 degrees for a variety of wheel and tire combinations at 30mph/48kph and 20mph/32kph. The frames used for this testing were the latest Trek Madone and Specialized Tarmac SL6. 

[Lower Watt Number Equals Faster Speed]

At ENVE, we have pioneered the reintroduction of the straight-sidewall/hookless bead design. A “hookless” design allows for a stronger, lighter, more efficient, and tubeless friendly rim. To ensure tire compatibility and retention with our rim’s precise bead-seat diameters, we have developed in-house tire testing and qualifications.

Each point on this graph represents the stiffness, diameter, and compressive load data points for nearly every 25mm-32mm tubeless road tire on the market today. If the tire’s bead is too small, it can compress the rim and de-tension the spokes, compromising the wheelbuild. If the tire’s bead is too large, or insufficiently stiff, the tire may struggle to hold a seal, and worse, blow off of the rim.

To paint a more complete picture of real-world tire performance, this chart shows how the SES Road Tire stacks up against the competition in its ability to be both lightweight and puncture resistant.  As you can see, the tires that test best in terms of rolling resistance, are the lightest yet test poorly in puncture resistance. The reverse is true for some of the heavier tires. 

The SES Road Tires strike a refined balance between lightweight, puncture resistance, and longevity that few tires on the market achieve.

[Higher Tread and Sidewall Numbers Represent Better Resistance to Flats]