Since its introduction in 2009, the Smart ENVE System 3.4 has established itself as ENVE’s most versatile and consequently most popular carbon fiber aero road wheelset amongst road cyclists of all abilities. The new SES 3.4 is wider than its predecessor (27.5mm wide external, 21mm internal) to improve rolling resistance and improve aerodynamics for use with 25mm tires and is available in both rim and disc brake models. In addition to added width, the versatile and reliable nature of the SES 3.4 has been augmented by incorporating road tubeless tire compatibility. Road tubeless compatibility means improved rolling resistance, comfort, traction, and a reduced propensity for flat tires. 

Like all SES models, the SES 3.4 features dissimilar rim shapes and geometries between front and back wheels to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and rideability in variable weather conditions. The front rim is 38mm deep and shallower than the rear rim to aid in cross wind stability while the rear rim is 42mm deep and therefore improves overall airflow attachment. 

Disc Brake Construction

At ENVE, we do a lot more than just slap decals over the brake track and lace the same rim to a disc hub. Drawing on our expertise gained developing the world’s best mountain bike wheels, our disc-specific road rims are fully optimized for the format. Freed from the constraints of a heat-proof carbon braking surface, the optimal construction of a road wheel can be reconsidered. The result is a rim that is even lighter, stronger and faster than our standard-setting, group test-winning rim brake wheels.

Carbon brake tracks dictate a lot of rim design. By taking them away and re-engineering the rim we have improved the lateral stiffness, the impact resistance and the weight by 40-60g per rim. While disc hubs mean that total wheelset weights will remain near identical between rim and disc brake wheelsets, the disc brake wheelset will feel more responsive in acceleration, steering and braking because the mass has been shifted from the rim (higher rotational inertia) to the hub (lower rotational inertia).

Need to know:

• Disc-specific construction with no brake tracks
• Rims are lighter by 40-60g per rim
• Impact resistance increased
• Greater lateral stiffness

Rim Brake Technologies

Rim models use our patented molded carbon brake track technology while disc models are designed with a shape and laminate specifically for compatibility with disc brakes.    Text text text about rim brakesEqually at home in the mountains as in the valleys, the SES 3.4 is the most versatile Smart ENVE System wheelset. 

Since the introduction of the original SES 3.4, we’ve implemented new design concepts across the SES lineup that result in a faster wheel and improved ride experience. The SES 3.4 now features road tubeless compatibility, 25mm tire optimization, and optimized SES aero rim shaping to ensure maximum efficiencies for a shallow aero wheel. 

The second generation SES 3.4 features the latest evolution of our patented Smart ENVE System aerodynamic rim shaping to take its performance and versatility to another level. This is a lightweight wheel for the mountains with real aerodynamic performance to boost your speed on the flat and exceptional stability. BikeRadar.com said “They sure feel fast [and] immune to the wind.”

Differentiated rim depths are fundamental to the SES range, delivering optimized aerodynamics along with incredible stability thanks to the highly developed rim profile and the shallower front rim. For the second generation of the 3.4, the depths have been revised to 38mm at the front and 42mm at the rear, with the extra benefit of a more refined aesthetic.

The external width of 27.5mm is set for optimal aerodynamic integration with a 25mm tire, allowing you to enjoy improved comfort, grip and rolling resistance without sacrificing speed. Inside the rim, the tire bed shape and width also play important roles in maximizing the performance of the tire, providing more volume which leads to even lower rolling resistance.

Need to know:

• Second generation SES rim profile
• Exceptional stability in gusty conditions
• Class leading balance of aero versus weight
• Refined depth ratio of 38mm front to 42mm rear
• Optimized width for 25mm tires

Molded Carbon Brake Track

With near equal wet and dry performance, 30% less lever force required for the same stopping power and exceptional heat management, it’s no wonder that BikeRadar.com said our latest brake track “sets new standards for carbon wheels”. Your rim brake bike will be given a huge braking performance boost.

There are three elements of the brake track, all the product of relentless research and development. First is the molded-in brake surface texture which provides more friction and allows water to be cleared almost instantly. Second is the advanced high-temp resin system which eliminates the heat build-up issues that other carbon clinchers can suffer, so you can ride long descents with total confidence. Third is our unique ENVE Black pad compound which is designed to work with the molded texture to provide incredible all-weather stopping power along with good durability.

Need to know:

• The best carbon braking, period. Near equal wet and dry performance
• 30% less lever force required for the same stopping power
• Advanced high-temp resin system eliminates heat build-up issues during heavy braking on long descents
• Specific ENVE Black Carbon Brake Pads included

Tubeless Compatible

Greater speed, comfort, grip and puncture resistance – what’s not to like about road tubeless? With the selection of a high performance tire at the right pressure, you can achieve lower rolling resistance and more speed. Tubeless also allows you to run much lower tire pressures for far greater comfort, traction, and efficiency, especially over poor road surfaces and gravel, all without sacrificing speed. The potential for pinch flats and, with sealant, debris punctures is all but eliminated.

ENVE recognized early that road tubeless technology is here to stay and we drew on our years of experience making the world’s best mountain bike wheels to optimize the SES range for tubeless (excluding the current SES 4.5). With rims going wider and frames giving more tire clearance, the key aspects of bike design were aligned to make tubeless the best choice: wider rims make it easier to mount tubeless tires. Disc brakes add even more benefits for tubeless, typically allowing larger tires as well as removing issues of heat at the rim.

Need to know:

• Tubeless optimized design
• Faster rolling
• Higher grip
• Greater comfort
• Outstanding puncture resistance