At ENVE, we use only the best materials in the construction of our rims. In this case, 100% unidirectional carbon fiber. Over the years we have developed and identified specific construction methods, resin systems, and manufacturing techniques that best serve the mountain application. The result is that each rim in the M Series, while sharing in pedigree, has a dedicated laminate to ensure the best on-trail performance. As an example, the forces inflicted upon a wheelset by a trail rider on a 130mm bike are very different than the forces exerted on a wheelset used for downhill racing on a 200mm bike. Therefore, the laminate is optimized to create a structure that achieves the desired impact resistance, stiffness, and compliance.

Tubular tires feature a rubber tread sewn onto a tube and they’re glued or taped onto specifically designed rims. Tubulars rims are significantly lighter because the reinforced walls that support a clincher tire are not necessary and the overall wheel and tire system is lighter. Tubular tires are more expensive than their clincher equivalents, harder to change because they’re glued in place and they usually go in the trash after one puncture, negatives that rule them out for most riders most of the time. However, the lower system weight makes a tubular wheelset more responsive when accelerating, climbing, cornering and braking. For this reason, tubulars remain the default choice of professional racers and also many amateurs, and that’s why ENVE is committed to offering the tubular format.

It used to be simple – train on clinchers, race on tubulars – but advances in clincher rim and tire design, plus the arrival of tubeless technology to the road, means that’s no longer the case. The best clincher and tubeless tires now out-perform top tubulars for rolling resistance. What’s more clincher rims and tires also integrate slightly more aerodynamically. For triathlon, grand fondos and nearly all road riding, tubeless/clinchers are recommended. In shorter events, or if you’re lucky enough to have a support car, committed racers will tell you that little else feels as good as a set of superlight tubs leaping out of a corner.

Need to know:
• Lighter and more responsive rims and total wheel and tire package
• Tires must be glued in place
• Recommended for criterium and road racers
• Everyone else is recommended to go tubeless
• Clincher and tubeless tires are more practical

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, 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

Perhaps the ultimate all-round, high performance wheelset, the 4.5 debuted the second generation SES profile. It delivers outright class-leading speed while retaining a very low weight and incredible stability. No wonder it’s the go-to wheel for Team Dimension Data.

The all-new SES rim profile has a significantly revised curvature and increased widths that are optimized for 25mm tires in modern frames with greater clearances. This allows air to flow smoothly over the rim – it remains ‘attached’ – even at high crosswind angles and to reattach quicker after a strong side gust. These important advances make the 4.5 both extremely fast and stable for its depth. In challenging conditions, wind-steer is all but eliminated and side force builds and releases smoothly and predictably, so you can ride and race with complete confidence.

How fast is the 4.5? Compared to the first line of SES wheels, the 4.5 essentially matches the aerodynamics of the older 6.7, which was itself ballistic yet much deeper at 60mm front and 70mm rear, and of course heavier with it. Nothing of a similar depth or weight gets close to the speed of the 4.5.

Need to know:

• Class leading aerodynamics and weight
• Incredible stability in gusty conditions
• Second generation SES rim profile
• All-new rim profiles of 48 and 56mm
• Optimized width for 25mm tires