The best way to know WHY ENVE, is to ride a pair for yourself.
The ENVE Demo program allows you to ride ENVE on your own bike, on your own terms. Therefore, we invite you to put the ENVE wheelset of your choice through the paces and feel the ENVE difference in the real world.
The SES 3.4 AR is the embodiment of the modern disc brake only road wheelset. Aerodynamically optimized for high volume tires (28-32mm), lightweight for long days in the mountains, high volume for all roads, and arguably the most versatile wheelset we’ve ever made.
In 2016 we launched the SES 4.5 AR a wheelset ahead of its time. Since then, road riders, frame manufacturers, and tire makers have all caught the high volume vision which has propelled the one of its kind 4.5 AR to be our most popular selling wheel in North America where the high volume all road movement has gained the most traction. As more bikes are created that can accommodate tire clearances up to 32mm, we saw the need to create a more versatile, climber friendly SES AR wheelset and the SES 3.4 AR was born.
• Real world aerodynamics, optimized around 28mm to 32mm tubeless tires
• Wide Hookless Bead Anti-Pinch Flat Technology
• Disc brake specific materials and construction
• Low weight leader in category
• Tubeless only design – Hookless beads
The SES 3.4 AR is the definitive modern road wheelset and is aerodynamically optimized to maximize drag reduction when paired with high volume 28mm to 32mm tubeless compatible road tires. While frontal area is increased slightly with these wider tires, the coefficient of rolling resistance is reduced to a level that more than counteracts the losses in aero efficiency due to the dimensions of the wheel and tire combination. Like all SES wheelsets, the SES 3.4 AR is developed on a foundation of real world performance and was optimized at speeds as low as 20mph/32kph to ensure aero efficiencies are attained by riders of all abilities. The SES 3.4 AR features a full carbon fiber disc brake specific construction to maximize weight savings, making it an excellent choice for riders seeking an adept climbing wheel. Consequently, the SES 3.4 AR is the lightest road wheel on the market in its category. Given the wheel’s intent for mountain and mixed surface riding on high volume tires, riders who seek more confidence when descending technical mountain descents will find their solution in the SES 3.4 AR. The additional tire volume means more traction that inspires confidence over the most variable road surfaces. To further ensure mixed and allroad performance, the SES 3.4 AR has been optimized for road tubeless performance and features a hookless bead design that allows for the precise rim dimensions required to achieve the best tubeless performance. To further tubeless tire and rim reliability, the full carbon wheelset features ENVE’s patent pending Wide Hookless Bead which is a design element at the leading edge of the rim that provides a surface that when impacted, will reduce the likelihood of pinch flatting a tubeless tire. With these features, and an internal rim width of 25mm the SES 3.4 AR may also be used with tires greater than 32mm and ridden in mixed surface road events like the Belgian Waffle Ride or even gravel events such as Dirty Kanza when aerodynamics are prioritized.
To better serve you we’ve created a page to stay up to date with tire compatibility. See all compatible tire models here.
Tubeless Kit:
-2x valve stems
-1x roll of tape (good for taping 3 wheels)
-2x Pressure Relief Valve Stem Nuts
Skewers 100/135mm (QR only)
Accessory Bag
Wheel Manual
Wheelbuild Card
| Clincher | Front | Rear | Wheelset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rim Weight | 387g | 394g | 781g |
| ENVE Alloy Disc CL | 643g | 774g | 1417g |
| i9 Torch Classic CL | 626g | 773g | 1399g |
| King R45 CL | 657g | 780g | 1436g |
| Rim Specs | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | 39mm | 43mm |
| Internal Width | 25mm | 25mm |
| External Width | 32mm | 32mm |
| Hole Count | 24 | 24 |
| Effective Rim Diameter | 578 | 571 |
| Aero Optimized Tire Size (ONLY TUBELESS-READY TIRES MAY BE USED ON THESE RIMS) | 28c-32c | 28c-32c |
| Spoke Information* | Front Length (NDS/DS) | Rear Length (NDS/DS) | Spoke Cross |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENVE Alloy CL | 280mm / 282mm | 278mm / 276mm | 2X |
| i9 Torch Classic CL | 280mm / 282mm | 278mm / 272mm | 2X |
| Chris King R45 CL | 276mm / 276mm | 274mm / 272mm | 2X |
| *This wheelset is built with Sapim CX Ray spokes. |
The distinguishing feature of all SES rims is that the front and rear rims are designed specifically for their respective positions on the bike. The front rim is shallower and wider that the rear to maximize stability ensuring rider confidence. The rear rim is deeper to maximize air flow reduction. In the case of the SES AR rims shapes, they are been optimized for 28-32mm tires with 28mm tires providing the maximum drag reduction and highest performance handling characteristics.
Additionally, we at ENVE view aerodynamics through the lens of the real world rider and focus our development efforts to provide real benefits to our customers, not just the data output from the wind tunnel. As an example, SES AR rim shapes were tested at 32kph/20mph as well as the more traditional 48kph/30mph to ensure that aero efficiencies are maximized at the speeds where rider’s need them most.
In 2017, ENVE introduced the patent pending Wide Hookless Bead anti pinch-flat and rim protection technology. This technology creates a wide leading edge for the tire to impact against, dissipating the impact energy across a larger surface area and reducing trauma to the tire that frequently results in a pinch-flat. Because this technology reduces the likelihood of a pinch-flat, the rim becomes less susceptible to impact damage – raising ENVE’s own bar of reliability.
While disc brakes are a relatively new to road cycling, they have been standard equipment on mountain bikes for nearly 20 years and we’ve been making disc brake specific mountain bike rims since day one. Given our experience in making mountain bike rims, we had a bit of a head start when it came time to develop disc brake specific rims for the road.
On the surface one carbon rim looks a lot like the next, but a rim’s quality is all in the details of the laminate. ENVE SES Disc wheelsets feature disc brake optimized full carbon construction. By sweating these details, ENVE SES Disc rims lead the industry in weight savings. Given our experience developing carbon rims capable of withstanding the demands of the world’s best mountain bike racers on the most demanding courses, SES disc brake specific construction also delivers industry leading impact toughness and reliability.
The SES 3.4 AR features the same tubeless tire bed design as ENVE G Series gravel and M Series mountain wheels. That is to say, the SES 3.4 AR features a hook bead free design. The reasons for this type of construction are as follows.
Aerodynamic Performance – The hookless bead is completely flat on the inner wall, allowing for a more refined interface between tire and rim, improving airflow performance.
Tubeless Performance – While tubeless is relatively new to the road, it has been the standard in mountain biking for over 15 years. Optimized tubeless performance, that is to say a tubeless rim and tire combination that doesn’t leak air or burp air when impacted, is only possible when the tire and rim dimensions are within prescribed tolerances so that the tire can achieve a seal on the tire bed of the rim. By eliminating hookbeads, our rim’s bead seat dimensions can be molded to more exacting tolerances, maximizing safety and ensuring reliable tubeless performance.
©2020 ENVE
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Voltaire Cao –
How many hours/week do you ride? 6-15
What is your age bracket? 36-45
Let’s just say I had been more than satisfied and utterly impressed with this pair of wheels. I had the opportunity to build an epic steed to add to the quiver to be my all around bike. A collab with Giant I picked up a 2020 Giant TCR SL0 disc SRAM AXS Etap in the exclusive chameleon green. Living up to the TCR’s racing heritage I fitted a pair of Enve 3.4 AR’s with Enve hubs. These wheels absolutely fly and climb all at the same time. I run the Vittoria Corsa Speed 28mm tubeless tires. Intrigued by the AR line I am now believer of the technology of its recommended softer pressure (65 psi), a wider hookless bead, and its aero/climbing potential. These wheels really do it all. I’ve ridden the bike for 7 months and its an absolute dream. I haven’t had a flat since the day I mounted them on the bike. It climbs like a goat and descends and holds the flats with confidence just wanting more. With several discussions with Enve Tech (Shelby) he gave me the history and R & D that went into the Enve Alloy Hubs. Simply explaining that it took the best features of the two benchmark hub brands I wanted to give it a try. I have been impressed. It rolls , it rolls , with the best of them. It simply competes in any elite group ride with the popular competitive brands but backed by the Enve Warranty for piece of mind I am satisfied. It’s aero, fast, light, comfortable and soooo versatile. With a 25mm inner width rim I can put up to a 45mm gravel/ 2.1 tire. That’s crazy!!!I did wish that the hub free wheel sound was a little louder as I whisper “On your left”… You guys nailed it! Thank you.
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Aaron Casey –
How many hours/week do you ride? 6-15
What is your age bracket? 26-35
I purchased the 3.4AR disc wheels with I9 hubs in 2018 after I rode my fiancee’s ENVE’s a little racing the season before. I needed a wheelset primarily for the DK200, and bonus points if it would do well outside of that. I’ve effectively ridden these wheels for a year and a half every day, and I am super impressed with them. They have been smashed on mountain bike trails where I’ve folded aluminum rims, they raced the DK200, and SBT gravel, as well as doing tons of training miles for both of those events. Like another set of ENVEs I worked on in a previous life as a bike mechanic, these are straight as an arrow with no maintenance. Every new tire that I have installed on these rims has setup tubeless with a floor pump, and no extra hassle.
I purchased a competitor’s product about three months ago and have already had the front wheel replaced for a quality issue, and the replacement wheel needed to be trued out of the box. The rear wheel, after significantly less use also needs some time with the spoke wrench.
The single, solitary downside to the AR wheels has been the tire choice. Of course, that said ENVE is obviously putting in the work testing as the list gets longer every week, so that shouldn’t be much of a turn off anymore!
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Michael McClure –
How many hours/week do you ride? 6-15
What is your age bracket? 46-55
Scored a pair of these for my “all road” bike this season after LOVING the ride of my “regular” SES 3.4 Discs that I got last season. The same solid feel, the same lightweight aero benefits as the SES 3.4’s, but the wider rim provides a more solid feeling platform when running larger tires. Dressed mine up with Schwalbe G-One’s in a 35c and although have only been out on a few rides, this combo feels like it will be the perfect wheel set for some of the longer adventures I have planned for this season…
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Elliott Nolan –
How many hours/week do you ride? 6-15
What is your age bracket? 36-45
I ran the rim brake SES 3.4 enve wheels for years on road and loved them, but these new 3.4AR’s are a total game-changer. They have just the right amount of aero without you getting blown around and the handling that was already great was taken to new levels. The wider rim and tires make such a difference in ride quality (I run 50-55 PSI now with 28’s and weigh 150lbs). The ability to throw gravel tires on for epic gravel rides and races is not something I would have considered in my old road-mentality but absolutely something I do with these wheels. You can truly ride them everyday and in all conditions. You won’t be disappointed with this wheelset!
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Scott Huntley –
How many hours/week do you ride? 6-15
What is your age bracket? 46-55
I purchased these wheels as a combo road/gravel wheel set. They have delivered all that I would expect. Super fast on the road. Chris King hubs don’t disappoint either. Love my ENVE’s!
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