ENVE is launching the new SES wheel line and simplifying the choices. The four product line is now all disk brake, all hookless tubeless and still made in the USA. ENVE is no longer commercially selling its SES rim brake models but will continue to maintain some stock levels for any warranties. The AR line of wheels has in a way been fused into the regular line for a more refined and performance-oriented selection of products.

In the wake of the Roval tubeless hiccup, ENVE has remained a leader in the tubeless category and again takes the top step with their all-new ENVE SES 2.3 tubeless wheelset. They hit the scales at a claimed 1197 grams without tubeless tape and valves (normally around 15-30 added grams). That’s 53 grams lighter than the claimed weight of the new Roval Alpinist CLX II wheels that are “officially” tubeless but still have a hook bead.

For us, the stand-out weights are in the deeper SES 3.4, SES 4.5, and SES 6.7 which all hit the scales very competitively for the depth and width. ENVE tells us that they are using some of their tech developed on the mountain bike side along with new laminates to hit lower weight with much better impact durability.  They also pointed out that the UCI impact height test is their absolute minimum, and all of their wheels are tested and pass with over double the height. This is along with the many other demanding tests they have developed for tubeless wheels for almost a decade. Long story short, ENVE has always required all of their tubeless wheels to pass testing while set up tubeless, something that a few of their competitors can’t claim.

THE NEW VS OLD

All weights are with alloy ENVE disc hub other than the old 4.5 that is rim brake only.	Weight (grams)	Weight Diff vs new (grams)	Internal Width	External Width
NEW SES 3.4	1390	-30	25mm	32mm
OLD 3.4	1420	30	21mm	27.5mm
OLD 3.4 AR	1417	27	25mm	32mm
NEW SES 4.5	1452	-117	25mm	32mm
OLD 4.5 (rim brake only)	1548	96	18.5mm/17mm	27mm/25.5mm
OLD 4.5 AR	1569	117	25mm	31mm/30.5mm
NEW SES 6.7	1497	-56	23mm	30mm/29mm
OLD 5.6	1553	56	20mm/19mm	28.75mm/28mm
OLD 7.8	1651	154	19mm	29mm/27.5mm
NEW SES 2.3	1197	NA	21mm	25mm

 

Overall the new wheels have dropped weight, added width/volume for modern tires and solidified that road tubeless is the path forward. ENVE tells us the new 6.7 is their fastest wheel to date and can still run a 25mm tubeless-ready tire, but is aero optimized for the ENVE SES 27 tire.

The last update is that ENVE has updated their warranty to extend to second-hand owners. If you purchase a set of used ENVE wheels from anyone, you are now covered for 5 years from the date they were produced for defects. ENVE believes in their products and that no matter where you got them they should be covered from manufacturing defects. For more on all warranty info, visit the ENVE website.

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From ENVE

ENVE is pleased to introduce the all-new Smart ENVE System (SES) – a collection of aerodynamic carbon road and triathlon wheels designed to help riders and racers of all abilities and disciplines, roll faster. Now in its fourth generation, the SES wheel line builds upon the brand’s mantra of Real-World Fast and features new shapes and constructions that have been purpose-built for their intended ride applications. The latest SES collection features four wheel models, the SES 2.3, SES 3.4, SES 4.5, and SES 6.7, with the SES 2.3 and SES 6.7 being completely new additions to the line.

The SES wheel line is for the modern road rider, racer, and triathlete and builds upon ENVE’s Real-World Fast design philosophy. By carefully evaluating how wheels, frame, and rider interact with the air in the wind tunnel and on the open road, several truths unfolded for ENVE that have guided modern wheel design.

ENVE Modern Wheel Design

1.  Airflow at the front of the bike differs from that at the back of the bike. All wheels in the SES lineup feature a rim depth and shape that is purpose-built for the flow field within which it exists. Front wheels are shallower than rear wheels and feature a more rounded profile to maximize crosswind stability and control, while the rear wheel profile is deeper, sharper, and more streamlined to maximize power transmission and drag reduction.
2. Speed matters. Nearly all wind tunnel testing is performed at 48 kph/30 mph. However, very few riders spend much time at or above that speed. While important for elite-level racers, developing wheels outside the range of speeds that most riders spend their time within, leaves performance on the table. The SES wheels are designed and tested at both 48 kph/30 mph, and 32 kph/20 mph, resulting in rim shapes that are top-of-class performers at both real-world speeds.
3. Tires play a critical role in a rider’s efficiency. Be it aerodynamics, rolling resistance, or flat protection, a tire can be the difference between your best day or your worst day on the bike. ENVE developed their SES Tire to strike a Real-World Fast balance of aerodynamics, rolling resistance, durability, and hookless bead compatibility. ENVE’s SES Tire is tubeless-ready and available in four sizes – 25, 27, 29, and 31. The new SES lineup was optimized around the SES 27mm tire, which strikes a near-perfect balance of high-volume rolling efficiency, weight, and aero efficiency.
4. Tubeless represents the pinnacle of modern road wheel and tire system performance. Tubeless allows riders to achieve lower rolling resistance, better grip, and fewer flat tires. The SES lineup features ENVE’s patent-pending Wide Hookless Bead which aids in eliminating pinch-flats. The hookless bead rim design ensures that the critical dimensions of the rim, that are required for optimal tubeless performance, are achieved.

“We are extremely excited to introduce the all-new Smart ENVE System to the world. Our Real-World Fast design philosophy, commitment to incremental gains, and holistic approach to performance have allowed ENVE to establish itself as the industry benchmark for road and triathlon wheel performance over the last decade. The new line is more refined, lighter weight, smoother riding, and flat out faster,” stated VP of Product and Brand, Jake Pantone.

Each new SES wheel model is designed for a specific rider and application. In practice, this is demonstrated by the fact that each model in the line features a scaled per intended application Wide Hookless Bead and inner rim width. As an example, the ultra-light SES 2.3 features a narrower Wide Hookless Bead with an inner rim width of 21mm while the more versatile, mixed-surface capable SES 3.4 and SES 4.5 feature a 25mm inner rim width and a substantially larger Wide Hookless Bead. The new SES 6.7 sits in the middle with a 23mm internal rim width.

As early pioneers of modern road tubeless wheel design, ENVE’s new wheel collection is designed for tubeless use only, and all wheel models in the collection feature a hookless bead design. All ENVE’s tubeless compatible wheels, including the latest SES, are compliant with the current ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) tubeless rim with straight-sidewall dimensional standard.

At the center of each new SES wheel is ENVE’s Premium Road Hub. ENVE’s road hub features premium-grade NTN full stainless-steel bearings, a refined lightweight design, optimized flange geometry for power transmission, and a durable 40t ratchet drive system. Introduced in 2018, ENVE hubs also feature Perfect Preload, a technology that eliminates the need for bearing preload adjustments over time and ensures longer bearing life with greater efficiency. While the new SES wheel line is only available from the factory with ENVE hubs, SES rims may still be purchased as rim-only and built to any hub the customer chooses. These custom builds are available from ENVE retailers and custom wheel build partners.

Over the past few years, ENVE has discontinued all tubular road wheel models, and with the introduction of this latest generation, ENVE has announced that they will no longer be manufacturing rims with brake tracks. While ENVE will no longer offer rim brake compatible wheelsets in the aftermarket, they are committed to providing warranty support and service for rim brake products for the next two years.

Like all ENVE rims and wheelsets, the new SES is manufactured at ENVE headquarters in Ogden, Utah, USA, and is backed by ENVE’s Factory Limited Warranty which provides five-year protection against manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship. ENVE recently updated this warranty coverage to extend to secondhand owners as well. In addition to ENVE’s warranty, buyers are also protected by ENVE’s Incidental Damage Protection program. This program was designed to help riders replace products that are damaged while riding, racing, or transporting their products. Original owners of SES wheelsets, who register their wheels, are eligible to receive free rim replacements for the first three years, and a prorated discount thereafter. The customer is responsible for all costs related to shipping, parts, and labor.

Pricing

The all-new SES collection retails for $2850 and is now available through your local ENVE retailer, distributor, ENVE Ride Centers, and ENVE.com.

About Smart

Simon Smart, an ex-Formula One aerodynamicist with fifteen years of engineering experience at the highest level of motor sport, has earned global recognition for his co-development of the Scott Foil, Plasma 3,4,5, Giant Trinity, and ENVE’s Smart ENVE System line of wheels and components. Smart’s distinctive designs have ultimately influenced many time trial, triathlon and road bicycle designs on the market today.

Simon Smart has also established himself as one of the best athlete optimization specialists in the sport through his work with triathletes, road racers, and pro-tour teams. Smart’s talents speak for themselves in the results his products and athletes have achieved. Smart’s business, Smart Aero Technology and Drag 2 Zero are based on the same site as the Mercedes GP – Petronas team headquarters and wind tunnel in Brackley, Northhamptonshire in the United Kingdom.