ENVE has introduced the SES 4.5 AR Disc to its Smart ENVE System aero road wheel line-up.
The SES 4.5 AR Disc is billed as ‘the future of disc specific road wheel development and innovation’. It is available in a tubular model aerodynamically optimized for use with 30c tubular tires and a hookless-bead tubeless clincher model designed for use with 28c clincher style tubeless road tires.
“We developed this wheel to bring aerodynamics back into the equation for professionals on Team Dimension Data racing the Spring Classics. Consequently, the benefits of this wheel extend directly to cyclists of all abilities who frequently ride on old, broken, or otherwise less than perfect road surfaces,” stated Director of Marketing, Jake Pantone.
“In 2015 we went to France to test wheelsets with Team Dimension Data (formerly Team MTN-Qhubeka) on the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix. This experience was the catalyst that kicked off the project to bring wheel aerodynamics into classics racing. In a race that is won or lost on the course’s nearly 50 kilometres of cobblestones, riders are forced to run large volume 30c tires. However, the remaining 200 kilometres are carried out on well-maintained asphalt. On these open roads, those same 30c tires cause costly losses in aerodynamic efficiency, stability, and rolling resistance because they are mounted to rims developed for 23-25c tyres,” stated Chief Engineer, Kevin Nelson.
In 2016, SES 4.5 AR Tubular prototypes were raced at Paris-Roubaix under Team Dimension Data.
“Disc brake road frames with increased tire clearance have given us the opportunity to design front and rear rim shapes that better manage the airflow around wider tires and significantly reduce flow separation. Traditionally, riders are faced with a big trade-off in aerodynamics when opting for the superior grip, rolling resistance, comfort and ride-ability of the high volume tires on rough surfaces. With the SES 4.5 AR Disc, it’s not necessary to compromise aerodynamics, given that the aerodynamic drag reduction and stability are on a par with narrower mid-depth wheelsets. This leads to a new riding experience with the combination of speed holding, vertical compliance and cornering grip,” stated Aerodynamicist Simon Smart.
The SES 4.5 AR Disc is a unique blend of SES disc brake specific technologies and ENVE’s mountain rim technologies. For example, the SES 4.5 AR Disc features a tubeless specific hookless bead design for refined tubeless performance. Dimensionally speaking, the SES 4.5 AR Disc features dissimilar rim geometry and shapes between the front and back rims. The front rim is 49mm deep and 31.2mm wide while the back rim is 55mm deep and 30.5mm wide and both rims feature an internal rim width of 25mm.
The SES 4.5 AR Disc is now shipping to ENVE distribution and retail partners worldwide.
Located in Ogden, Utah, ENVE Composites is a manufacturer of handmade carbon fibre bicycle rims and components. ENVE designs and manufactures 100% of its rims in its Ogden, Utah, USA facility.
The company adds that, by ‘partnering with the prominent frame builders of our time and the world’s best athletes, ENVE combines the best composite technologies with real world athlete feedback to provide our customers with the ultimate in performance, durability, and quality.’
In March 2016 ENVE Composites was acquired by Amer Sports for US$50 million.
