Wheel and accessories specialist ENVE has announced the G Series, ‘a product line focused on the needs of modern gravel racers and riders’. The G Series incorporates two purpose built gravel wheelsets named the G23 (700c) and G27 (650b). According to the company, ‘the G Series wheels meet specific design objectives that represent ENVE’s take on a purpose built gravel wheel.’
Objectives include lightweight for efficiency and speed, optimized rim widths for specific tyre volumes, tubeless construction, anti-flat technology, structural durability, and ride quality.
ENVE notes that gravel riding is growing around the world and bicycle frame manufacturers are responding with new products that cater to the needs of gravel riders and racers. However, the company adds that ‘most high-end carbon and alloy wheel manufacturers are simply repurposing wheel models that were originally designed for road and mountain bike applications.’
‘While this is a solution, ENVE found that this practice leaves performance on the table and fails to deliver an improved ride experience. ENVE, as builders of the world’s best road and mountain bike rims, realized that the perfect gravel wheel did not exist in the ENVE wheel line or the aftermarket, and responded accordingly through the development and introduction of the G Series.’
According to ENVE, the G Series full-carbon tubeless clinchers are the lightest weight clincher rims the brand has ever brought to production. At 330g and 320g respectively, the G23 and G27 rims can be assembled into wheelsets that weigh less than 1300g.
ENVE’s VP of Product and Consumer Experience Jake Pantone said, “Given that gravel bikes are generally unsuspended or at best, lightly suspended, we aimed to develop a rim with more vertical compliance and energy absorption to deliver more comfort, confidence, impact toughness, and ultimately speed to the gravel ride experience.”
The G Series features a ‘bell shaped’ rim profile that aids in weight saving and ‘lets the rim respond dynamically to energy inputs from ground’s surface allowing for a more smooth and efficient ride.’
In terms of strength and durability, ENVE claims that the new G Series wheels are tested to a mountain wheel standard that is tailored to the demands of gravel. As with all ENVE products, the G Series is backed by ENVE’s 5-Year Warranty, which covers impact damage.
Each G Series wheel model features ENVE’s Wide Hookless Bead technology that was introduced in late 2017 when ENVE unveiled its latest M Series. As the naming suggests, the Wide Hookless Beads are unconventionally wide at 4.5mm. According to ENVE, the purpose of this technology is to reduce the likelihood of pinch-flatting a tubeless tyre or cracking the rim. The technology accomplishes this task by working in parallel with the rim’s shape and carbon laminate to absorb and dissipate impact energy thus protecting the tyre from pinch-flatting and the rim from cracking.
“The inspiration for the Wide Hookless Bead technology comes from sitting on the side of the road or trail fixing flat tyres,” said ENVE Design Engineer Clint Child. “We understand intimately that nothing puts the damper on a fun ride like a flat tyre. In gravel, the problem is exacerbated given that tyre volumes and tyre pressures are lower than you have in mountain biking, but with gravel, the bikes have little to no suspension. The Wide Hookless Bead technology can eliminate pinch-flats and allows riders to run their perfect tyre pressure.’
The G Series G23 is a 700c rim that features an internal rim width of 23mm and is optimized for tyres between 35mm and 45mm. Rider’s looking for ‘maximum versatility, speed and efficiency will gravitate towards the G23 paired with a 40mm tyre’.
The G Series G27 is a 650b rim that features an internal rim width of 27mm and is optimized for tyres between 2.0 and 2.25 inches. ‘Riders who frequent rough and loose terrain, primarily ride dirt, and prioritize traction and stable control over flat out speed will gravitate towards the G27.’
The G Series is available now and shipping to North American customers. Global shipments and availability will commence in early July.
