ENVE has introduced two new gravel wheels as part of its Foundation Collection line that targets the mid-price tier of carbon wheels. The US made AG, or Adventure/Gravel, models deliver gravel technologies and ride characteristics first introduced in ENVE’s G Series line of performance gravel wheels.
As the gravel segment continues to evolve, and the boundaries further blur from where gravel ends and mountain biking begins, the AG25 (700c) and AG28 (650b) have been adapted to provide both the durability and performance necessary from racing to bike packing.
“Since the introduction of the G Series line two and a half years ago, we’ve been enjoying the benefits of purpose-built gravel wheels on our local Utah roads and trails, and at events such as Unbound Gravel, Rebecca’s Private Idaho, Crusher in the Tushar, and the Belgian Waffle Ride,” said ENVE’s Marketing Manager, Neil Shirley.
“What those wheels have delivered to the gravel rider is a more capable wheel with pinch-flat protection, vertical compliance, and low weight. Bringing those design elements to the AG25 and AG28 is exciting knowing more gravel riders, bike packers, and adventurers will be able to experience a higher level of confidence in their wheels.”
With gravel bikes becoming ever-more capable and riders opting for tyre sizes upwards of 50x700c, ENVE’s engineering team identified rim width increases and strength as key objectives for the AG25 and AG28, while still maintaining a high level of compliance.
‘Using on-board data acquisition equipment and aligning it with subjective test ride feedback, ENVE engineers refined the laminate and rim profile to achieve the targeted objectives. The result is a rim design ready for race day and the rigors of backcountry exploration.’
“The purpose of the Foundation Collection is to bring the ENVE ride experience to a broader range of riders,” said Jake Pantone, ENVE’s VP of Product and Brand.
“This is accomplished by simplifying the manufacturing processes, reducing labour costs that go into each wheel, and ultimately being able to offer a lower priced ENVE wheelset. However, despite the lower price of the Foundation Collection, riders can still enjoy the benefits of technologies such as the Wide Hookless Bead and Molded Spoke Hole. Like the mountain and road Foundation models, we held nothing back in making the AG line a quintessential gravel wheelset.”
