Jul. 21, 2025
Hardware
Out on the trails, your wheels will regularly meet rocks, drops and jumps, and often at great speed. It’s important that you can rely on your wheels to stay true and spin freely for many miles.
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Your riding discipline and style will need to be taken into consideration when deciding which wheels to purchase. Cross Country riding is less damaging to wheelsets, and riders will want to save as much weight as they can. On the other hand, downhill riders will need a strong wheelset if they are to get to the bottom of the course safely.
If you’re using a bike with disc brakes, you need to ensure the wheelset you choose is compatible with disc brakes. Most modern mountain bike wheelset upgrades will use either the 6-bolt type disc rotor fitment, or Shimano’s ‘Centre-lock’ fitment. These are interchangeable between bikes, however if you opt to change from one rotor fitment to another, you may need to replace the rotors themselves.
If your bike uses rim brakes, the rim needs to have a braking surface, which disc-specific wheelsets do not have. Using a disc-specific wheel rim with rim brakes is highly dangerous.
With 26, 27.5 (650b) and 29 inch wheels available, it’s important to double check the wheels you’re buying are the same size and fitment as the wheels you’re replacing.
The front wheel hub is available in three axle sizes:
The rear wheel hub is available in a wider, and often less obvious range of axle sizes. If you are unsure, you can check the specification of your bike in the user manual, or with the manufacturer online.
The wheelset diameter and axle fitment needs to coincide with your frame and fork. If the axle is the wrong fitment, you will not be able to safely secure it in the bike frame. If the wheel is a larger or smaller diameter, it may still physically fit in the bike, however the bike’s handling and performance will be drastically compromised.
Some manufacturers (like Hope and Halo) provide end adapters which can be used to convert their hubs from one fitment to another. These are ideal if you’re planning to use your new wheelset on more than one bike, as they can be easily converted.
One of the first things to consider when upgrading your wheelset is the type of tyres you wish to use, either clincher or tubular.
Clincher wheels use tyres with a wire bead to hold them in place on the rim, and are inflated using an inner tube.
Tubular wheels use closed-tube tyres which are glued to the rim before being inflated. Though tubular wheels are lighter than clincher, punctures cannot easily be repaired roadside, so they are typically only used for racing.
For racing purposes, aerodynamic rim profiles are popular, as they reduce the wind resistance of the bike at speed. These can be identified by a deep-section shape around the rim. Aero wheels may also use bladed spokes, with shallow flat profiles that ‘cut’ through the air.
In a straight line, aero wheels can dramatically reduce the wind resistance of your bike, however they are more susceptible to buffeting when riding in a crosswind. Depending on the depth of the rim profile you opt for, you may need also to purchase inner tubes with extended valve lengths, or fit valve extenders to them.
The vast majority of road wheels have a diameter of 700c, with tyre widths ranging from 20-32mm. The width of road wheels may differ slightly to accommodate different size tyres, which can vary between manufacturers. If you have a specific tyre width you wish to run on your bike, we recommend checking with the rim manufacturer which width is recommended.
With the introduction of disc brake road bikes, thru-axle standards from mountain bikes have been adopted to help cope with the additional loads placed on the frame & fork. The commonly found axle sizes on road bikes are:
Front
Rear
If you are unsure which axle fitment your bike has, we recommend checking the bike’s original user manual, or checking with the manufacturer directly.
Those who want to ride the best choose ENVE. Its carbon wheels are beloved in the cycling world, and renowned almost as much for their price as they are for their engineering and quality. For many riders, they’re worth every penny. Every ENVE rim is made here in the USA and designed to maximize strength, stiffness, weight, and aerodynamics. Plus, they’re backed by ENVE’s generous Lifetime Protection Plan and Five-Year Warranty.
But with so many options in ENVE’s catalog, how do you choose the right wheels? This quick guide will break down the differences between ENVE’s different wheel series and models, so you can find the best wheelset for your ride.
Contents:
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Models
SES 2.3
SES 3.4
SES 4.5
SES 6.5
SES 7.8
Depth (front/rear)
28/32mm
39/43mm
49/55mm
60/67mm
71/78mm
Internal Width
21mm
25mm
25mm
23mm
19mm
External Width
25mm
32mm
32mm
30/29mm
29/27.5mm
Optimal tire
27mm
27mm
27mm
27mm
25mm
Compatible tire
25-32mm
27-50mm
27-50mm
25-32mm
21-28mm
Brake type
Disc
Disc
Disc
Disc
Disc or Rim
Weight
1,197g
1,390g
1,452g
1,497g
1,652g
Best for…
Extreme climbing
Climbing
Rolling terrain
Flat terrain
Time trials
ENVE SES (Smart ENVE System) wheels are among the fastest road wheels around and are designed to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and stability in crosswinds. SES wheels accomplish this by using different rim shapes for the front and rear. The front wheel is wider and shallower to improve stability while the rear is deeper to maximize drag reduction. SES wheels are tested extensively in the wind tunnel at different speeds and yaw angles to ensure they are as fast as possible in real-world riding conditions.
In , ENVE updated the entire SES wheel line. The latest SES wheels are 10% lighter, and have wider internal rim widths and tubeless optimized hookless beads to suit modern road and all-road tires. They also use ENVE’s Wide Hookless Bead. The edge of the rim bead is wider and flatter than a standard rim bead so it’s less likely to cut the tire during a harsh bottom-out, preventing pinch flats.
For SES wheels, higher numbered model names indicate deeper section rims. The deeper the rim, the more aerodynamic it is. The trade-off for deeper rims is increased weight, so choosing the right rim depth will depend on your local terrain and riding preferences.
Pure climbers and weight weenies will love the featherweight SES 2.3. After reviewing them, they've become my go-to climbing wheels
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For the majority of cyclists, the SES 3.4 or SES 4.5 model will be the best choices for all-around riding. The SES 3.4 strikes a nice compromise between aerodynamics and weight. They are ideal for hilly or mountainous terrain.
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The deeper SES 4.5 will suit faster terrain that is rolling or flat, but they are also still light enough to handle occasional big climbs. The ultra-deep SES 6.7 and 7.8 wheels will be best on flat terrain or for time trials.
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+ SES wheels are disc-brake-only and tubeless-ready. The only exception is the SES 7.8 but we expect that model to be updates soon to match current standards. SES wheels are available laced to ENVE's Premium alloy hub. Older (pre-) models are available with ENVE alloy, Industry 9, or Chris King hubs.
Models
SES 3.4 AR
SES 4.5 AR
Depth
39/43mm
49/55mm
Internal Width
25mm
25mm
External Width
32mm
31/30.5mm
Tire Width
27-32mm
27-32mm
Tubeless
Yes
Yes
Brake
Disc
Disc
Weight (alloy hub)
1,417g
1,569g
Best for…
Hilly all-road terrain
Rolling or flat all-road terrain
SES AR (all-road) rims are designed for the latest generation of endurance and all-road bikes. ENVE engineers created SES AR rims with the specific goal of fitting wider tires to improve ride quality on rough roads while maintaining aero efficiency. To do this, the rims have an external width that’s very close to the tire width to smooth airflow and keep it attached. Until the arrival of the SES AR wheels, aero wheels wide enough for 32mm tires were unheard of, but the introduction of disc brakes made it possible. SES AR wheels are the best option for all-road riders who leave the pavement to explore rough and mixed surfaces like cobbles, dirt, and gravel.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Hand Held Profile Wheels. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Related links:Note: With the SES wheel line update, ENVE has eliminated the AR moniker. The new (+) SES 3.4 and 4.5 wheels are wider to match the previous-generation AR-Series wheels.
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Like the standard SES wheels, higher numbered model names indicate deeper section rims. The SES 3.4 AR blends aerodynamics and light weight to suit hilly terrain and big climbs. The deeper SES 4.5 AR is designed to excel in cobble classics like Paris-Roubaix and will suit flatter and faster terrain.
SES AR wheels are disc-brake-only. They are available with ENVE alloy, Industry 9, or Chris King hubs. The SES 3.4 AR is tubeless-ready. The SES 4.5 AR is tubeless-only, meaning it can be run with tubes, but must always be used with tubeless-ready tires.
Models
ENVE 45
ENVE 65
Depth
45mm
65mm
Internal Width
21mm
21mm
External Width
28mm
28mm
Tire Width
25-28mm
25-28mm
Tubeless
Yes - Tubeless tires only
Yes - Tubeless tires only
Brake
Disc
Disc
Weight (alloy hub)
1,541g
1,641g
Best for…
General road riding
Flat roads and Time trials
ENVE’s Foundation road wheels are a lower-cost alternative to its top-of-the-line SES wheels. Price is reduced by using a single rim profile for the front and rear (SES wheels use a different rim profile for the front and rear). They are also built with a simplified version of ENVE’s alloy disc hub or Industry 9’s budget-friendly 1/1 hubs and use cheaper spokes.
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There are two Foundation road wheelsets available — the ENVE 45 and 65, which have 45mm and 65mm depths respectively. They are both tubeless-ready and disc-brake-only. Overall, they weigh slightly more than an SES equivalent and sacrifice a tiny bit of aero efficiency for affordability. For the majority of road riders though, Foundation wheels will provide more than enough performance.
"What's the deal with that patch?" Our Ride Guides often get questions about the patch pictured above. You see it in the bed of every ENVE carbon rim. Not to worry! These rims weren't broken and repaired. The patch is a normal part of ENVE's fabrication process. Once the carbon has cured, ENVE pulls the compression bladder out of that small hole and patches it up before assembling the wheel. ENVE's engineers are pretty clever, so you can trust that this process doesn't compromise the rim's integrity.
Models
G23
G27
Diameter
700c
650b
Depth
25mm
25mm
Internal Width
23mm
27mm
External Width
31.5mm
35.5mm
Tire Width
33-45mm
42-57mm (2.25”)
Weight (alloy hub)
1,305g
1,275g
Best for…
Fast gravel
Chunky gravel
ENVE G-Series wheels are designed to be the ultimate gravel race wheel and focus on three key elements: weight, durability, and flat protection. Wheelsets only weigh around 1,300 grams, meaning G-Series wheels are among the lightest gravel-specific wheels on the market. To achieve this low weight while maintaining strength and durability, G-Series rims use a bell-shaped design that increases the rim’s ability to absorb and damp harsh impacts. This is paired with ENVE’s wide hookless bead, first used on its M-Series mountain bike wheels. The edge of the rim bead is wider and flatter than a standard rim bead so it’s less likely to cut the tire during a harsh bottom-out, preventing pinch flats.
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G-Series wheels come in a 700c version (G23) and a 650b version (G27). The numbered model names correspond to the rim’s internal width. G-Series wheels are disc-brake-only and available with ENVE alloy, Industry 9, or Chris King hubs. And of course, they are tubeless-ready.
Model
AG25
AG28
Diameter
700c
650b
Depth
21mm
21mm
Internal Width
25mm
28mm
External Width
33.5mm
36.5mm
Tire Width
36-50mm
47-57mm (2.25”)
Weight (alloy hub)
1,480g
1,480g
Best for…
Fast gravel
Chunky gravel
ENVE’s AG Foundation gravel wheels are a lower-cost alternative to its top-of-the-line G Series wheels. Price is reduced by using external molded spoke holes and nipples (G Series wheels use internal molded spoke holes which are stronger and lighter). They are also built with a simplified version of ENVE’s alloy disc hub or Industry 9’s budget-friendly 1/1 hubs and use cheaper spokes. The rims retain the wide hookless bead to prevent pinch flats and are also 4mm shallower than G-Series rims for increased compliance.
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AG Foundation wheels come in a 700c version (AG25) and a 650b version (AG28). The numbered model names correspond to each rim’s internal width. Compared to G-Series wheels, AG Foundation wheels weigh about 200 grams more and sacrifice some stiffness, but provide more comfort.
Photo: Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool
ENVE M-Series mountain bike wheels made history in when they became the first carbon wheels to win a World Cup downhill race. Since then, ENVE has continued to lead the way in carbon mountain bike wheel design. ENVE uses “application specific design” for its M-Series wheels, meaning each model has a carbon lay-up and spoke count specifically tuned to achieve the ideal balance of weight, stiffness, and durability for particular riding disciplines. M5 and M6 Series wheels prioritize weight reduction for XC racing and trail riding while M7 and M9 Series wheels prioritize durability for enduro and downhill racing.
M5 and M6 Series wheels were the first to feature ENVE’s wide hookless bead. The edge of the rim bead is wider and flatter than a standard rim bead so it’s less likely to cut the tire during a harsh bottom-out, preventing pinch flats without the need for a tire inserts.
M7 and M9 Series wheels are more gravity-oriented, and instead of the wide hookless bead, they use ENVE’s protective rim strip. It’s a durable rubber-like strip that eliminates the need for tire inserts. It extends over the rim walls, acting like a bumper between the rim and the trail, dissipating energy from harsh impacts, protecting the rim, and preventing pinch flats. It’s also airtight, eliminating the need for tubeless tape.
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M5 Series wheels will be the best option for weight-conscious XC-racers. For XC and trail riders who run wider tires but want to keep the weight down, M6 Series wheels are the ticket.
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M7 Series wheels have a significant increase in weight, but offer substantially more strength and durability for hard charging enduro riders. Then for pure downhill riding, the M9 is the same bombproof wheel used by top World Cup racers.
For M-Series wheels, the numbered model names correspond to each rim’s internal width. M630 wheels, for example, are an M6 Series rim with a 30mm internal width. They are available with ENVE alloy, Industry 9, or Chris King hubs.
Model
AM30
Internal Width
30mm
Tire Width
2.3-2.6”
Weight (29” - 1/1 hub)
1,852g
Best for…
Trail and Enduro
ENVE’s AM Foundation mountain bike wheels are a lower-cost alternative to its top-of-the-line M-Series wheels. Price is reduced by using external molded spoke holes and nipples (M-Series wheels use internal molded spoke holes which are stronger and lighter). They are also built with a simplified version of ENVE’s alloy disc hub or Industry 9’s budget friendly 1/1 hubs and use cheaper spokes.
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The rims use the same wide hookless bead featured on the M5 and M6 Series wheels to prevent pinch flats. Currently, the only AM Foundation model is the AM30, which has a 30mm internal rim width that will suit most modern mountain bike tires. It splits the difference between the M6 and M7 series wheels in terms of weight and durability, so they will be perfect for most trail and enduro riders. For more details, check out our in depth ENVE AM30 review.
If you want the best high-performance bling for your bike, you can’t go wrong with a set of ENVEs. There are no lower-tier options though, so be prepared to pay to play. In the long run though, an ENVE wheelset may not be as expensive as you think. The wheels are incredibly durable and have a long lifespan that can last through several bikes. Should the worst happen, ENVE’s Lifetime Protection Plan has your back. Even if you decide to buy pre-owned ENVE wheels from The Pro's Closet, they're still backed by ENVE's second hand owner replacement program.
For those who are budget conscious, the ENVE’s mid-range Foundation Series wheels are the best entry-point. They feature much of the same carbon lay-ups and rim technology that makes ENVE’s top-of-the-line wheels so good. If you want the best of the best though, SES, SES AR, G-Series, and M-Series wheels have no equal.
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Photos courtesy of ENVE Composites.
Want more information on CNC Profile Wheels? Feel free to contact us.
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