ENVE FOUNDATION AM30
£1,850 | www.saddleback.co.uk
ENVE’s ‘more accessibly-priced’ (for the US brand) Foundation hoops are still expensive, but have a communicative, firm and refined ride that isn’t jarring. They’re lightweight yet strong, hand-built in the US and UK with 28 Sapim Race double-butted spokes per wheel, and adorned with beautiful Industry Nine 1/1 hubs, which have snappy pick-up, are easy to maintain and almost silent. The direct, accurate feel means the A30s don’t give the smoothest ride, compared to the carbon Zipps or alloy Hunts. You also have to tape the asymmetric carbon rims yourself. We appreciated the 4mm rim walls, though – which are almost double the width of some others on test – and fitting tyres is a doddle. ENVE offer a no-quibble replacement policy, even if you accidentally drive over the wheels. Shimano HG, Shimano Micro Spline and SRAM XD driver options are available.