It’s what we’ve been waiting for – a carbon wheel that brakes like an alloy wheel
weight that many competitors struggle to achieve for a single hub alone. It’s a big factor in the claimed weight of 1,320g for the 3.4 SES wheels, although we weighed our set at 1,421g. Even so, it’s an undeniably impressive weight given the deep rims, which deliver aerodynamic advantages beyond being just light climbing wheels.
However, manufacturers have increasingly been focusing on braking, rather than weight, as the number one selling point for new carbon wheels – no surprise given how carbon rims previously struggled to deliver consistent and safe braking in wet weather conditions. Last year Zipp broke new ground with its Firestrike rims, into which it had carved a grooved pattern, giving the braking surface a texture that noticeably improved wet weather braking in combination with its Platinum pads. Now Enve has followed suit by creating a moulded brake track with a tiny diamond-waffle pattern.
The resulting braking performance is very impressive indeed – in fact, I’d go so far as to say this is the first set of carbon wheels I’ve come across that deliver braking on a par with alloy in almost all conditions. In the dry, the power and modulation is superb. As you begin to apply the brake it emits a high-pitched whistle a bit like a camping kettle, which gradually fades to a ‘whine’ then down another pitch to a ‘whir’ as more power is applied. But far from being an annoying noise (as I find with the Mavic Exalith surface, for instance) this is somewhat reassuring. It’s a positive sound.
In the wet there is less of the noise, but thankfully no loss of braking performance. There’s no evidence of the unsettling on-off ‘pulsating’ feel that is common with many carbon wheels, and the feel at the lever with the Enve rim is solid and, most importantly, consistent.
Zipp may have been quicker to address the issue of carbon brake tracks, but Enve has stepped it up a notch and delivered what I think we’ve all been waiting for – a carbon wheel that brakes like an alloy wheel.
Tubeless army
Last on the list of new features is a move to tubeless tyre compatibility across all of Enve’s top-end wheelsets. It couldn’t have happened soon enough as far as I’m concerned, as I’ve been a long-term advocate of ditching inner tubes in favour of decent tubeless rubber and sealant. Shod with a set of Schwalbe One 25mm tubeless tyres, the 3.4 SES is on a par with Mary Poppins in terms of being practically perfect.
If you’re thinking of investing in new wheels to help you around a big granfondo or Alpine epic, these could be the perfect partner. They’re light enough and stiff enough to be a great climbing companion, but crucially you needn’t fear for your life if the weather turns as you crest the top of a mountain pass and are faced with a tricky, wet descent down the other side. Plus, when you’re riding into a headwind it’s a nice thought to know that Simon Smart’s expertise means you will be as aero as practically any other wheelset out there, without getting bashed all over the road by crosswinds. These wheels really do tick a lot of boxes. It’s just a shame that you may have to sell a kidney in order to afford them.