The recipe for a fast wheel is no one single element; rather, it’s a combination of factors. When you start with in-frame development and blend proven aerodynamics, optimized stability, lightweight, stiffness, and durability, the result is a revolutionary wheel design. Introducing the Smart ENVE System.
SHOP SES WHEELSETSSPEED
The Smart ENVE System optimizes the interface between the frame surfaces and the wheels, creating an integrated system. The front and rear wheels interact differently with the air and the rest of the bicycle. Rim shapes are optimized to allow airflow to stay attached at higher yaw angles, thus reducing drag and improving ride performance.
- The front wheel is wider and shallower to improve stability and reduce drag in any wind condition.
- The rear wheel is deeper to reduce drag where stability is less affected.
- Wheels were tested on multiple frame designs in order to produce the maximum drag reduction. The result is a wheel system, which handles predictably, and displays superior drag results when installed in multiple bicycle frame designs.
STABILITY
Steering feedback in variable conditions needs to be predictable to have total handling confidence. Less predictable wheels have a non-linear steering response, resulting in erratic and unpredictable handling in unsteady conditions. The shape of the Smart ENVE System rim is optimized to ensure even and predictable airflow attachment. What the rider experiences is a balanced build up of side force as the angle of crosswind changes. This allows the rider to accurately predict the handling mannerisms of the wheel and avoid dangerous over correction cycles.
- The focus on steering stability resulted in improved handling and confidence in varying crosswinds.
- Therefore, the wheel shape was optimized to produce a predictable and linear response.
- The target stability gradient was 1.0.
STRONG, STIFF, LIGHT - THE ENVE PROCESS
ENVE is renowned for developing the strongest, stiffest and lightest rims on the market. This durability is proven across all disciplines of the sport including being the first and only carbon wheel to podium at World Cup DH events. All ENVE products, including the Smart ENVE System, share this advanced manufacturing technology.
- • Highest strength to weight ratio in the industry.
- • Proprietary molded in spoke hole technology.
OPTIMIZED FOR AERODYNAMICS & DISC BRAKES
Disc brakes remove the design constraints put in place by brake tracks. With no braking surface required, we started from scratch to design an aero rim shape that is solely optimized for bikes with disc brakes.
Ultimately, we found that a subtle change in the curvature of the rim at the brake track provided the best improvement to the airflow. The improved tire and rim interface created by the new rim shape creates a more stable wheelset in strong and variable wind conditions.
The SES Disc family of wheels feature dissimilar rim geometries between the front and rear rims. With the newest generation SES rim and disc brake models, the front rim features a different profile and curvature than the rear rim. The reason for this change is to improve stability and dynamic response compared to the first generation SES wheel models. On the road these changes in rim shape amount to quicker feeling acceleration and amazing stability in variable wind conditions.
DISC BRAKE SPECIFIC CONSTRUCTION
SES Disc rims are not simply repurposed rim brake models with more spokes and decals covering the brake track.
As mentioned above, disc brakes remove the design constraints imposed by rim brakes and heat management. As such, a truly optimized disc brake specific road rim will feature a fundamentally different construction than a rim brake optimized wheel of the same model. This allows the SES Disc rims to be on average 30-60 grams lighter per rim than the same depth rim brake model. A lighter rim accelerates quicker and is more responsive when changing direction or braking because the mass has been shifted from the rim (higher rotational inertia) to the hub (lower rotational inertia) with disc brake wheelsets.
OPTIMIZED FOR LARGE VOLUME ROAD TIRES
Disc brakes present the opportunity to design bike frames with clearance for wide rims and higher volume tires. Consequently, this opens up the design window for wheel development. Larger tires can provide improved rolling resistance (i.e. you go faster w/ less effort), comfort, stability, and confidence when cornering. As such, SES Disc wheels are wider and optimized for tires with branded widths of 27mm.
By going wider, aerodynamic and rolling efficiencies are improved to create a more holistically efficient frame, wheel, and tire system.
With our current 2022 line of SES wheels, we were able to push the envelope of speed and comfort even further. This wheel line-up follows the SES design characteristics but is optimized for tires between 27mm and 32mm in width. By using a wider internal rim width than the rest of the SES line, paired with higher volume tires, the AR models provide a greater level of versatility than any other road wheel available.
ROAD TUBELESS COMPATIBLE
Road tubeless technology has been around for quite some time, but for various reasons, road cyclists have been slow to adopt this technology.
The proliferation of disc brakes on road bikes has created the right environment where road tubeless tire and wheel systems prosper. Here is why:
- Road tubeless requires dimensional precision at the rim and tire interface to maintain an airtight seal. Disc brakes make tubeless systems more reliable because they remove the challenge of dimensional integrity in the presence of braking induced heat.
- More tire and rim volume means a more user friendly tubeless experience. Large volume tires and rims make for easier tire installation and removal.
The SES wheelsets usher in a new era of real-world SES aero technology with rim geometries and shapes specifically optimized for disc brake equipped road and triathlon bicycles.
SCARY FAST SOLID DISC
To achieve the bar-raising performance of the SES Disc, we developed every aspect: aerodynamics, tubeless compatibility, construction, and braking. Like all SES products, the SES Disc was developed using state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis by our long-term partner and consultant aerodynamicist, Simon Smart of Smart Aero Technology. Prototypes were assessed in the Mercedes-AMG Formula One wind tunnel and the subtle shape iterated to deliver class-leading aerodynamics at high race speeds.