ENVE Buyer’s Guide: Pick The Best Wheelset, From SES 3.4, 4.5 & More

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:

• ENVE road wheels
• ENVE gravel wheels
• ENVE MTB wheels

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ENVE road wheels

SES Series

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

Highlights

• Designed to maximize aerodynamics
• Different front and rear rim depths reduce drag and improve stability in crosswinds
• Tubeless optimized hookless bead design
• Wide Hookless Bead pinch-flat prevention technology
• Laced to ENVE Premium Road Hubs
• Internal molded spoke holes for increased strength and reduced weight
• Start at $2,850

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 2022, 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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2022+ 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-2022) models are available with ENVE alloy, Industry 9, or Chris King hubs. 

SES AR Series

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

Highlights

• Wider internal rim width to support wider tires
• Wider external width and SES rim shapes maintain aero efficiency
• Internal molded spoke holes for increased strength and reduced weight
• Hookless bead
• Suitable for pavement, dirt, gravel, a.k.a. all-road riding
• Start at $2,550

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. 

Note: With the 2022 SES wheel line update, ENVE has eliminated the AR moniker. The new (2022+) 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. 

ENVE Foundation Series

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

Highlights

• Reduced cost 
• Comparable aero efficiency and crosswind stability to SES wheels 
• Retains ENVE’s internal molded spoke holes
• Hookless bead
• Tubeless and center-lock disc only
• Start at $1,750

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. 

A quick note on ENVE rim construction

"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. 

ENVE gravel wheels

G-Series

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

Highlights

• Extremely lightweight
• Wide hookless bead prevents pinch flats
• High damping and impact resistance
• Internal molded spoke holes for increased strength and reduced weight
• Start at $2,550

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. 

AG Foundation Series

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

Highlights

• Reduced cost
• Wide hookless bead prevent pinch flats
• Shallow 21mm rim increases damping and comfort
• External Molded spoke holes for easy maintenance  
• Start at $1,750

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. 

ENVE MTB wheels

M-Series

Photo: Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool

Models	M525	M630	M635	M640	M730	M735	M930
Internal Width	25mm	30mm	35mm	40mm	30mm	35mm	30mm
Tire Width	2.1–2.4”	2.3–2.5”	2.5-2.8”	2.8-3.2”	2.3-2.5”	2.5-2.8”	2.35-2.6”
Spke hole count	24h	28h	28h	28h	32h	32h	32h
Weight (29” - Hydra hub)	1,388g	1,516g	1,591g	1,689g	1,956g	1,895g	2,193g
Best for…	XC racing	XC/trail	Trail	Trail	Enduro	Enduro	Downhill

Highlights

• Specific design, layup and spoke count for each model, depending on intended use.
• Wide hookless beads (M5 & M6 Series)
• Protective rim strip (M7 & M9 Series)
• Internal molded spoke holes for increased strength and reduced weight
• Start at $2,550

ENVE M-Series mountain bike wheels made history in 2010 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.

AM Foundation Series

Model	AM30
Internal Width	30mm
Tire Width	2.3-2.6”
Weight (29” - 1/1 hub)	1,852g
Best for…	Trail and Enduro

Highlights

• Wide hookless bead
• External molded spoke holes for easy maintenance 
• Asymmetric rim for even spoke tension
• Start at $1,750

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. 

Final Thoughts

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.