ENVE SES wheels revolutionized cycling back in 2016. They launched the first tubeless, hookless aero wheels built for high-volume tires. These premium wheels showcase the most advanced cycling technology you can find today. They excel at mountain climbs and time trials.
The lineup ranges from the ultralight SES 2.3 at just 1,197g to the rapid SES 6.7. Each wheel brings something unique to the table. The SES 3.4 and 4.5 come with wide 25mm internal rims that maximize stability. The SES 6.7 focuses purely on speed with its aerodynamic profile. The latest generation weighs 10% less than older models and delivers better performance across all conditions.
Let us help you find the perfect wheels from ENVE's SES collection. We'll match your riding style and goals with each model's strengths.
ENVE SES (Smart ENVE System) technology showcases precision engineering that makes these wheels stand out from competitors. ENVE wheels balance multiple performance factors at their core. Aerodynamics, weight, stability, strength, and ride quality come together in a system that performs brilliantly beyond the lab.
ENVE's wheel design takes a different path from traditional symmetrical wheel sets. They recognize a basic truth: front and rear wheels work differently with airflow. This design philosophy has been the foundation of the SES lineup since 2011.
SES collection's front wheels come with shallower depths and rounded profiles. These features help maximize stability when wind conditions change. The rear wheels have deeper, sharper profiles that cut through drag where stability matters less. The SES 4.5 matches a 50mm front rim with a 56mm rear rim. The SES 2.3 pairs a 28mm front with a 32mm rear depth.
This unique strategy delivers measurable benefits. Each rim works best in its specific airflow pattern, which helps ENVE reduce drag without losing stability or rider confidence. The different rim shapes also help riders accelerate faster and handle crosswinds better.
ENVE's hookless bead design came out in 2016 with the SES 4.5 AR model. This was a game-changer for tubeless technology. Unlike regular hooked rims, the hookless design lets ENVE use precision-machined metal tools. These tools create exact bead seat diameters that meet ETRTO standards.
The Wide Hookless Bead technology has a blunt surface where the tire stops during impacts. This spreads energy across a bigger area and cuts down pinch flat chances by 50-60%, according to ENVE's data. The hookless design also removes friction between hook and tire, which means less rolling resistance.
The hookless design makes the wheels stronger too. Without the hook, the carbon bends more naturally. This creates a tougher rim with more material at the leading edge. These wheels are lighter too - SES Disc brake rims weigh 30-40 grams less than similar rim brake models.
ENVE stands out with their "Real-World Fast" development approach. Most makers test only at 48 kph/30 mph, but ENVE knows riders rarely keep these speeds. They test wheels at both 48 kph/30 mph and a more realistic 32 kph/20 mph.
Their complete approach looks at things other tests miss. Crosswind stability, handling, tire fit, and weight all matter. ENVE's team has collected lots of data about how changing wind conditions affect performance. They pay special attention to how air reattaches after gusts.
Today's SES lineup works best with ENVE's SES 27mm tire, tested at both 20 mph and 30 mph. These wider tires roll better, feel more comfortable, and stay more stable than narrow ones.
ENVE's thorough testing creates wheels that stay stable in gusts and handle descents with confidence. These wheels give riders speed advantages on all kinds of terrain and in various conditions - not just in perfect lab settings.
The ENVE SES 2.3 wheels excel in mountainous terrain and showcase what climbing wheels should be. These lightweight performers are a big deal for cyclists who tackle steep climbs but still want reliable performance on tricky descents.
The SES 2.3 weighs just 1,197 grams (with ENVE hub and XDR driver), making it ENVE's lightest production wheelset ever. This puts it among the most lightweight climbing wheels you can buy. The wheels feature modern specs with a 21mm internal rim width that works well with today's tire sizes from 25mm up.
These wheels come with different rim depths—28mm front and 32mm rear—following ENVE's tested front/rear-specific design approach. This setup helps riders handle crosswinds better through the front wheel and maximizes aero benefits at the rear.
The new SES 2.3 beats its older version by a long shot. It weighs about 30% less than the old SES 2.2 model and comes with wider internal rims compared to the previous 18.5mm width.
The SES 2.3 shines on twisty downhills with rock-solid stability. Test riders felt confident pushing hard through technical descents at high speeds. One tester, Miles, could hold aggressive lines through corners without worry during P/1/2 races.
Riders won't have to make tiny corrections going downhill, which lets them carry more speed through technical sections. This solid handling adds to their climbing strength, making them perfect for mountain riding.
ENVE made these wheels for what they call the "uncompromising climber". They're perfect for riders who love climbing but still want reliable handling on the way down. Anyone who rides lots of steep hills over 8% gradient will love these wheels.
The SES 2.3's durability might surprise you, given how light they are. Even riders weighing up to 185 pounds hit them hard without issues. This toughness makes them great not just for climbing specialists but also for riders who want quick acceleration on varied terrain.
The SES 2.3 stands out as the top pick for mountain-loving cyclists who want super light wheels that still handle well and last long on tough descents.
The SES 3.4 shines as the perfect all-rounder in ENVE's impressive wheel lineup. This versatile performer sits right between the ultralight SES 2.3 climbing wheelset and the deeper SES 4.5. You can take these wheels anywhere and they'll excel in just about any riding condition.
Smart engineering makes the SES 3.4 incredibly versatile. The wheels feature asymmetrical rim depths - 39mm front and 43mm rear. This design gives you aero benefits without adding extra weight. These wheels weigh just 1,390 grams with ENVE hubs and XDR driver. That's well under the 1,400-gram mark that usually separates climbing wheels from aero models.
Riders get the best of both worlds with this thoughtful design. The SES 3.4 feels quick and responsive whether you're climbing steep hills or cruising on flat roads. The sort of thing I love about these wheels is how they hit that sweet spot between climbing performance and aero efficiency.
The wheels handle crosswinds beautifully. You'll appreciate this stability on windy days when deeper wheel profiles might give you trouble.
These wheels really shine beyond just road riding. The 25mm internal rim width lets you run wider tires for mixed-surface adventures. Riders have successfully used 42-44mm tires at events like Unbound Gravel, showing just how capable these wheels are off-road.
Cornering feels confident even on loose surfaces. The wheels track straight through turns with big tires at low pressure. Riders get precise feedback during acceleration and braking. This makes a huge difference on technical descents and rough pavement.
ENVE has designed the SES 3.4 for riders who want one wheel to do it all.
These wheels are perfect for cyclists who:
The SES 3.4's track record speaks volumes. These wheels have won pro crits and dominated major gravel events. That's why they've earned their spot as ENVE's most versatile wheel - perfect for riders who refuse to stick to just one type of riding.
The SES 4.5 sits right in the middle of ENVE's performance range. Many experts call it the perfect balance between speed and versatility. This flagship model has earned amazing recognition and even helped Tadej Pogačar secure his 2024 Tour de France victory.
The SES 4.5 delivers substantial aerodynamic efficiency without adding extra weight. These wheels weigh between 1,432-1,469g (depending on configuration). They compete well against the Roval Rapide CLX ii (1,520g) and weigh less than Hunt 48 Limitless (1,690g).
Tests show the 4.5 creates just 29.5-29.75 watts of drag from 0-15 degree yaw at 20mph. The numbers almost match the deeper ENVE SES 6.7, with barely a watt difference at these speeds.
The unique mullet-style rim profile combines a 49mm deep front with a 55mm rear to maximize this balance. The rear wheel faces less crosswind force, so ENVE uses a deeper, more V-shaped rear profile for better aerodynamics. The front features a shallower, U-shaped design that prioritizes stability.
Riders say the ENVE SES 4.5 feels "almost impervious to crosswinds". This rock-solid stability comes from ground testing and smart asymmetrical rim design.
ENVE launched the 4.5 in 2016 for Paris-Roubaix with stability on rough surfaces and changing winds as top priorities. The front wheel's blunt U-shaped profile handles disrupted airflow well and prevents the twitchy steering often seen with deeper wheels.
Strong gusts rarely throw off the ride, which gives riders confidence on descents and fast sections. This predictable handling creates what one reviewer called "serene progress" across different terrains.
The SES 4.5's generous 25mm internal rim width works great with modern wider tires. ENVE built the aerodynamic profile specifically for 27-29mm tires, though you can use many other sizes:
A 28mm tire usually measures about 30mm on these rims. The wider profile makes rides more comfortable and corners more grippy. Most riders use pressures around 50-55 psi with 28mm tires, which substantially improves comfort and control.
This width flexibility, plus ENVE's Wide Hookless Bead anti-pinch flat technology, makes the 4.5 incredibly versatile. The wheelset excels in both premium road racing and occasional gravel riding.
ENVE's SES 6.7 wheels stand at the top of their SES lineup. These wheels excel on flat courses with their 60mm front and 67mm rear rim depths. The design team found the sweet spot between weight, stability, and speed.
32mm
ENVE's "science wheel" project revealed something interesting. The team wanted to find the shallowest possible wheel design that maximized aero benefits without adding extra weight. Their research showed aero gains drop off quickly past 70mm depth, while the wheels just get heavier.
The SES 6.7 weighs just 1,457 grams (+/- 2%) and packs a serious aero punch without the bulk of deeper wheels. The front wheel runs shallower than the rear, which helps manage airflow better across the whole bike.
These wheels work best with 27-28mm tires thanks to their 23mm internal rim width. ENVE's tests show wider tires are faster, more comfortable, and handle better in real life.
Wind tunnel tests show the SES 6.7 matches dedicated time trial wheels but brings more versatility. ENVE's drag calculations reflect actual riding conditions, where wind angles stay under 12 degrees most of the time.
The wheels shine on flat and rolling roads. Test riders love how they "get up to speed really fast and hold that speed longer" compared to other options. You'll see these wheels dominating criteriums, time trials, and flatter race courses.
The numbers tell an impressive story - the SES 6.7 cuts drag by 10 watts at 15-degree yaw compared to the SES 3.4.
Deep wheels often struggle in crosswinds, but the SES 6.7 stays remarkably stable. ENVE's wind tunnel work focused on making crosswind behavior predictable by creating a direct link between side winds and steering forces.
Riders between 123-180 pounds stay confident even in 20-30mph gusts. One rider shared: "There is a push, but there's nothing sudden about it. It just feels like there are no surprises". Another rider bombed descents at 62mph with total confidence despite gusty conditions.
The front rim's special profile keeps steering steady while maintaining speed. Speed-focused riders who tackle flat courses will love these wheels. They deliver maximum velocity without making you nervous when the wind picks up.
ENVE's SES wheel lineup shows outstanding engineering in every model. Each wheel meets specific rider needs and delivers top quality standards. The ultralight SES 2.3 shines on mountain terrain. The versatile SES 3.4 naturally switches between road and gravel riding. The ENVE SES 4.5 hits the sweet spot between aerodynamics and weight, which makes it ideal for competitive road racing. The SES 6.7 focuses on pure speed but stays surprisingly stable even when winds pick up.
These wheels come packed with ENVE's innovative tech. Front and rear-specific rim designs work alongside Wide Hookless Bead construction. Ground testing protocols make these wheels perform well beyond lab conditions. Riders feel these practical benefits every time they hit the road.
The right ENVE SES wheelset choice ended up depending on your riding priorities and the terrain you tackle. The complete range will give a cyclist their perfect match. You might want climbing efficiency, versatility, balanced performance, or maximum aero advantage - there's a wheel for every need.
