ENVE

SES 4.5 Carbon Road Wheelset - Clincher

While we haven't yet found a fault with any of ENVE's SES wheels, we have always been aware of a glaring absence when compared to other manufacturers' lines. ENVE's SES rims jump from the climb-happy 3.4s to the cruise-missile aerodynamics of the 6.7s. That's a big leap, and if you're as particular about matching your kit to a given task as we are, then you've no doubt felt the lack of an intermediate depth. With the all-new SES 4.5 Carbon Road Wheelset, though, ENVE effectively accomplishes two things. First, it smooths the transition from climbing efficiency to speed across the flats; second — and more importantly — it offers what may be the single best all-around wheel in the world.

Like the rest of the SES line, the 4.5s' rims aren't subjected to static, arbitrary widths and shapes. Instead, the engineers let each wheel's depth requirements dictate the ideal dimensions in order to reduce lateral forces and increase aerodynamic benefits across a wide range of yaw angles. The 4.5s' design also accounts for the different behaviors of front and rear wheels. The front wheel is 48 millimeters deep and 27 millimeters wide, while the rear wheel is deeper and skinnier at 56 millimeters deep and 25.5 millimeters wide. This decreases drag with a focus on increased stability up front while taking advantage of the fact that the aft position has less of an effect on stability to focus on aerodynamic gains in the rear.

The result is that the 4.5 handles crosswinds and gusts with the confident stability of a wheelset with half its depth by building up a side-force equal to the changing angle of the wind. While this sounds like so much marketing palaver, it's verified by a Stability Index. ENVE borrows this testing protocol from the Formula One industry, and it remains the only cycling manufacturer with the confidence to measure its wheels by such a demanding metric.

To rate a wheelset on this index, the front wheel is subjected to quick changes in wind degree at set yaw angles, and the steering torque of user-correction is then measured. This means you won't be thrown across the road when a sharp turn radically changes your orientation to the wind, and you'll also enjoy more stability in gusty conditions, eliminating unfortunate surprises while cruising in the bunch.

Of course, we also recognize that aerodynamics are absolutely meaningless if a wheelset crumbles at the first sign of less-than-optimal road conditions, so we expect ENVE's obsessive engineering to carry over into the wheels' materials and layup. Knowing that carbon gains strength from continuously wrapped fibers, we're happy to report that ENVE routes the fibers around each hole in a 100% intact design, which adds strength, boosts rigidity, and allows for less material and a lighter rim. The use of a removable bladder also keeps weight down compared to other wheels. This means the SES series boasts the highest claimed strength-to-weight ratio on the market.

Finally, it's worth noting that the 4.5s' generous interior widths grant your tires a lower rolling resistance at a lower PSI, so you can enjoy a ride that's both faster and more comfortable. The tires will also deform less while cornering, so they'll keep a better grip on the road and let you carry more speed through turns. The wheels are finished with your choice of two of the best hubs in the world, the DT Swiss 240s or the slightly lighter Chris King R45s.