ENVE

M50 Fifty 29in Wheelset

ENVE’s carbon fiber rims have continually defined the genre, and the 50fifty 29in Wheelset is set to do precisely that for high-caliber XC racing. As part of ENVE’s M-series rim lineup, it’s not only wider than the XC rim that it replaces, but it’s significantly lighter, too. Perhaps most surprisingly, this feat has been accomplished without sacrificing durability. If you have big goals on the race track this year, the 50fifty wheels are the advantage you’ve been looking for.

When ENVE set about redesigning the replacement for its featherweight XC rim, the design parameters were clear — make them lighter, wider, and smoother riding. And unsurprisingly, the team in Ogden delivered in spades. The 29in M50 Fifty rim now weighs a paltry 330g, shaving a full 50g per rim as compared to the 29 XC. Part of this weight savings has been accomplished by trading in traditional bead hooks for a redesigned beadless hook bead, which is both lighter and more impact resistant. The width has grown to 21mm internally, which is an increase of 3mm. That translates into a rounder tire profile, for greater cornering stability, and more rubber on the ground at any given time. By relieving material from the rim, ENVE has taken the M50 Fifty’s tuned ride feel to previously unseen levels. Anyone who’s familiar with ENVE knows the fanatical lengths that its engineers go to in order to achieve a perfect ride feel. Accordingly, the M50 Fifty has been tuned for greater vertical compliance, thereby reducing rider fatigue, without sacrificing the fantastic lateral rigidity that endows ENVE with the “on rails” feeling for which they’re prized.

The rim tells most of the story, but these wheels are hand built in Utah, to exacting standards, which provides the longevity you’d expect out of a class-leading wheel system. They’re laced to DT Swiss 240 hubs, with your choice of either a centerlock or standard 6-bolt rotor interface. Additionally, you can choose between a standard freehub or an XD driver, for use with SRAM’s one-by-eleven drivetrains. The 240s have become a staple for their lightweight construction, remarkable durability, and tool-free service, which makes them a perfect match for an ENVE wheelset, which might very well outlast your next bike, or two.

The ENVE M50 Fifty 29in Wheelset is available with either an XD or standard freehub, with centerlock or 6-bolt hubs, and in the color Black.