SES 8.9 Carbon Clincher Road Wheelset
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When you take a look at most triathlon/TT framesets out there, it doesn't take a microscope to decipher their mission: to go as fast as possible. Handling? Comfort? Low weight? Of course, these are all considerations, but the aero-tuned tubing and positioning all make it clear that the key objective is raw speed. Complete the package with a wheelset whose focus is the same, like the ENVE SES 8.9 Carbon Clincher Road Wheelset.
As part of the ENVE Smart System, the SES series, the 8.9 carbon clinchers use ENVE's most sophisticated technology and engineering techniques to ensure a fast, stiff, and aerodynamic wheelset. The 8.9's aerodynamic design starts with the size differential of the wheels. ENVE accounted for the different behaviors of front and rear wheels, and designed the 8.9s with a front wheel that's 85mm deep and 26mm wide, while the rear wheel is 95mm deep and 24mm wide. The front wheel's shallower profile and wide stance helps decrease drag in windy conditions. The rear wheel's depth also decreases drag, because stability is less affected at the aft position of the bike. According to ENVE, the 8.9s create a low drag number rivaling many competitors' 80+ mm depth wheels. In fact, when comparing the necessary power required to hold 40kph at yaw angles ranging from 0 to 16 degrees, the 8.9 requires around three to four watts less than even its most slippery competitors, and is miles ahead of the less-slippery.
Outside of consistent aerodynamic performance, the most noticeable advantage of the 8.9 carbon wheelset is its enhanced stability. The 8.9 demonstrates stellar results under the ENVE Stability Index, a series of tests that incorporate the measurement of transient aerodynamics. In the wind tunnel, 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. The test represents real-world conditions, and surprisingly, ENVE is one of the only non-Formula One manufacturers to conduct it. The 8.9 shape was developed as a result of these tests, and it ensures predictable airflow attachment over the rim, regardless of crosswind. In fact, the linear steering response trumps even the Zipp Firecrest series. In a crosswind, the 8.9 experiences a buildup of side-force equal to the changing angle of the wind, and the predictability prevents the need for rider over-correction.
The Smart System 8.9 is not only aero, but it's also lightweight, stiff, and strong. The ENVE SES series boasts the highest strength-to-weight ratio on the market, and this is due in part to ENVE's patented process of molding in-spoke holes, nipple seats, and valve stem holes. Knowing that carbon fiber gains strength from continuous fibers, ENVE routes the fibers around each hole in a 100% intact design. This design allows a lower weight at the spoke face, and adds overall rigidity to the rim. When built, the molded design promotes both higher spoke tension and tension uniformity than the industry standard of bladder molding. Another aspect of the 8.9's light weight is due to ENVE's use of removal bladders during the molding process. While most composite rim manufacturers leave the rim-shaping, inflatable bladder within the rim, ENVE spends the time and money to remove it. This time-consuming process reduces rim weight, and makes for a perfectly tensioned wheel build.
Outside of incredible strength-to-weight ratios and insane levels of rigidity, ENVE has also taken the time to ensure that you can stop at great speeds — an all-too-common ailment of the carbon rims. To do so, the 8.9 has been given a textured braking surface that promotes a positive engagement with your pads, even in wet conditions, so you can descend like a banshee with confidence.
The ENVE Smart System 8.9 Carbon Clincher Road Wheelset is available in the color Black and with either a Campagnolo or Shimano/SRAM freehub body. The wheels use a 16/20 spoke count, and are built with DT Aerolite bladed spokes on DT Swiss 240 hubs.
- Material
- carbon fiber
- Rim Width
- [front, external] 26 mm, [rear, external] 24 mm
- Rim Depth
- [front] 85 mm, [rear] 95 mm
- Front Hub
- DT Swiss 240
- Rear Hub
- DT Swiss 240
- Spokes
- DT Swiss Aerolite
- Spoke Nipple Material
- alloy
- Front Spoke Count
- [front] 16
- Rear Spoke Count
- [rear] 20
- Skewers
- DT Swiss
- Brake Compatibility
- rim brake only
- Front Weight
- 825 g
- Rear Weight
- 975 g
- Complete Set Weight
- 1800 g
- Recommended Use
- triathlons, time trials
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 5 years w/lifetime crash replacement
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