As is so often the case, improving upon existing technology requires approaching the problem from a different angle. ENVE Composites and Simon Smart have done just that in creating the world’s fastest bicycle wheels. Our development of a new line of aero wheels that work in harmony with bike and body is the unique approach that has resulted in the Smart ENVE System. The Smart ENVE System realizes maximum aero advantage when mounted in a bike frame with a rider aboard and not solely when the wheel is isolated in the wind tunnel.
With front and rear rims each individually optimised specifically for the airflow that they encounter, all of the Smart ENVE System wheels represent an optimal balance between speed, stability, and stiffness to weight according to their intended use:
The 3.4 wheel-set was designed to be as light and as shallow as possible whilst maintaining a significant aerodynamic advantage over a traditional lightweight rim, as it turns out we managed to get it to out-perform many deeper and ‘more aero’ rims!
The 6.7 wheel-set is a fantastic all rounder. Aerodynamically it takes the next step ‘up’ from the 3.4 to provide class leading (low!) drag numbers. It is also a very stable wheel to ride in cross winds and is as much at home on a road bike as it is on a time trial machine, we’ve even seen some used to good effect on ‘cross bikes.
The 8.9 wheel-set is FAST. This was designed with racing against the clock in mind, as you might expect it is the most ‘aero’ of the range so far. We have, however, gone to great lengths to ensure that it remains as stable as possible given it’s depth giving the rider greater handling confidence even in very gusty wind conditions. This wheel will be available in mid2012.
We know that riding fast is not always about straight line speed on perfectly smooth roads. Alongside the ENVE engineers we have optimised the wheels braking performance using a specially textured surface that, along with the ENVE brake pads supplied with the wheels, gives an incredibly consistent friction coefficient. Carbon rims have historically been known for poor braking consistency to the point of preventing their use in some riding conditions, our extensive testing and development means that these worries are a thing of the past. We also spent a lot of time looking at rider comfort and the result is a carbon layup and construction that gives a comfortable ride without compromising on stiffness where it is needed.
In short we have developed the metrics to ensure that when you plug a pair of Smart ENVE System wheels into your frame you activate a system capable of moving you from point A to B faster than any other combination on the market. We aren’t the only ones saying so either; have a look at some of these reviews. Clincher and tubular versions of the 3.4s and 6.7s along with the 8.9 tubulars are available to order now. For prices and availability contact us at .
REVIEWS:
Aug. 2011 – Timo wins Veirnham with fastest bike split
July 2011 – Lava: “ENVE-ous debut, SMART approach”
June 2011 – Velonews: “Game changer: Smart ENVE 6.7 rims and wheelsets”
June 2011 – ProCycling “Lust & ENVE”
June 2011 – Cycling News: “Enve wheels: can “aero” get any quicker?”
September 2011 – Bikeradar: “Smart ENVE System 6.7″
