ENVE’s aero road line called the Smart ENVE System (SES), which debuted in early 2011, is growing into a full spectrum aero wheel offering for 2012. In early June 2012, ENVE’s new SES 3.4 Tubular and Clincher rims will arrive in the UK and in the coming weeks the super deep SES 8.9 Tubular and SES 6.7 Clinchers will begin shipping as well. A clincher version of the SES 8.9 is scheduled to begin shipping later this year.
Developing the Smart ENVE System 3.4 clinchers was more than simply taking the existing SES tubulars and converting them into clinchers. “Because clinchers are structurally unique from tubulars, this project merited a completely separate development cycle to ensure that the laminates were dialed. The end result is a line-up of premium race wheelsets that are durable enough to train on every day,” said ENVE founder Jason Schiers. According to Simon Smart, “the new clincher rims have the same optimized external surfaces as the tubular rims, and it’s a great testament to the ENVE engineers that they were able to surpass the demanding structural requirements of a carbon clincher without compromising the external aerodynamic shape.”
“Pairing ENVE composite technology with Smart aerodynamics makes for the strongest, most versatile wheels for any wind condition in the world. Throughout the development, we were able to add new benchmarks in aerodynamics, which are highlighted by the new Smart ENVE System 8.9. The new 8.9s outperform some disc wheels in terms of aerodynamics, but in terms of stability and weight there isn’t a disc wheel that comes close,” said ENVE engineer Kevin Nelson.
Regarding aerodynamics, the Smart ENVE System has been exclusively developed in the Mercedes GP – Petronas wind tunnel in Brackley, Northhamptonshire in the United Kingdom under the direction of renowned aerodynamicist Simon Smart. What sets the Smart ENVE System wheels apart from the rest is that they were developed to perform as a complete wheel system in frame, with rider on board. As a result of this approach, the Smart ENVE System wheels feature dissimilar depths and widths between the front and rear wheels. The front rims are wider and shallower to maximize stability across a broad spectrum of wind angles; and the rear rims are deeper and narrower to minimize drag on the trailing edge of the bike to eliminate turbulence and fit issues associated with modern aero frames.
Contact Strada on 01903 750040 or use the contact form to get in touch to discuss your SES 3.4 carbon wheels.
