Strada hand built some ENVE 7.8 clinchers for Grant’s new bike for the 2016 season. Here is his report after racing them in some challenging conditions.
ENVE 7.8 review | Hand built by Strada www.stradawheels.co.uk
ENVE 7.8 review
I raced Ironman 70.3 Mallorca with them on the weekend and I have to say wow, what a set of wheels! The event was a perfect test for them with wind, pouring rain, over 3000 ft of climbs, technical descents all bookended with fast flat sections. I genuinely could not believe how well the wheels performed. I am not sure if it is the new shape or the Enve Road ceramic hubs, but they are amazingly quick, both in straight line speed but also for pick up and climbing. They felt like the best of the 6.7’s and 8.9’s combined, but packaged better and so smooth. Also the new brake surface works really well, especially in those very wet conditions and I am pleased to say I was not one of those covered in road rash or picking myself out of a hedge like so many others on the day. All in all I managed to secure my first ever Ironman top 10% of the field finish, with a bike split in the top 5% including the pro’s! I have attached a picture for you.
Can’t wait to race them again at the Outlaw half in a few weeks, then the big one at Challenge Roth in July!
Thanks again for the great and speedy service to get me the wheels in time, it is appreciated!!
Cheers, Grant
