Description
The very popular Enve SES 3.4 Gen 2 Disc are specifically designed as a multi-purpose wheelset that can be used in virtually all weather conditions, terrains and disciplines. The 3.4s, being shallower, offer maximum performance characteristics for professional and amateur riders alike in a variety of conditions and terrain. The Smart ENVE system 3.4 wheel is capable of producing very low drag numbers while creating a higher stability index given its shallower depth. The front rim is 26mm wide and 35mm deep while the rear is 24mm wide and 45mm deep. ”The best we’ve ridden” – read the ProCycling review here.
The Enve SES 3.4 Disc is a Clincher that picks up where the pavement drops off. The SES 3.4 Disc clincher is a culmination of road and mountain wheel technologies. From the mountain side, the SES 3.4 Disc rims inherit structural elements that net a lighter weight and more impact resistant wheel.
From designing the Enve SES 3.4 rim specifically for disc brake use. As a result, the rims are nearly 50 grams lighter each than the rim brake version. On the aero side, the 3.4 disc rims keep the SES technologies with their associated performance characteristics of low drag and high stability in variable wind conditions. If you’re up for an adventure, the 3.4 Disc wheels are ready to take you there…
Strada Says:
We have been impressed by the quality of finish on all the ENVE rims. There is no touching up or hiding with these. Each rim is just smoothed and polished matt UD carbon. They handle spoke tension well and are very clean inside with no remnants of the moulding process left behind. We have met and spoken to ENVE engineers at great length. To this day, we remain convinced that ENVE rims are some of the best in the industry.
The Enve SES 3.4 Disc will handle a cross wind very well and a local 64 kg customer has ridden his 6.7s all winter with no issues. The Lifetime rim warranty is class leading and only ENVE mould the spoke holes into the rim which can withstand 700lbs of pull before failure. The rim width means a comfortable ride and good handling – all in all the ENVE SES 3.4 is a great rim to work with and ride on.
Watch our ENVE 3.4 wheelset review on YouTube
INTRODUCING THE SMART ENVE SYSTEM
The recipe for a fast wheel is no one single element; rather, it’s a combination of factors. When you start with in-frame development and blend proven aerodynamics, optimised stability, lightweight, stiffness and durability, the result is a revolutionary wheel design.
SPEED:
The Smart ENVE System (S.E.S) optimises the interface between the frame surfaces and the wheels, creating an integrated system. The front and rear wheels interact differently with the air and the rest of the bicycle. Rim shapes are optimised to allow airflow to stay attached at higher yaw angles. Therefore, reducing drag and improving ride performance.
The front wheel is wider and shallower. This done to improve stability and reduce drag in any wind condition. The rear wheel is deeper to reduce drag where stability is less affected. All Enve wheels are tested on multiple frame designs in order to produce the maximum drag reduction. The result is a wheel system which, handles predictably and displays superior drag results when installed in variety of bicycle frame designs.
STABILITY:
Steering feedback in variable conditions needs to be predictable to have total handling confidence. Less predictable wheels have a non-linear steering response, resulting in erratic and unpredictable handling in unsteady conditions. The Enve SES 3.4 Disc rim is optimised too ensure an even and predictable airflow attachment. Thus resulting in the rider experiencing a balanced build up of side force as the angle of crosswind changes. This allows the rider to accurately predict the handling mannerisms of the wheel and avoid dangerous over correction cycles. This focus on steering stability has resulted in improved handling and confidence in varying crosswinds. As a result, the wheel shape was optimised to produce a predictable and linear response.
STRONG, STIFF, LIGHT – THE ENVE PROCESS
ENVE is renowned for developing the strongest, stiffest and lightest rims on the market. This durability is proven across all disciplines of the sport of cycling. Most notably Enve, was the first and only carbon wheel to podium at World Cup DH events. All ENVE products, including the Smart ENVE System, share this advanced manufacturing technology. These technologies involve:
- Highest strength to weight ratio in the industry.
- Proprietary moulded in spoke hole technology.
- Textured braking surface allowing for a more positive engagement and better braking in wet conditions using the supplied brake pads.
Jason at ENVE says – “We want to create only the best. ENVE is a zero compromise company.”
Rim Specification |
Front |
Rear |
Depth | 38mm | 42mm |
Internal Width | 21mm | 21mm |
External Width | 27.5mm | 27.5mm |
Hole Count | 24 | 24 |
Effective Rim Diameter | 580mm | 573mm |
Aero Optimized Tire Size | 25c | 25c |
Tubeless Compatible | Yes | Yes |
Clincher |
Front |
Rear |
Set |
Rim | 390g | 397g | 787g |
Wheelset – Chris King R45 CL | 659g | 798g | 1457g |