Pro cyclists look at the world a little differently than even those of us who aspire to that level, but simply don't have the physical gifts to do so. Whereas for the average US domestic racer the Enve Smart System 3.4 is likely the most appropriate all-around wheelset, Enve's World Tour sponsored teams consider the more aerodynamic SES 4.5 the most versatile wheel. When you can generate 500 watts for sustained periods of time, and have thousands of hours on the bike that ensures high-level handling and cornering skills, the standards are different. But the SES 4.5 Clincher wheelset is aimed at the high-level non-racer, and the aspiring racer. The balance of where the true trade off between aerodynamics and speed counter a little more weight and able handling skills is found where fitness, experience, and power meet desire and expectation for excellence. That is where the SES 4.5 Clincher becomes the wheel of choice.

When Enve Composites develops a wheelset featuring the company's incredible carbon rims, the intent is to develop race-level wheels that can be ridden every day. The Smart Enve System (SES) 4.5 Clincher Wheelset may be the company's best all around mid-section offering for those who plan to maximize the value of their wheel investment. Enve partnered with Simon Smart, a true aerodynamic guru, to develop the rim shapes, depths, and widths that best match the all around purpose of these wheels.The best part is you get Enve's proven proprietary molded carbon rims with continual UD fibers and molded spoke holes for maximum strength. As always, Enve uses the completely removable bladder system during construction to keep your wheels clean and light, inside and out. The SES rims feature an advanced, 2nd generation molded-in, textured braking surface that helps to modulate power and keeps braking optimal in wet or dry conditions.

The SES 4.5 system is specifically designed as a multi-purpose wheelset that can be used in virtually all weather conditions, on all terrain, and in any discipline. SES mates a 48mm deep front rim with a 56mm deep rear to provide maximum performance characteristics. Whether you are cruising on the flats, climbing or descending, the 4.5 wheel system is capable of producing very low drag numbers similar to competing 60mm+ deep wheels while creating a higher stability in windy conditions, in corners, and while braking. In addition to the rim depth, SES produces complementary rim widths: a 27mm wide front and a 25.5mm wide rear. The additional width improves handling by delivering more direct tire support. This is particularly noticeable in the front, where the cyclist must rely on the leading cornering edge. The rims are shape to work on most bike frames and brake caliper designs with a 23-25mm tire. The Smart Enve System optimizes the rim shape to maintain aerodynamic principles at all common yaw angles, as well as how the wheels interface with frame surfaces. Enve tested wheels and tires on multiple frame designs in order to ensure the maximum drag reduction in the broadest set of circumstances. The result is a wheel system that minimizes drag, is incredibly stable at all times, and performs no matter the situation, giving the rider ultimate confidence.

SES provides the rim and overarching properties of the 4.5 Clincher Wheelset, but don't forget about the details of the wheel build. Enve constructs wheels with the essential balance of lateral, torsional, and vertical stiffness. Laterally, your wheel must track perfectly, especially under power load or cornering force. Torsional stiffness is a representation of power transfer from the hub to the rim, often referred to as wind-up. All wheels must have some vertical compliance to be able to handle road impact or compaction. The level of this deflection is your vertical stiffness, and starts from the hub outward. We offer the SES 4.5 in two hub options: the DT 240 and the Enve Alloy. Both hubsets are laced to the Enve rims using lightweight, stiff, slightly bladed Sapim spokes. This combination, laced radially in the front with 20 spokes, and two-cross in the rear with 24 spokes, truly creates a tunable ride quality and impressive acceleration from both hub engagement systems. The DT 240 rear hub is famously easy to service.

Enve's Alloy Road Hubset hubs feature Perfect Preload which means no more hub slop, frustrating adjustments, or prematurely worn bearings. Stainless steel bearings and races keep corrosion at bay, while premium external seals prevent contamination. The optimized flange spacing and geometry for responsive and optimally stiff wheel builds that inspire confidence when accelerating and cornering. The freehub body is machined from 7075 alloy and hard anodized to reduce cog bite. Additionally, the freehub body can be removed without tools and switching between Campy, Shimano, and SRAM options can be accomplished without re-dishing the wheel. Engagement is handled with a 40t ratchet-style drive system that delivers efficient and responsive power transmission in a highly reliable, virtually maintenance free package.optimized flange spacing and geometry for responsive and optimally stiff wheel builds that inspire confidence when accelerating and cornering. The free hub body is machined from 7075 alloy and hard anodized to reduce cog bite.

The j-bend Sapim are widely available and fully truable with the external Enve nipples, making overall care and service simple. DT's contributions are very light, strong, and durable; a perfect match for the Enve SES 4.5 rims. All together, the SES 4.5 Carbon Clincher Wheelset featuring DT Swiss weighs just 1526 grams. The Enve carbon hubs save nearly 50 grams, but the Utah company developed the sculpted design for maximizing aerodynamics, as well as incredible stiffness and torque deflection. To reduce drag internally, Enve opted for Ceramic Speed's incredible low friction ceramic bearings. At 1479 grams, the Enve carbon equipped version is wonderfully light, looks fantastic, and is slippery through the wind.

If you want amazing performance, ride quality, aerodynamic advantage, handling assurance, and sustainable serviceability from your race level wheelset, the SES 4.5 Clincher is the perfect choice. Enve backs these US made rims with a five year warranty from manufacturing defect and offers a lifetime crash replacement program. The wheelset comes with lightweight Enve Skewers, specific rimstrips, and Enve's specially formulated brake pads. Making an investment in high-performance wheels is now much easier thanks to Enve's commitment to ride-every-day excellence.