ENVE introduced their SES (Smart ENVE System) aero road wheels in 2011 through a collaboration with aerodynamicist Simon Smart. Disc brake specific versions followed last year at Eurobike.
Now, they’ve added 650C Smart 5.6 clincher wheels for smaller riders looking for the same wind cheating edge, just in a smaller package.
Here’s how it came about: ENVE sponsors the Mark Allen Elite Team coaching and camps. At a breakfast at Ironman last year, they were talking with athletes and found that many of the smaller riders wanted a high end 650C aero wheel, explaining that there are very limited options on the market. ENVE’s CEO committed right then and there to do it.
Simon Smart was tapped again to develop the ideal aero profile and was told to start with a clean slate. They could have easily adapted their 6.7 series to the smaller wheel size, but they found that smaller riders may not want the additional rotating mass and didn’t need rims quite that deep.
So, much like the original 6.7 wheels, the new 5.6 650C aero profiles and rim widths were developed specifically around popular high end 650C frames on the market and launched at Ironman 70.3 St. George in May.
To focus on stability, the smaller diameter wheel meant a wider front rim than their 700C. Measurements are 27mm wide front / 25mm wide rear, making it 1mm wider than the 700C wheels. Depths are 48mm front, 56mm rear. Spokes are 16/20, four fewer per wheel than the larger wheels.
DT240 hubs and Aerolite spokes round out the package. Retail is $2,950 and they’re taking orders now. Shipping mid to late summer.
