In their continuing quest to meet evolving rider needs, Utah carbon crafters ENVE were on hand at PressCamp to show a handful of new products and discuss their approach to rim and component design and manufacture. In order to be ready for the coming explosion in 27in downhill and enduro bikes, the company has introduced a new mid-sized version of their downhill rim. Like their 29er and 26″ versions, the 650b model makes use of Zyvex resin to increase impact resistance and a wide bead hook to reduce the liklihood of pinch flats. The bare US-made $800 rim weighs in at 540g and is available built to DT Swiss or King hubs. Hit the jump for wider bars and a cool road bar detail…
In response to rider requests, the $160 Sweep and Riser handlebars have grown 40mm to a contemporary 740mm wide, with marks for easy trimming.
Introduced earlier this spri ng, ENVE’s Classic series of road wheels are doing well. By combining their rims with DT Swiss’ excellent-but-sensible 350 hubs, the tubular road wheels come in at $1,850 and the clinchers at $2,050- a price point that brings the US-made rims into the same price range as many Asian alternatives.
Finally, we got a quick look at ENVE’s slick silicone tape cap. Flipped open as shown, the cap allows for easy taping and the bars’ tapered end helps to keep things in place. Flipped back, the cap makes for a clean look, a comfortable end-of-bar hand position, and won’t scratch whatever it’s leaned against. A minor detail- but a nice one.
