The company’s Smart System wheels may be grabbing the limelight but these new, more basic DT Swiss-hubbed Classic 45 hoops make ENVE rim quality more affordable than ever.
Handbuilt in Utah, US, and rigorously tested for build quality and heat tolerance, these are some of the strongest and most reliable carbon wheels available. At 22mm wide and 45mm deep, they handle obediently in all wind and speed conditions.
While the DT Swiss 350 hubs are fairly portly, the overall weight will still flatter your bike, and they accelerate and climb well for aero wheels. Braking with the supplied grey pads is reliable if not remarkable.
Freehub engagement is relatively slow though, and the rims really deserve the extra investment in the silky, instant engagement Chris King hub option (£2,000/US$2,499).
This article was originally published in Triathlon Plus magazine, available on Zinio.