Pogacar debuts new wheels for the Tour: these are the new ENVE SES 4.5 Pro wheels

The ENVE range features an evolution of its most famous aerodynamic wheels. The SES 4.5 PRO take their wind resistance qualities a step further while achieving a very light weight thanks to their new hub and more meticulous manufacturing of their rims. Wheels that could be a key advantage for Tadej Pogacar to conquer what would be his fourth Tour de France.

ENVE SES 4.5 Pro wheels offer not so marginal gains to Tadej Pogacar

We all know that when it comes to the behavior and performance of a bike, after the frame itself, the wheels are the most relevant element. In view of a Tour de France that is expected to be extremely tight, the wheels are precisely one of the elements in which Tadej Pogacar is looking for that extra edge that could make a difference.

And indeed, the famous ENVE SES 4.5 wheels, one of the most coveted models on the market, now have a version in the North American brand's catalog that manages to improve already excellent wheels and are given the PRO designation in their name.

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Initially, the total weight of these ENVE SES 4.5 PRO is 1,295 g compared to the 1,450 g of the SES 4.5. It is true that, in part, the trick comes from the fact that these SES 4.5 PRO have 1 mm less profile than their sisters, specifically 49 mm for the front and 55 for the rear, but, on the other hand, their internal rim width increases to 25 mm, a measurement more typical of gravel models.

Part of the weight reduction comes precisely from the rim bed, with thinner thicknesses and these SES 4.5 PRO abandon the hookless system for the mini-hook system that is becoming popular in road models, that is, a system of hooks but reduced to their minimum expression, enough to maintain the tire fixation but with the lightness that the hookless system allows.

Regarding aerodynamics, the numbers are similar, maintaining the SES profile that ENVE has been using for a decade and that has proven its effectiveness in guiding airflow. However, curiously, despite having greater internal width, these SES 4.5 PRO achieve their best numbers with 28mm tires when in their catalog sisters, the best aerodynamics were achieved with 30mm tires like the ones Tadej Pogacar used in last year's Tour de France.

Significant in the weight reduction of these wheels are their new Innerdrive PRO hubs weighing only 281 g, both hubs. They have straight anchoring for the spokes and the rear hub has a ratchet type core system with its 40-toothed wheels to ensure a more solid and instantaneous engagement.

 

 

 

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They are complemented by premium quality ceramic bearings thanks to details such as grade 5 ceramic balls, a fact that indicates that their sphericity reaches a precision of 0.00005 inches. These are held in place by polyamide cages that prevent any possibility of corrosion, reduce friction, and, in turn, are supported by hardened steel tracks. The finishing touch is provided by their non-contact seals with the bearings to ensure endless rolling as could be seen in the video of the farewell corridor to Romain Bardet at the Critérium du Dauphiné where it is very easy to compare the rolling of Tadej Pogacar's wheels with the rest of the bikes.

Obviously, this level of excellence that these ENVE SES 4.5 PRO have comes at a price, the €4,598 that we will have to pay to enjoy their qualities in wheels that are available on the ENVE website.

ENVE SES 4.5 PRO: technical specifications

• Price: €4,598
• Weight: 1,295 g (valves and rim tape included)
• Rim: High modulus carbon
• Profile: 49 mm front, 55 mm rear
• Internal width: 25 mm
• Spokes: 24 Alpina Ultralite Aero R5 conical spokes 2-1.5-2
• Hubs: ENVE Innerdrive PRO