About Speed Dream, Dave's Wheels and custom wheel expert Dave Thomas

Enve XC All Mountain Wheel

Available Options

Models XC, AM

XC	Rim Width (Inner/Outer)	Weight
26" 650b 29"	18 / 24 mm 18 / 24 mm 18 / 24 mm	350 gm 365 gm 385 gm

AM	Rim Width (Inner/Outer)	Weight
26" 650b 29"	24 / 30 mm 24 / 30 mm 24 / 30 mm	395 gm 420 gm 445 gm

Spokes XC - 28 or 32, AM - 32

Color Black

Enve Composites Bike Wheel Rims

Dave Says

The Enve rims are unique in a couple of ways. First, the rim is moulded in a "half-moon", meaning that the rim is manufactured in two 180° segments (with two seams). This allows for a heavy removable bladder to be used inside the rim, which holds a very high pressure. More pressure means a higher "compaction" of the fiber-resin matrix, leaving less resin, and more tightly compacted fibers. This gives the structure more strength and less weight. Also, by removing the bladder completely, there is less weight (other composite rims have to leave a thin plastic bladder in the rim which can be seen through the spoke holes)

Secondly, the holes for the nipples are not simply drilled through the matrix, they are moulded with a concave shaped fixture. This process doesn't interrupt the fibers (which can cause ticking noises due to microscopic movement of some of the fibers) and provides a precision interface with the nipple. Better alignment of the nipples reduces the possibility of broken spokes at the rim. The spoke length must be a precise length and "Dave's Wheels" can custom-length the spokes to be as accurate as possible.

The result is a composite rim that is strong and stiff but still has a vibration damping effect. Also, (because the rims are so stiff for their weight) lighter spokes can be used, reducing weight and providing for a lively feel, especially if the spokes are very evenly tensioned. Dave's wheels has been building with composite rims since 1994, and Enve rims since 2009 (they were known back then as Edge).