When the road tilts upward and every gram matters, the SES 2.3 rear wheel from ENVE answers with a 280-gram rim that redefines what a climbing wheelset can deliver. This is not a depth-compromised shallow rim strapped to a standard hub; it's a purpose-built component engineered from the carbon layup outward to shed weight without sacrificing the stiffness and durability that justify trusting a wheel on technical descents. The 32mm rear profile maintains the dissimilar-depth philosophy that runs through the entire SES line, providing slightly more aerodynamic efficiency than the 28mm front while working in the calmer air behind the rider.

Carbon fiber construction reaches its most aggressive expression here. Continuously running fibers throughout the rim, tapered laminates, and strategic material removal achieve weight reduction that pushes composite engineering toward its limits. The 21mm internal width accommodates tires from 25mm upward, with aerodynamic optimization centered on 27mm rubber. A hookless bead design ensures precise ETRTO-compliant dimensions for reliable tubeless seating, and the Wide Hookless Bead feature provides pinch-flat protection by dissipating impact energy across a broader surface when the tire bottoms out against the rim.

This aggressive weight optimization comes with a clear constraint: the SES 2.3 is designed exclusively for paved road use. The lightweight construction that makes it climb like nothing else also means it cannot handle the impacts and stresses of gravel or off-road riding. If your routes include unpaved sectors, the SES 3.4 or 4.5 offer more appropriate durability margins while still delivering serious performance.... Read More