Deeper than its front counterpart by design, the rear half of the SES 4.5 system runs a 56mm rim profile engineered to recapture airflow as it passes from the rider and frame. ENVE's development approach treats front and rear wheels as distinct aerodynamic problems rather than matching depths for visual symmetry, and the SES 4.5 rear wheel reflects this philosophy. The additional depth works in the calmer air behind the front wheel where crosswind stability matters less and drag reduction takes priority. This differentiated design emerged from wind tunnel testing validated by thousands of miles of real-world riding across varied conditions.

The 25mm internal rim width matches the front, maintaining consistent tire shape and handling characteristics across the wheelset. Aerodynamic optimization centers on 27-28mm tubeless tires, where the 32mm external width creates a smooth transition from rim to rubber that manages airflow efficiently. A hookless bead design ensures precise ETRTO-compliant dimensions for reliable tubeless seating, while the Wide Hookless Bead feature provides pinch-flat protection at the rim's leading edge. This matters on the rear wheel where impacts from potholes and rough pavement tend to hit harder given the weight distribution under power. The technology traces back to the original SES 4.5 AR that pioneered the concept of pairing aero depths with high-volume tires for cobbled classics.

Carbon layup has evolved since that original launched in 2016, shedding weight through refined laminate schedules without sacrificing the lateral stiffness that keeps the wheel tracking true under heavy wattage. The rim alone weighs 415 grams, contributing to a complete wheel that accelerates responsively despite its aero-focused depth. Tubeless compatibility is mandatory here, enabling the lower pressures and improved grip that justify the design decisions built into the rim profile. Running tubes defeats the purpose of the hookless architecture and compromises the performance envelope the wheel was designed around.... Read More