Enve unveils new M-Series wheels aimed at riders’ up/down ratios

Enve Composites released a new range of carbon fiber mountain bike rims Tuesday, comprised of four different models.

The Ogden, Utah-based company chose not to categorize the rims with ordinary industry jargon. Instead, each of the four models is designated with a unique number that corresponds with the amount of descending the rider expects to enjoy.

On one end of the spectrum, the M50 is a 330g, 28-hole rim with 21mm inner rim width, meant for a 50/50 split of climbing and descending. At the other side of things is the M90 — a downhill rim. The M90 (i.e. 90 percent descending) is bigger in every way, boasting a 25mm inner rim width, a 34mm deep profile and 32 spoke holes.

Not sure if these rims work for your everyday rides? The M60 (32mm depth, 23mm inner width) and M70 (34mm depth, 25mm inner width) fill in the gaps for riders who descend aggressively but may not race XC.

All rims share the American-made carbon construction Enve is known for. The company claims that the carbon layup is tailored for each model to provide the correct amount of compliance and stiffness. Enve also says it has boosted the carbon’s impact resistance.

The average rider is more likely to notice the beadless rim construction. Intended for tubeless tires, Enve claims this feature allows riders to run lower pressure more safely, strengthens the rim, and reduces the likelihood of pinch flats.

The M50, M60, and M70 are each available in the 29-inch size. The M60, M70, and M90 can be had in 27.5-inch diameter, and for 26-inch holdouts, the smallest rim size is available in the M70 and M90 flavors.

MSRP for any of the four models is $999 per rim.

Complete wheelsets are available with several hub options:
DT Swiss 240: $2,718
Chris King: $2,750
DT Swiss 180: $3,298 (M50, M60, and M70 models only)