ENVE SES 4.5 PRO Carbon Wheelset

The ENVE SES 4.5 PRO is designed for cyclists who do not want to compromise between aerodynamics and low weight. Deep aero wheels are often relatively heavy, while ultra-light climbing wheels are usually less aerodynamic. The SES 4.5 PRO is designed to combine both qualities in one wheelset.

The PRO version was developed in cooperation with Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG. The goal was to retain the proven aerodynamic performance of the standard SES 4.5 while significantly reducing overall weight.

The result is a wheelset weighing only around 1,295 grams including valves. The front rim is 49 mm deep, while the rear rim is 55 mm deep. The different rim depths create a balanced combination of aerodynamics, stability and low weight.

The new carbon lay-up uses higher-modulus carbon fibres and less material. This allows ENVE to reduce rim weight while retaining the performance characteristics the SES range is known for.

The rims have a 23.5 mm internal width and are aerodynamically optimised for modern road tyres around 27–28 mm. This creates a smoother transition between tyre and rim and contributes to improved aerodynamic efficiency and handling.

The wheelset is built around ENVE INNERDRIVE PRO Straight-Pull hubs with ceramic bearings and uses Alpina Ultralite Aero R5 spokes with Alpina Nylock aluminium nipples. The result is an exceptionally light and aerodynamic race wheelset designed for competition at the highest level.

KEY FEATURES

• High-end carbon road wheelset
• Developed with input from Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG
• Approximately 1,295 grams per wheelset
• 49 mm front rim depth
• 55 mm rear rim depth
• 23.5 mm internal rim width
• 30.8 mm external rim width
• Optimised for 27–28 mm road tyres
• Tubeless Ready
• Lightweight high-modulus carbon lay-up
• ENVE INNERDRIVE PRO Straight-Pull hubs
• PRO ceramic bearings
• Alpina Ultralite Aero R5 spokes
• Alpina Nylock aluminium nipples
• Center Lock disc brake mounting
• 12x100 mm front / 12x142 mm rear
• 24 spokes front and rear
• Designed for top-level racing

DEVELOPED FOR WORLDTOUR RACING

The SES 4.5 PRO was created through ENVE’s collaboration with UAE Team Emirates-XRG. The objective was clear: maintain as much of the aerodynamic performance of the existing SES 4.5 as possible, while reducing weight to the level of a dedicated climbing wheelset.

Development focused on:

• A lighter carbon lay-up
• Optimised rim construction
• Lower rim mass
• Ultra-light hubs
• Ceramic bearings
• Lightweight aero spokes
• Aluminium nipples

The wheelset is designed for top-level competition and is especially well suited to hilly and mountainous races where both aerodynamics and weight matter.

49 MM FRONT / 55 MM REAR

ENVE deliberately uses different rim depths for the front and rear wheel.

Front wheel – 49 mm

The slightly shallower front rim helps reduce weight and improves control in crosswinds.

Rear wheel – 55 mm

The deeper rear rim provides additional aerodynamic benefit. Since the rear wheel is less sensitive to crosswinds, a deeper profile can be used without significantly affecting steering.

This creates a wheelset that remains fast on flat roads while still being light enough for long climbs.

ULTRA-LIGHT CARBON RIMS

The SES 4.5 PRO uses a new rim construction with high-modulus carbon fibres and reduced material weight.

Claimed rim weights:

• Front rim: approximately 369 grams
• Rear rim: approximately 383 grams

This helps ENVE build a relatively deep aerodynamic wheelset with a total weight of only around 1,295 grams.

23.5 MM INTERNAL RIM WIDTH

The internal rim width is 23.5 mm, while the external width is 30.8 mm.

This combination is designed around modern road tyres and is aerodynamically optimised for tyres around 27–28 mm.

A wider rim can contribute to:

• Improved tyre shape
• Better cornering stability
• Lower rolling resistance
• More comfort
• A smoother aerodynamic transition between tyre and rim

TUBELESS READY

The ENVE SES 4.5 PRO is Tubeless Ready and designed for modern tubeless road tyres.

Tyre specifications:

• Aero-optimised tyre width: 27–28 mm
• Minimum tyre width: 28 mm, or 27 mm with selected ENVE tyres
• Maximum tyre pressure: 6.8 bar / 100 psi
• Tubeless rim tape width: 29 mm

Always check the latest ENVE tyre compatibility information before fitting a specific tyre.

ENVE INNERDRIVE PRO HUBS

The SES 4.5 PRO uses ENVE INNERDRIVE PRO Straight-Pull hubs.

This special PRO version is designed to further reduce overall system weight and uses ceramic bearings.

Claimed hub weights:

• Front hub: approximately 87 grams
• Rear hub: approximately 194 grams

Together, the hubset weighs only around 281 grams.

The hubs are compatible with Center Lock brake rotors and modern 12 mm thru-axles.

ALPINA ULTRALITE AERO R5 SPOKES

ENVE selected Alpina Ultralite Aero R5 TCX 2/1.5/2 spokes for the SES 4.5 PRO.

These aerodynamic spokes combine low weight with good stiffness and are paired with lightweight Alpina Nylock aluminium nipples.

Spoke count:

• Front wheel: 24
• Rear wheel: 24

Recommended spoke tension: 120 kgf.

WHO IS THE ENVE SES 4.5 PRO FOR?

The ENVE SES 4.5 PRO is especially suitable for:

• Competitive road cyclists
• Riders looking for both aerodynamics and low weight
• Cyclists who race on hilly and mountainous terrain
• Riders looking for a lightweight all-round race wheelset
• Cyclists using modern wider road tyres
• Riders who value ceramic bearings
• Cyclists looking for a WorldTour-level wheelset

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: ENVE
Model: SES 4.5 PRO
Use: Road / racing
Wheel size: 700C / 28 inch
Rim material: Carbon
Front rim depth: 49 mm
Rear rim depth: 55 mm
Internal rim width: 23.5 mm
External rim width: 30.8 mm
Rim type: Tubeless Ready
Aero-optimised tyre width: 27–28 mm
Minimum tyre width: 28 mm, 27 mm with selected ENVE tyres
Maximum tyre pressure: 6.8 bar / 100 psi
Front hub: ENVE INNERDRIVE PRO Straight-Pull
Rear hub: ENVE INNERDRIVE PRO Straight-Pull
Bearings: ENVE PRO Ceramic Bearings
Spokes: Alpina Ultralite Aero R5 TCX 2/1.5/2
Nipples: Alpina Nylock Alloy
Front spoke count: 24
Rear spoke count: 24
Brake type: Disc brake
Rotor mounting: Center Lock
Front axle: 12x100 mm
Rear axle: 12x142 mm
Freehub body: Depending on selected version
Front wheel weight: Approximately 587 grams
Rear wheel weight: Approximately 708 grams
Total weight: Approximately 1,295 grams (+/-3%)
Front ERD: 563 mm
Rear ERD: 553 mm
Front tubeless valve length: 66 mm
Rear tubeless valve length: 72 mm

FREEHUB BODY COMPATIBILITY

Depending on the selected version, the SES 4.5 PRO is available with different freehub bodies, including:

• Shimano HG
• SRAM XDR
• Campagnolo N3W

Choose the freehub body that matches your cassette.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• ENVE SES 4.5 PRO front wheel
• ENVE SES 4.5 PRO rear wheel
• Tubeless valves
• Tubeless rim tape
• Center Lock lockrings

Exact package contents may vary depending on version and delivery.

CHECK BEFORE ORDERING

• Which freehub body you need
• Whether your bike uses 12x100 / 12x142 mm thru-axles
• Whether you use Center Lock brake rotors
• Whether your chosen tyres are compatible with the ENVE rim
• Which tyre width you plan to use
• Whether your frame and fork provide enough tyre clearance

FAQ

How much does the ENVE SES 4.5 PRO weigh?
ENVE lists a total wheelset weight of approximately 1,295 grams, with a tolerance of +/-3%.

What is the difference between the SES 4.5 PRO and the standard SES 4.5?
The PRO version is further optimised for low weight and racing. It uses a lighter carbon lay-up and INNERDRIVE PRO hubs with ceramic bearings.

Which tyre width works best?
ENVE aerodynamically optimised the wheelset for tyres around 27–28 mm.

Are the wheels Tubeless Ready?
Yes. The SES 4.5 PRO is designed for tubeless road tyres.

How deep are the rims?
The front rim is 49 mm deep and the rear rim is 55 mm deep.

Which spokes are used?
ENVE uses Alpina Ultralite Aero R5 TCX 2/1.5/2 spokes with Alpina Nylock aluminium nipples.

Which hubs are fitted?
The wheelset uses ENVE INNERDRIVE PRO Straight-Pull hubs with PRO ceramic bearings.

Will a Shimano 12-speed cassette fit?
Yes, when you choose the Shimano HG version and your cassette is compatible with a Shimano HG road freehub.

Is this wheelset only suitable for climbing?
No. The combination of low weight and a 49/55 mm aerodynamic profile makes it suitable for climbing, rolling terrain and fast riding on flat roads.