Cycling tech leader Enve has just unveiled its latest high-performance innovation: the SES 4.5 Pro wheelset. Developed in close collaboration with elite riders like two-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar and his UAE Team Emirates squad, these wheels represent the cutting edge of racing technology, promising top-tier speed and incredibly low weight just in time for the biggest races of the season.
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Here’s the quick takeaway: these new Pro wheels take Enve’s successful SES 4.5 platform and make it significantly lighter and more aerodynamic, incorporating new rim and hub tech straight from the pro peloton – but you’ll have to wait until 2026 to get your hands on them.
Enve SES 4.5 Pro carbon road bike wheel, showcasing the rim profile and spokes.
Born in the Pro Peloton
While the official launch is happening now, the UAE Team Emirates riders have actually been secretly racing on prototype versions of the SES 4.5 Pro all season. Their impressive track record, including over 25 wins this year, already speaks volumes about the potential of these wheels. The “Pro” designation means these weren’t just designed for pros, but with their direct feedback, similar to Enve’s SES Aero Pro handlebar.
The previous SES 4.5 model was already a benchmark for aero wheels, used by the pros in countless victories. The new Pro version aims to build on that foundation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible by combining aerodynamic performance with the feather-light weight usually associated with climbing-specific wheels. This trend towards lighter, yet still aero, all-around wheels is a big deal in modern cycling.
What Makes the SES 4.5 Pro Different?
Enve says almost everything is new or improved on the 4.5 Pro. The headline spec is the incredible wheelset weight: just 1295 grams (including valves and rim tape). For aero wheels with depths of 49mm in the front and 55mm in the rear, that’s genuinely remarkable – a weight figure that would have been unheard of for aero wheels just a few years ago. This significant weight reduction is key to making them not just fast on the flats but also competitive on climbs.
Enve achieved this by using higher-grade, lighter carbon fiber. The rims retain the aerodynamically optimized variable depths and a wide 23.5mm internal width, designed to pair best with 28mm tires, a size increasingly favored by pros for its balance of speed, comfort, and grip.
Close-up view of the Enve SES 4.5 Pro front wheel on a white background.
A notable change from some previous Enve models is the return to a “mini hook” bead on the rim, moving away from hookless. This, along with a thinner inner rim channel, contributes to the weight savings (about 50 grams per rim) and, in theory, could offer better tire bead security, especially if tire pressure is significantly lost. Interestingly, the rims are slightly shallower and narrower externally than the standard 4.5, refined for aero performance with modern wide tires.
Diagram illustrating the technical changes to the rim profile and mini hook bead on the Enve SES 4.5 Pro wheel.
Lighter, Faster Hubs and Bearings
Enve also developed a brand-new hubset for the 4.5 Pro called the Innerdrive Pro. These new hubs shave 60 grams off the existing Innerdrive model, with the front hub weighing 87 grams and the rear 194 grams. Weight was saved by reducing the diameter of the internal drive ratchet and carefully milling material away.
It’s not just about weight, though. Enve introduced a new ratchet spring designed to provide secure engagement while minimizing drag.
The wheels feature Pro Ceramic bearings, developed with a specialized vendor. These bearings use high-precision ceramic balls and hardened stainless steel races. Enve claims the steel races get burnished over time, potentially making the hubs even more efficient with use – a trait sometimes associated with high-end hubs like Chris King. The bearing seals balance durability and drag, with non-contact seals internally and low-contact seals externally.
Observations seem to support the low-drag claim. An Instagram video of Pogačar spinning his front wheel showed it turning for an exceptionally long time, visually suggesting very low internal friction.
Enve Innerdrive Pro rear hub for the SES 4.5 Pro wheelset.
Performance and Testing
Enve provides performance data showing the SES 4.5 Pro wheels stacked up against competitors. They claim the wheels are not only lighter and more aero but also stiffer and stronger than previous versions.
Enve relies on a comprehensive testing approach, including working with renowned aerodynamicist Simon Smart. Their methods involve wind tunnel testing, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, and real-world on-road and in-frame aero testing at both elite and amateur speeds.
Comparison chart detailing specifications differences between Enve SES 4.5 Pro and other models.
Pricey and Exclusive – For Now
These wheels represent the pinnacle of Enve’s current road cycling technology, developed for winning at the highest level. As you might expect, that comes with a premium price tag: $3750 / €4499 per pair.
Crucially, despite the launch and the pros racing on them now, the Enve SES 4.5 Pro wheels are not expected to be available for the public to purchase until sometime in 2026. So, while you’ll see them helping Pogačar and his teammates chase victories at the Tour de France and beyond, you’ll have to wait to experience the tech yourself.
These wheels highlight how marginal gains continue to drive innovation in pro cycling, pushing components to be lighter, faster, and more robust than ever before. It will be exciting to watch them perform in the world’s biggest races.
