Whereas the not too long ago revamped ENVE M-Sequence wheels proceed to push the class ahead on the excessive finish, many riders are in search of a extra reasonably priced possibility that doesn’t skimp on high quality. And that’s the place ENVE’s Basis Sequence wheels are available, so I examined the AM30 mountain bike wheels to see how they examine.
I’ve been using the unique M5 since they launched they usually’ve held up impeccably. The AM30 is a decidedly extra trail-to-all-mountain wheel than the XC-oriented M5, but it surely shares a number of the key options and, for now*, include Business 9 hubs. (*Their Basis Highway/Gravel wheels now include ENVE’s InnerDrive hubs, however the AM30 hasn’t made that change…no phrase on whether or not they are going to)
For comparability, the AM30 wheelset is $1400, whereas the M6 “path” wheelset is $2300. So, right here’s what occurs whenever you spend $900 much less…
Precise weights & widths
The wheels ship naked and weigh in at 858g (entrance) and 1011g (rear) with out rim tape or valve stems. Complete is 1869g precise (claimed weight is 1852g).
Add the rim tape and valve stems they usually weigh 877g (+19g, entrance) and 1029g (+18g). That’s 1906g complete able to trip.
Tape and valve stems are included with the wheels, and these are geared up with a Micro Spline freehub physique so I might check them with the TRP EVO 12 mountain bike group.
Claimed rim widths are 30mm inside and 39mm exterior. Mine measured 29.83mm inside and 38.92mm exterior…effectively inside anticipated tolerances. Depth is a claimed 20mm.
This is among the key variations between the AM30 and M-series. These have the identical rim entrance and rear, whereas the M-series wheels use completely different profiles and widths entrance to rear. For instance, the M6 measures 32mm entrance/inside and 29mm rear/inside.
However the AM30 retains considered one of ENVE’s greatest options – the large bead wall with rounded corners. Utilizing math, they need to be 4.5mm large every, and that’s precisely the place mine ended up.
For my part, for this reason ENVE’s wheels are so good, they’ve nailed a design that nearly eliminates pinch flats. Even once I’ve run deliberately too-low pressures and hit rocks simply to check them, I didn’t have points. Beneath regular setup and situations, I’ve been in a position to rally tough terrain, rocks, and roots with out worry. And with out incident.
Particulars
Right here’s what that appears like as a profile. Notice the little bead seat channels, too, and rounded ramps to deliver the tire up from the deeper middle for simpler tubeless tire installs.
The ultra-shallow rim depth improved compliance, and these wheels are certainly very snug with out giving up lateral stability or the power to rail corners.
Exterior nipples at the moment are the norm for each Basis and M-Sequence wheels, however they had been a brand new factor for ENVE when this wheelset launched. However, these rims additionally use molded spoke holes, not drilled, which is a premium contact that’s trickled down.
I additionally actually just like the matte end that also permits a number of the carbon’s sheen to come back by. It’s refined, however there.
There’s a cause why lots of wheel manufacturers spec Business 9 hubs…they’re unbelievable. These I9 1/1 hubs are a confirmed aspect, and J-bend spokes are simple to supply and exchange at virtually any bike store. Finish caps are tool-free, making them simple to service and clear, too.
ENVE AM30 trip assessment
I’ve ridden these in Deer Valley, Utah’s steep and flowing trails that (due to some native information) weren’t at all times absolutely established.
I’ve ridden them at Beech Mountain’s bike park, the place lift-served trails vary from groomed and bermed to “I can’t imagine this many rocks exist in a single place!”
And I’ve ridden it in Vermont’s expansive path community of lengthy climbs, blazing descents, technical trails, and man-made ramps and options:
In all places I’ve ridden them the AM30 wheels excelled. ENVE calls them the “one-wheelset quiver for lunch laps, park laps, and backcountry epics”, and I’d agree.
I’ll admit, $1400 continues to be so much for a wheelset, but it surely’s so much higher than $2300. And it lastly put ENVE at a aggressive value level with out watering down the product or including a ton of weight. These are solely 277g heavier than the M6 (claimed weight comparisons), and a few of that weight comes from the hubs, so it’s not all out on the rim.
The rationale I usually trip and advocate ENVE is as a result of I’ve seen how they make their wheels. I’ve ridden them sufficient to know they maintain as much as abuse. I admire the design pondering that goes into them. And I admire that they’re made within the USA (and on this case with US-made hubs, too).
In case you’re in search of a bombproof mountain bike wheel that’ll deal with virtually something and has a killer pedigree, the ENVE AM30 is price a glance.
