ENVE is increasing its Basis lineup with the brand new Basis AR40. The brand new wheelset is a 40mm-deep, versatile street (and barely gravel) design. That means it ought to provide an aerodynamic benefit, wide-tire compatibility, and ENVE’s signature experience high quality at a value level that may often solely get you one in all ENVE’s wheels.
What’s the ENVE Basis Sequence?
The Basis sequence is the gateway into ENVE’s higher-end choices: SES (efficiency street), G Sequence (gravel), and M Sequence (mountain) wheels. ENVE positions the Basis vary as “all about real-world efficiency” over headline weight numbers. Plus, the $1,500 per-set value is way simpler to swallow than the $3,750 for the PRO Sequence wheels. The brand new ENVE AR40 continues that theme, mixing a simplified carbon building with confirmed ENVE tech. The sizing, specs, and value ought to hit the candy spot for each fashionable street and quick gravel using.
An ENVE Tackle the All-Street Wheel
On the core of the AR40 is a classic-looking rim, 40mm deep at each the entrance and rear, with a 25mm inner width. A mix aimed squarely at as we speak’s wider, sooner tires. ENVE says the AR40 is aerodynamically optimized for 29–30mm tires (ENVE has a tire for that too), leveraging its SES aero-development to ship drag discount.
Whereas the AR40 is designed initially for street use, it’s additionally been examined and permitted to ENVE’s gravel requirements. What’s that imply for riders? ENVE offers the AR40 a inexperienced sticker of approval for off-road use (however not too off-road), and it’s designed for setups that prioritize velocity over outright quantity.
Aerodynamics
Like ENVE’s premium wheels, the AR40 was developed and examined in-frame on the Mercedes-Benz System One Wind Tunnel. Testing was carried out at 20 mph (32 kph) and 30 mph (48 kph) to raised mirror real-world using circumstances.
The purpose, in line with ENVE, isn’t simply decrease drag numbers in a lab, however predictable dealing with and effectivity throughout a variety of wind angles.
Hookless, Tubeless, and Constructed for Affect
The AR40 continues ENVE’s allegiance to hookless tubeless design. Though there are lots of arguments for and in opposition to within the hookless debate, ENVE frames it as essentially the most constant and dependable strategy for contemporary efficiency tires. ENVE states that eliminating the bead hook will allow tighter bead-seat diameter tolerances, that are important for a protected, safe tubeless match.
The rim additionally options ENVE’s patent-pending Vast Hookless Bead, designed to dissipate affect forces from potholes and sharp hits. It’s just like the bead design we see within the M-Sequence, decreasing the chance of pinch flats whether or not you’re working tubeless or tubes.
ENVE’s molded spoke gap know-how carries over from its higher-end choices. On this, the mould routes steady carbon fibers across the spoke and valve holes, reasonably than drilling them post-mold. ENVE says the result’s a stronger spoke mattress, greater allowable spoke tensions, and decreased long-term upkeep.
Basis InnerDrive Hubs
Lacing all the things collectively are ENVE’s Basis-grade InnerDrive hubs, which share the identical core structure because the model’s premium hubs. Highlights embrace:
Outsized 42mm metal ratchet system
Inboard ratchet placement to cut back axle and bearing stress
Computerized preload adjustment
Excessive-performance metal bearings
Many inner parts are interchangeable with ENVE’s higher-end hubs, reinforcing the Basis line’s position as an entry level into the ENVE ecosystem reasonably than a stripped-down outlier.
ENVE Basis Sequence AR40 Specs:
Rim depth: 40mm
Inner width: 25mm
Claimed Rim weight: 425g (±3%)
Claimed Wheelset weight: 1500g (±3%)
Tubeless suitable: Sure
Tire optimization: 29–30mm
Gravel rated: Sure
Worth: $1,500 USD
Pricing and Availability
Particular person wheel pricing ranges from $630–$770 USD, relying on entrance/rear and axle configurations, with full wheelsets comfortably beneath $1,500 USD. Manufacturing and delivery are slated for late 2025, and we’re hoping for a evaluate set to check.
ENVE.com
