Ever since we got to show off ENVE’s new M Series rims on our SLACKR Ti ENVE Grodeo show bike we’ve been patiently awaiting their launch! There’s a lot to talk about but we’ll focus on what updates matter to us Chumba hardtail riders. Here is a run down on the new ENVE M6 Carbon wheels!
Chumba SLACKR Titanium ENVE Grodeo ‘24 show bike featuring prototype ENVE M6 wheels.
A new rim profiles on are designed to set a new balance of compliance and stiffness for the M Series lineup.
The front and rear rims on the M6 are different sizes and have different layups. The rear is a 29mm internal and set up for durability and power transfer. While the front is 32mm internal and is more compliant. Aiming to keep you smooth in corners and tracking through rough terrain. Both rims were in-house tested by ENVE and showed double the impact resistance to the former M630 rims. Those were already pretty dang tough, but as a hardtail rider who occasionally… makes an error… it is nice knowing the wheels can take a hit.
They have a much shallower profile than we are used to seeing, but it is still a double-wall rim. 21mm profile with concave sidewalls, which combine to keep chatter smooth and offer true vertical compliance when you need it. Notice also, external nipples.
Making them more compliant likely improved the impact absorption, but they also got wider hookless beads, which also helps. Subtle details like a 4.2mm bead for the front and a 4.7mm bead for the rear showcase how much thought was put into designing each wheel for its intended purpose. This is very exciting and a new precedent for what makes a high-end carbon wheel vs. the one mold-fits-all overseas model that other brands often offer.
So what do they ride like? Vince got a chance to lace up a set of the M6 rims to new Industry Nine Solix MTN hubs and get a few rides in.
“I kept everything else on my SLACKR the same, just changed to the ENVE wheels. I immediately noticed they were smoother and had better power transfer not only when pedaling but also when pumping the trail. The increased smoothness was most noticeable when the bike is on edge or cornering. Diving into pump track corners it really stood out. Riding single-speed on a pump track makes it easy to isolate what a given component is doing for you.
On the trail the M6 wheels carry momentum and hold a line cornering. As a 160lbs rider (with gear) it is great to ride a lightweight carbon wheelset with trail duty credentials and not get beat up. The flex is just enough. Riders over 200lbs might benefit from lacing the M6 rims to round spokes to stiffen the ride quality. I am running them with a bladed spokes.
I’m happy with the tire profiles front and rear on my 2.4” tires with the two different-sized rims. It makes a ton of sense to have a rim dedicated for both. I am excited to see more companies going this way and building more optimized components. So far I am really impressed.
Vince’s SLACKR Titanium singlespeed with ENVE M6 wheels laced up to I-9 SOLIX MTN Hubs
They are a significantly different wheel from the previous generation, which is exciting and great news for us hardtail riders. We need rims that can help us hold lines and maintain traction. Wheel companies have been trying to get to the goldilocks of compliance and stiffness but are really building everything for full suspensions. I know the ENVE’s were mostly prototyped for that as well, but this new balance of compliance is precisely what I have been after for my hardtail riding.” -Vince Colvin, Chumba partner & product designer
We were able to get a set out to the Radavist on the SLACKR Titanium John Watson is currently reviewing so stay tuned for more on these new rims and hubs.
John’s SLACKR Ti review bike at MADE featuring prototype ENVE M6 wheels.
ENVE has a whole package with their new InnerDrive hubs which have loads of ratchet options for different levels of engagement and boast increased bearing life and ease of maintenance. We set up John’s build with these and are excited to hear his feedback. The M6 wheels with InnerDrive hubs come in at 1550g. That is awesome, considering the rim widths.
If you prefer your hubs in different flavors we can make you a custom wheelset featuring the ENVE M5 and M6 rims laced up to your favorite 28h Industry Nine, Chris King or White Industries hubset. The ENVE wheels are now live on our custom build quote tool.
Custom ENVE M6 wheelset with Industry Nine SOLIX MTN hubset.
Lacing up the new rims to the I-9 hubs, we used SAPIM CX Ray spokes and ENVE’s new nipples. They are locking external nipples with Nylox spoke retention built into the nipple. These built up round and true for a light and fast setup.
If you already have a Chumba and want a new ENVE wheelset with ENVE hubs let us know! Or if you want a custom set we can get you set up at our sister company Stoke Custom Wheels!