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 inexpensive choice that doesn’t skimp on high quality. And that’s the place ENVE’s Basis Sequence wheels are available in, so I examined the AM30 mountain bike wheels to see how they evaluate.
I’ve been driving the unique M5 since they launched and so they’ve held up impeccably. The AM30 is a decidedly extra trail-to-all-mountain wheel than the XC-oriented M5, nevertheless it shares among the key options and, for now*, include Trade 9 hubs. (*Their Basis Highway/Gravel wheels now include ENVE’s InnerDrive hubs, however the AM30 hasn’t made that swap…no phrase on whether or not they may)
For comparability, the AM30 wheelset is $1400, whereas the M6 “path” wheelset is $2300. So, right here’s what occurs if 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 and so they weigh 877g (+19g, entrance) and 1029g (+18g). That’s 1906g whole able to journey.
Tape and valve stems are included with the wheels, and these are geared up with a Micro Spline freehub physique so I may check them with the TRP EVO 12 mountain bike group.
Claimed rim widths are 30mm inner and 39mm exterior. Mine measured 29.83mm inner 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 totally different profiles and widths entrance to rear. For instance, the M6 measures 32mm entrance/inner and 29mm rear/inner.
However the AM30 retains considered one of ENVE’s greatest options – the vast bead wall with rounded corners. Utilizing math, they need to be 4.5mm vast 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 capable of rally tough terrain, rocks, and roots with out concern. And with out incident.
Particulars
Right here’s what that appears like as a profile. Be aware the little bead seat channels, too, and rounded ramps to carry the tire up from the deeper heart 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 flexibility to rail corners.
Exterior nipples at the moment are the norm for each Basis and M-Sequence wheels, however they have 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 among the carbon’s sheen to return by way of. It’s delicate, however there.
There’s a motive why numerous wheel manufacturers spec Trade 9 hubs…they’re improbable. These I9 1/1 hubs are a confirmed aspect, and J-bend spokes are straightforward to supply and exchange at nearly any bike store. Finish caps are tool-free, making them straightforward to service and clear, too.
ENVE AM30 journey assessment
I’ve ridden these in Deer Valley, Utah’s steep and flowing trails that (because of some native information) weren’t all the time 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 consider 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 every single place 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 remains to be lots for a wheelset, nevertheless it’s lots 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 typically journey 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 respect the design pondering that goes into them. And I respect that they’re made within the USA (and on this case with US-made hubs, too).
For those who’re in search of a bombproof mountain bike wheel that’ll deal with nearly something and has a killer pedigree, the ENVE AM30 is price a glance.
