When ENVE introduces a new XC wheel, you would normally expect a price tag above the 2500 euro mark. But the new Foundation line breaks with this tradition. The XC28 wheelset is the latest addition to this family and is aimed directly at cross-country riders and downcountry fans who sprint uphill in World Cup style, but don't want to compromise on the downhill either.
The most important features at a glance:
- Field of application: Cross-country, marathon & trail.
- Weight: 722 g / 824 g (front/rear); 1516 g (with tubeless tape; valves and XD freewheel)
- Rim width: 28 mm; optimised for 2.4" tyres.
- Hubs: ENVE Innerdrive Foundation (110mm front / 148mm/157mm rear).
- Freewheel: XD or Microspline available.
- Special feature: Patented moulded spoke holes for maximum stability; wide hookless bead to prevent punctures.
- Price: 1649 Euro
Technology transfer: M series for everyone
The XC28 is not a "cheap wheel", but a cleverly slimmed-down high-end product. The rim profile is strongly orientated towards the M5 and M6 race models. Thanks to an optimised carbon laminate, ENVE promises the perfect balance of stiffness for acceleration and enough compliance to avoid losing your seals on rooty trails.
The developers have paid particular attention to the so-called Wide Hookless Bead technology. The wide, hookless rim flank is intended to distribute the energy during hard punctures in such a way that the tyre is not crushed - this should drastically reduce the dreaded "snakebite risk".
Centrepiece: The new Innerdrive Foundation hub
A highlight that is rarely seen in this price range is the inner workings. ENVE has installed its Innerdrive hubs with solid 42 mm steel ratchets. These are located directly above the bearings, which should reduce the load on the axle and ensure a longer service life. The bearing play is also adjusted automatically - annoying readjustments are a thing of the past.
The XC28 wheelset in review: light and shade
Advantages:
- Price-performance cracker: ENVE-Performance for 1649 euros is an announcement.
- Durability: Thanks to the "moulded spoke holes" (ENVE dispenses with drilled holes, the fibres are laid around the hole), the rims are said to be extremely stable.
- Puncture protection: The wide hookless bead technology allows lower air pressures with a high level of safety.
- Hub technology: The Innerdrive system is low-maintenance and technically state-of-the-art.
Disadvantages:
- Weight: The simpler laminate makes it somewhat heavier than the sinfully expensive M5 series.
- Exclusivity: Anyone looking for the elite status of 3000 euro wheels will have to come to terms with the fact that ENVE is now poaching the mass market.
Market analysis: keeping an eye on the competition
The market for carbon wheels around € 1,200 to € 1,600 is highly competitive. This is where the ENVE XC28 has to prove itself:
- Newmen Advanced SL X.A.30: The German king of lightweight construction. Often a little lighter, but visually more discreet than ENVE. Weight: from 1285 g; price: 1450 euros
- Roval Control SL Carbon (Specialised): Almost the standard in this class. Extremely light and with a lifetime guarantee, but technically with DT-Swiss internals instead of a custom hub. Weight: 1,590 g; price: 1148 euros
- Santa Cruz Reserve 28: Known for their indestructibility and legendary warranty - often priced slightly above the Foundation series. Weight: from 1387 grams; price: from 1799 euros
- Bontrager Kovee Elite 30: A very affordable alternative from Trek, which can often be found even cheaper, but can't compete with ENVE in terms of prestige factor. Price: 999,98 Euro
Stefan Frey
Editor
