Not long ago I had the absolute pleasure to talk with Jason Schiers, the head honcho and founder of ENVE COMPOSITES. We laughed, we cried, get spoke of 650b. No seriously, we did. The folks at ENVE are hip to 650B. They've ridden it. In carbon. HUH, what? WHO? Yes. Carbon 650B hoops.
Jason spilled the beans, ENVE has some awesomely modular tooling allowing them to make 26" wheels & 29" wheels. Mr. Schiers said it was pretty easy to just split the difference and do a 27.5" rim. Back in 2009 or 2010, Kirk Pacenti approached ENVE to lay up some carbon 650B rims, so obviously SOMEONE was pretty serious and made some "prototypes".
As of right now ENVE does not have plans to add their half-brother 650B wheel to their line. They are going to wait it out, since their tooling is 650B friendly they are standing by, but with no commitment.
What do you think? Is 650B Ready for a kick ass carbon ENVE wheel? Leave your comments below. I bet ENVE has their ear to the ground on this potential.
13 comments:
Rim hotness!!!!!!
Absolutely yes!! I was just saying this the other day. Of course, $$ speaks more than me just "wanting" them. Just like their 26" and 29" versions, I couldn't afford them, but they would be my dream wheel.
If they're already tooled up, I don't know what would stop them. They make rims to order (I'm waiting on them constantly) individually anyway.
So yes, of course they should make them. And a 36er rim, too! :)
Ah, I remember that conversation well. have heard rumors that some of these are floating around, though have never seen them myself. Good on them!
Those would be kickass for racers etc. etc. for sure!
You Make, We buy!!!!!!!!
Knowing what light wheels can do to a bike, to the ride: yes, please produce them.
Seeiing how many 29-riders actually buy carbon wheels: yes, i think there is a market for 650B carbon rims/wheels.
With this modular tooling being utilized why not do short production runs based on demand or pre-orders? Enve you could make a huge impact in legitamizing this wheel size to the masses.
I don't see their rims being any direct benefit to the sales of 650b bikes in general. Their is a limited market for carbon rims due to retail pricing. However, by introducing a limited number they may convince other manufacturers to step up.
Good idea because the list of components 650b is poor, it's essential to more parts like rims and tires.
Been really digging the Ibis mojo hd with Enve wheels but want 650b so yes I'd be all over it.
i am ready to place my order now.
I want to put a 27.5" wheel on the front of my Cannondale Flash. Please make me a 24 hole rim asap. The suspension travel will handle it fine. Thanks Marco.
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