“ENVE was built upon a foundation of a more perfect ride experience delivered by crafted carbon wheels and components. Our aftermarket introduction in 2007 marked the moment in time where vision turned reality and cyclists around the world began to experience the ENVE difference. More than a decade later, our appetite for innovation and crafted carbon remains.”
The Foundation Collection
- MSRP $US 1,600 – $AUD 2,899 – $CAD 2,250 – £ 1,800 and € 1,800
- Purpose-Built for its intended application
- Features & benefits exceed those of competitor’s wheels at similar or higher price points
- Is designed to maximize ride time and reduce the likelihood of maintenance and repair
- Is positioned in the marketplace like Shimano Ultegra, SRAM Force, and Campagnolo Record
- Made in the USA and features ENVE’s leading warranty and lifetime incident protection
Sneak Peek Video
ENVE AG25 & AG28
Hot on the heels of the Foundation Collection road ENVE 45 & 65, and the mountain AM30 launch, comes the introduction of Foundation Gravel in the form of two new wheels – the AG25 (700c) and AG28 (650b). Two all-new wheelsets that follow the Foundation ethos of offering best-in-class performance for drop-bar, off-road adventurers.
What is “AG”
“AG” stands for Adventure/Gravel. With increasingly more road riders looking for new challenges on roads less traveled, we wanted to build a wheelset that is equally at home on a multi-day tour as it is on the DK racecourse. Regardless, the AG25 and AG28 are ready for adventure.
Key Points of Differentiation
- Rim Shape/Construction – Shallow cross-section allows for improved vibration damping and compliance
- Lightweight – The AG model rims are competitively light-weight and on par with rims positioned at a higher MSRP
- Molded Spoke Hole Technology for external nipples
- Anti-Pinch Flat Technology – Like the G Series G23 & G27, the AG25 & AG28 feature our patent-pending Wide Hookless Bead which refers to the rim’s wide impact-absorbing leading edge that improves pinch flat protection by over 50% when compared to a traditional hookless bead
- Hookless Bead design for tubeless optimization and reliability
- Rim widths allow for versatile tire compatibility – AG25 = 25mm inner rim width, AG28 = 28mm inner rim width
Molded Spoke & Valve-Stem Holes
We’ve been molding spoke holes into our rims since day one. Molding vs. drilling the spoke hole protects the carbon fibers from being cut and allows carbon fibers to remain intact for a lighter, stronger rim structure.
Another benefit is that we can control the shape of the rim at the spoke/nipple interface. ENVE rims feature a conical nipple seat that prevents premature spoke fatigue and failure while also ensuring wheel-build reliability.
This is a core ENVE technology because our customer’s wheels require very little wheel build maintenance and fewer broken spokes.
Anti-Pinch Flat Protection
ENVE is the only wheel brand with anti-pinch flat protection that is built into the rim. This means no inserts are required, fewer tires will be destroyed, and more time will be spent riding.
ENVE AG25 Tech
- 700c
- Rim Weight – 360 grams
- Depth – 21mm: Improves energy absorption and damping which aids in impact toughness, and comfort
- Inner Rim Width – 25mm: Minimum Tire Size – 32mm – Recommended Tire Size – 36mm to 50mm
- External Molded Spoke Holes
- Wide Hookless Bead Anti Pinch-Flat Technology: Reduces the likelihood of pinch-flatting
- Hole Count – 24/24
- Hub – ENVE AF and Industry Nine 101
- Spokes – Sapim CX Sprint
- Nipples – External Brass (Black)
ENVE AG28 Tech
- 650b
- Rim Weight – 372 grams
- Depth – 21mm: Improves energy absorption and damping which aids in impact toughness, and comfort
- Inner Rim Width – 28mm: Minimum Tire Size – 45mm – Recommended Tire Size – 47mm to 57mm (2.25″)
- External Molded Spoke Holes
- Wide Hookless Bead Anti Pinch-Flat Technology: Reduces the likelihood of pinch-flatting
- Hole Count – 24/24
- Hub – ENVE AF and Industry Nine 101
- Spokes – Sapim CX Sprint
- Nipples – External Brass (Black)
Damping & Compliance Study
Unsuspended off-road riding can be taxing on the mind, body, and bicycle. The goal for the Foundation AG project was to deliver a rim that is confidence-inspiring and comfortable.
To achieve this, data acquisition equipment was employed during ride testing to correlate test rider feedback with the empirical data acquired over the test period.
Testing Results
- Over a dozen unique carbon laminates were tested to arrive at the final answer for the AG25
- Test riders unanimously preferred the slightly heavier laminates over lighter ones for their ability to dampen road surface inputs
- Data acquisition confirms that the final AG25 carbon laminate was most capable of absorbing and damping inputs from the road surface
- Final AG25 laminate delivers the best balance of weight, responsiveness, handling, impact toughness, and comfort available in the sub $2K wheel aftermarket
G Series vs Foundation AG
Foundation Road Hub
The Foundation Road Hub features ENVE’s core hub technologies.
Due to higher than anticipated demand for Foundation Road 45 & 65, and delays related to COVID-19, the ENVE Alloy Foundation Road Hub will not be available initially. All initial shipments of AG25 & AG28 will be on Industry Nine 1/1 hubs.
- Weight Front: 124g
- Weight Rear: 252g (Shimano), 232g (Sram XDR)
- Hub Shell – Simplified machining when compared to premium ENVE Road Hub, but without compromising flange geometry and wheel build stiffness.
- Drive Mechanism – Featuring Instant Drive 360 technology (ID360), a 40t ratchet delivers responsive engagement, minimal drag, and low maintenance performance. Available in Shimano, SRAM XDR, and Campagnolo configurations.
- Rotor Attachment – Center-Lock
- Bearings – Premium full contact sealed NTN steel bearings deliver rolling efficiency and longevity.
Hub Pairing
The AG25 & AG28 are paired with Industry Nine’s 1/1 road hub set. The I9 1/1 is a fit pairing for the Foundation Collection given it’s balanced high performance, function first, budget-conscious design.
- Drive Mechanism – Dual Phased-Pawl Mechanism
- Points of Engagement – 90
- Degrees of Engagement – 4
More information available at ENVE.com