Just Released: New ENVE SES 4.5 PRO Wheelset

All these wheels do is win. No really.

With the Tour de France set to kickoff this Saturday, ENVE is dropping its most refined–and most successful–wheelset to date: the ENVE SES 4.5 PRO. Designed and developed with direct input from Tadej Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates throughout the past two seasons, the SES 4.5 Pro has already racked up an incredible 25 victories this season alone, from grand tours (Giro d’Italia) to spring classics (Liege-Bastogne-Liege) to World Tour stalwarts (Tour de Suisse, Criterium du Dauphine). 

Big picture, the SES 4.5 PRO represents ENVE’s latest iteration of its ‘Smart ENVE System’ (SES) platform. While it shares its name and general design language with the standard SES 4.5, this new “PRO” version is lighter, more refined, and intended for race-day performance. 

Setting the Stage: Evolution of a Modern, All-Around Wheelset 

The original SES 4.5 helped establish ENVE’s reputation for aerodynamic, high-quality carbon wheels. It struck a middle ground between ‘deep-dish’ aero wheels and shallower, more climbing-oriented options. Over time, it became the go-to choice for fast road riding, especially on mixed terrain or variable conditions—the type of riding that is common along the Wasatch Front, which is home to ENVE (in Ogden, Utah), along with Contender. 

This new PRO variant doesn’t replace the SES 4.5. Rather, it adds another tool to the quiver, aimed squarely at riders who want both aero and climbing performance, but with no excess. Where the standard 4.5 is a proven daily driver, the PRO version trims weight, refines aerodynamics, and introduces new hub and bearing technologies—all of which have been stress-tested in the crucible of pro racing.

What’s New? Key Features of ENVE SES 4.5 PRO

Working with Tadej and UAE Team Emirates, ENVE made a series of incremental but significant changes, leading to the performance gains found in the PRO version. For the Contender team, here’s what rises to the top:

• New Carbon Laminate: ENVE is using higher modulus, lower weight fibers to save ~50g per rim. The result is an extremely light, climber-friendly wheelset, with a weight of just 1295g (with valves and tape).
  

• Updated Rim Design: slightly reduced depth (49mm front / 55mm rear) and narrower external profile, while maintaining a 23.5mm internal width suited for 28mm tires. The result? More aero, but versatile for different tire widths.

• New Innerdrive PRO Hub: an ultralight version of ENVE’s ratchet hub with a 40t mechanism and ceramic bearings designed specifically for lower drag and long-term durability.

• ENVE PRO Ceramic Bearings: as part of ENVE’s mission to develop its own hubs, an assessment that major, off-the-shelf bearings were lacking led them to develop their own, in-house. These ceramic bearings offer weight savings, durability, and lower rolling resistance.

• Wasatch Born, in Ogden, Utah: as always, these wheels are designed, built, and tested in the U-S-A, just up the road from our Salt Lake City shop. That ENVE is continuing to design and deliver locally while excelling at the highest level of the sport; what can we say…it’s pretty damn cool.  

ENVE SES 4.5 PRO: Build Options and Pricing

ENVE is offering the SES 4.5 PRO in a variety of configurations to suit different drivetrains and rider preferences:

• Complete Wheelset: $3,750 (includes tape and valves; ~1295g claimed weight)
• Rims Only: $1,300 (front or rear)
• Innerdrive PRO Hubs: $375 (front), $635 (rear)

Note: freehub bodies are available for Shimano HG, SRAM XDR, and Campagnolo N3W. Decal options include black or white.

Contender’s Take: Who This Wheelset Is For 

For the rider who craves world-class climbing capability, lightning fast aero prowess, and race readiness, this wheelset very well could be the move. Furthermore, for customers already riding the standard SES 4.5 or looking to build up a bike like the ENVE Melee, this could also be a compelling upgrade. Finally, for the dedicated racer or enthusiast who simply wants the same equipment used in the pro peloton, with no compromises, this is likely the best wheel ENVE has ever made.

Learn More

Interested in learning more about ENVE or the new SES 4.5 Pro wheels? Come on down to the shop, drop us a line, or give us a shout at (801) 364-0344.