ENVE Melee

The ENVE Melee v2 is the perfect sequel. Like its predecessor, it's engineered for riders who want the ultimate combination of lightweight performance and speed. By shedding weight and sharpening aerodynamics, the Melee v2 erases the old trade-off between a lightweight climbing bike and an aero race bike, all while preserving the responsive ride that defines the Melee. Living up to that racing pedigree meant rethinking key parts of the frame design.

Working in collaboration with Mercedes-Petronas, ENVE applied its Real-World Fast aerodynamics philosophy to the Melee v2, using rider on-board wind tunnel testing to guide a series of refinements. It starts with a new headtube shape that cuts weight and improves aerodynamics, paired with a new, smaller headset to help deliver on both fronts. Tire clearance was reduced from 35mm to 33mm, reducing weight and drag while still allowing for the tire that volume modern racing demands. A newly designed seatpost adds further weight savings and a more efficient aero profile using an easier to use two-bolt system. Combined with ENVE's new aero bottle cages and new SES Aero Road Bar/Aero Race Tape pairing, the Melee v2 stands at the pinnacle of lightweight, aerodynamic speed.

Looking for an all road option? Check out the ENVE Fray.

ENVE Melee
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HIGHLIGHTS AND INFORMATION

ENVE Melee v2: The perfect combination of lightweight versatility and aerodynamic excellence

The ENVE Melee v2 makes multiple improvements upon the original Melee. Like the bike before it, it's built for riders chasing the perfect blend of lightweight performance and speed. By cutting weight and refining aerodynamics, the Melee v2 does away with the traditional choice between a lightweight climbing bike and an aero race bike, all while keeping the responsive ride the Melee is known for. Offered in seven frame sizes with five fork rakes and a fully customizable cockpit, the Melee v2 empowers you to build the perfect fit bike.

Why the ENVE Melee v2 Stands Out

The ENVE Melee v2 was developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Petronas in order to deliver multiple improvements to aerodynamics, weight savings, and frame stiffness. By applying their Real-World-Fast protocol, ENVE conducted Rider On-Board wind tunnel testing to validate each improvement made during production of the Melee v2. This allowed them to make a bike that's a whole 17 watts faster and stiffer than the original Melee.

Who Should Ride the Melee v2?

The Melee v2 is built for the rider that demands a super light bike with a high degree of aerodynamic efficiency. With the ability to fully customize the fit of the frame and cockpit, the Melee v2 allows every rider to build their perfect fitting bike. Whether you're rolling up to the start line, conquering climbs, or building a bike to do it all, the Melee v2 lets you build the perfect bike. The Melee v2 is the product of wind-tunnel tested, rider-first development delivering the pinnacle of versatile, lightweight aerodynamic performance.

What Contender Bicycles Likes About the Melee v2

  • Unmatched Fit Customization: Seven frame sizes with five fork rakes ensure responsive, confidence-inspiring handling for riders of all sizes.
  • Fully Integrated Front-End: Internal routing through bar, stem, and headset with anti-rattle hardware keeps cables silent and invisible while maximizing aero performance.
  • Tire Versatility: Optimized for 28-32mm tires with clearance up to 33mm, allowing you to tune your setup for everything from smooth crits to rough road races.

Frame Material

Constructed using ENVE's Material Optimized Design (M.O.D.) philosophy, the Melee utilizes continuous carbon fiber layup throughout the frame and fork. Carbon is layered and oriented to achieve zone-specific performance—maximizing stiffness for power transfer while strategically adding compliance where needed. The result is a frameset with 7.5% less surface area than its predecessor but still stiff, aerodynamic, and versatile.

Geometry and Fit:

  • Power on demand: Stronger carbon means more efficient power. By making the Melee v2 stiffer than its predecessor, it is perfect for pedaling up climbs or hammering through the corners.
  • Refined for Racing: Seven frame sizes with five fork rakes deliver uncompromised handling for all sizes.
  • Balanced Handling: Geometry tuned for 27-32mm tires provides modern stability and comfort, while the customizable cockpit (bar width, stem length, seatpost setback) ensures your ideal position from day one.

Additional Highlights

  • Best-Fit Calculator: Work with us, or use ENVE's online tool to dial in your perfect chassis configuration before you build.
  • Integrated Cockpit: The redesigned SES Aero Road Bar further increases the aerodynamics of the Melee v2 and is available in six sizes to maximize fit and comfort.
  • Aero Bottle Cages: New SES Aero Bottle Cages complement the Melee v2 by reducing the aerodynamic losses created when adding bottles and cages to the bike.

Not Exactly What You're Looking For?

  • ENVE Fray: The Fray is a performance-driven all-road bike designed for riders who want road speed with added versatility. It delivers an efficient, responsive ride while remaining composed over long distances, rough pavement, and mixed road conditions.
  • Orbea Orca Aero: The Orbea Orca Aero road bike is a purpose-built aerodynamic weapon engineered to free watts and demolish the competition. Built on advanced OMX carbon, Orbea's lightest, stiffest layup, the frame delivers explosive power transfer and sprint-ready responsiveness, translating every watt directly to the rear wheel.
  • SCOTT Foil RC: The SCOTT Foil is a cutting-edge aero road bike designed to deliver unmatched speed, efficiency, and comfort. Built with SCOTT's F01 Airfoil Technology, every tube profile has been optimized to reduce drag.

The Bottom Line

The ENVE Melee v2 delivers on everything a rider is looking for. It builds upon the original Melee with various meaningful improvements, giving riders the lightweight, aerodynamic performance they're chasing without sacrificing the responsive ride the Melee is known for. No more choosing between a climbing bike and an aero race bike. With seven frame sizes, five fork rakes, and a fully customizable cockpit, every rider can build a Melee v2 that fits exactly right.

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At Contender Bicycles, our best tools for selling bikes are the people who ride them. Everyone at Contender Bicycles has extensive experience riding bikes across many brands. If you have any questions or want to discuss build options, we are here to help.