ENVE Composites

AM30 Foundation Rim - 29"

There are two attributes to the AM30 rim (and all ENVE rims) that set it apart from all the competition. First is the nipple beds. They are not drilled but are formed during the manufacturing process. The thickness of the carbon can be less there than other rims for that reason. That has two benefits – less mass and less obstruction of the nipple. The first goes without saying. Less obstruction means that the rim does not interfere with the spoke angle and there is less stress on the end of the spoke which means a lot less likelihood of spoke failure at the first thread. That is by far the most likely part of any spoke to break. So, ENVE rims make a much more durable wheel. The second attribute that sets them apart from all other rims is a wider shoulder to reduce the likelihood of pinch flatting the tire. The rim shoulder design of the AM30 uses this fact to create a rim where the strength is in the shoulders and so reduces mass in other parts of the rim. I believe ENVE claims it is a 50% less likelihood of getting a pinch flat with these rims than conventional rim designs. I hate flats, so this is huge for me. The AM30 rim is a little heavier than other rims in its class, but that assurance is well worth the extra mass.