ENVE wheels and hidden nipples
ENVE components have a proven track record when it comes to quality. The American brand disproves the popular belief that higher-quality (read: more expensive) bike components break more easily. ENVE wheels, in particular, are known for being tough. What's their secret? It's all in the small details.
Based in Ogden, Utah, ENVE Composites has a philosophy focused on wheel specificity. Its range is segmented into several types of bikes: road, CX/gravel, and mountain. Each range is further divided into several models. For example, the mountain bike range includes nine types of wheels, each designed for a specific use and terrain. Competitive cross-country, downhill biking? There's a wheel for every activity.
All ENVE wheels share three things in common: they are entirely made in the United States, they are made of carbon fiber, and they have hidden nipples .
Greg Minnaar's wheels after the World Cup trials in Lourdes, France. Lots of mud, but still no nipples.
In addition to being more aesthetically pleasing, wheels with hidden nipples offer unparalleled aerodynamics. This is an important factor for road or triathlon wheels, but not for enduro or gravel wheels.
So why choose this design? The reason is simple: to ensure that users enjoy their experience, both in terms of how the bike feels and in terms ofCare. The problem of wheels that easily warp or on which it is difficult to finish a ride because the spokes break was a major concern in the development of ENVE wheels. Replacing a spoke or re-tensioning from time to time is a necessary evil, but it is not desirable (nor pleasant) to have to perform these tasks regularly.
ENVE technologies
ENVE uses three technologies related to hidden nipples, which eliminate trips to the mechanic or interruptions to your ride in the middle of the day.
Molded spoke holes
When designing a wheel, it is important to keep the fiber as intact as possible. It is therefore not recommended to drill holes in it, which is what most manufacturers do. ENVE uses a molding technology that allows for continuous fiber and a stiffer nipple shoulder. Needless to say, adding material in this area makes manufacturing more complex. But the wheels are lighter without compromising strength.
Source: ENVE Composites
Reduced geometries
In addition to using molding technology that replaces traditional drilling, ENVE has opted for small holes, which are much stronger than a large hole that allows a nipple to pass through. Furthermore, small holes require less support material (nipple seat) since they are geometrically stronger.
Source: ENVE Composites
Articulated nipples
Carbon wheels have not always had a good reputation when it comes to spoke lifespan. Given the drilling techniques used by most manufacturers, the rims had to be thickened to ensure their strength. The spokes or nipples were then slightly bent and subjected to tension that could cause the spoke or sometimes even the rim to break. By adding articulated nipples, ENVE ensures that the spoke can pass through the rim without generating unwanted forces.
Source: ENVE Composites
What aboutCare?
A very pertinent question now arises: if the nipples are hidden, is it complicated to performCare?
When speaking with technicians at On The Edge Canada, it quickly becomes clear that the wheels are assembled as well, if not better, than any other wheel on the market. "The hidden nipples provide a better contact surface, which distributes the clamping force. It's easier to check the tension given the freedom of the spoke in the rim," explains Philippe St-Laurent of On The Edge Canada.
Regarding breakages and repairs, he explains: "Obviously, very few people can work on these wheels. In the event of a breakage, since the wheel was mounted by a certified technician and should therefore be at the recommended tension, it shouldn't be a problem to repair."
In short, hidden nipples are here to stay. They are not only aesthetic, they are highly functional and provide a better cycling experience. Keep these technical details in mind when purchasing your next set of wheels to ensure you have high-performance, durable equipment.
Part of this text is a free adaptation in French of the text ENVE Composites: What’s with the Internal Nipples?