OGDEN, Utah (January 15, 2026) — ENVE has expanded its Foundation lineup with the introduction of the Foundation AR40, a carbon wheelset designed for riders seeking aerodynamic efficiency, modern tire compatibility, and real-world durability at a more accessible price point. The AR40 is scheduled to launch January 15, 2026.
The Foundation line represents ENVE’s sub–$1,500 wheel category, positioned as an entry point to the brand’s SES, G Series, and M Series wheels. While built using simplified carbon laminates and manufacturing efficiencies, Foundation wheelsets prioritize the same core attributes ENVE is known for: ride quality, aerodynamic performance, and long-term reliability.
Designed for Modern Road and All-Road Riding
The AR40 features a 40 mm-deep rim with a 25 mm internal width, a configuration optimized for today’s wider road and all-road tires. Drawing on ENVE’s SES aero development, the AR40 is tuned specifically for 29–30 mm tires, delivering aerodynamic performance that exceeds expectations for its depth and price category.
Although designed primarily for road use, the AR40 has been tested and approved to ENVE’s gravel standards. This makes it suitable for gravel racing and mixed-surface riding, positioning the wheelset as a versatile upgrade for modern road bikes, endurance bikes, and fast gravel race setups.
Wind Tunnel Tested for Real-World Aerodynamics
Like ENVE’s SES wheels, the AR40 was developed using in-frame testing and validated at the Mercedes-Benz Formula One Wind Tunnel. Testing was conducted at both 20 mph (32 kph) and 30 mph (48 kph), reflecting a wide range of real-world riding speeds.
ENVE says this approach focuses not only on reducing aerodynamic drag, but also on delivering stable, predictable handling in variable wind conditions—an increasingly important consideration as wider tires and all-road configurations become more common.
Hookless Tubeless Design with Impact Protection
The AR40 uses a hookless rim design intended to maximize tubeless performance and system reliability. According to ENVE, modern performance road tires are designed around straight sidewall rim profiles, allowing hookless construction to deliver more consistent bead-seat tolerances.
The rim incorporates ENVE’s wide hookless bead, engineered to dissipate impact energy and reduce the risk of pinch flats when encountering potholes, rough pavement, or gravel race conditions. This design supports both tubeless and tubed setups.
Durability is further enhanced by ENVE’s molded spoke hole technology, which routes continuous carbon fibers around spoke holes rather than cutting them. This process increases rim strength, allows for higher spoke tensions, and reduces the need for frequent wheel truing.
Foundation Hubs with Innerdrive Ratchet System
The AR40 wheelset is built around ENVE’s Foundation-grade Innerdrive hubs, featuring an oversized 42 mm steel ratchet system positioned inboard over the bearings. This design reduces axle stress, improves bearing longevity, and provides consistent engagement.
The fully ENVE-designed hub system emphasizes low maintenance requirements and straightforward serviceability.
ENVE Foundation AR40 Key Specifications
- Rim depth: 40 mm
- Internal rim width: 25 mm
- Wheelset weight: 1500 g (±3%)
- Rim weight: 425 g (±3%)
- Tubeless compatible
- Wide hookless bead (3.6 mm)
- Gravel rated
Availability
The ENVE Foundation AR40 wheelset will be available beginning January 15, 2026.
