Carbon Wheel Finder

Head to head

Enve Foundation 45vsShimano Dura-Ace WH-R9270 C50

Both sections drawn to one scale, from each maker's published geometry. The differences you can see in the drawing are the differences that exist.

vs
Fig. — rim sections, one scale
Enve Foundation 45Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9270 C50
45503228
Depth
5 mm apart
45 vs 50 mm
External
4 mm apart
32 vs 28 mm
Internal
4 mm apart
25 vs 21 mm
Claimed weight
130 g apart
1,591 vs 1,461 g
UK RRP
£1,000 apart
£1,400 vs £2,400

Rim depth

45 mm

50 mm

5 mm apart. Deeper is faster on the flat; shallower is calmer in crosswind and lighter uphill. Neither is simply better.

Internal width

25 mm

21 mm

The wider rim is built around a wider tyre. Match this to the tyre you actually run, not to the bigger number.

External width

32 mm

28 mm

Governs how the rim and tyre meet the air, and frame clearance.

Enve

Foundation 45

RRP £1,400

UCI mass-start road

Eligible Eligible on the rules we assess

Shimano

Dura-Ace WH-R9270 C50

RRP £2,400

UCI mass-start road

Eligible Eligible on the rules we assess