Head to head
Enve SES 2.3vsShimano Ultegra WH-R8170 C36
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 SES 2.3Shimano Ultegra WH-R8170 C36
- Depth
- 4 mm apart
- 32 vs 36 mm
- External
- 3 mm apart
- 25 vs 28 mm
- Internal
- Identical
- 21 vs 21 mm
- Claimed weight
- 266 g apart
- 1,222 vs 1,488 g
- UK RRP
- £1,600 apart
- £3,000 vs £1,400
Rim depth
28 / 32 mm
36 mm
6 mm apart. Deeper is faster on the flat; shallower is calmer in crosswind and lighter uphill. Neither is simply better.
Internal width
21 mm
21 mm
Identical — both suit the same tyre widths.
External width
25 mm
28 mm
Governs how the rim and tyre meet the air, and frame clearance.
Enve
SES 2.3
RRP £3,000
UCI mass-start road
Eligible — Eligible on rim height; tyre choice is restricted
Shimano
Ultegra WH-R8170 C36
RRP £1,400
UCI mass-start road
Eligible — Eligible on the rules we assess