ENVE M50/Fifty 29in Chris King Wheelset

In chasing the growing market around 27. 5 inch wheels, bike companies have been singing us all sorts of songs lately, but the simple truth is that, where speed and traction are concerned, bigger is better. The lower approach and departure angles and increased contact patch of 29 inch wheels are more than enough to offset their slightly greater weight. Now, if you're looking around for the best all around cross country oriented set of 29 inch hoops, it simply doesn't get better than the ENVE M50Fifty 29 inch Chris King Wheelset, taking an already superb wheelset and making it the best by throwing in some world beating Chris King hubs. First, the rims. When ENVE set about redesigning the replacement for its featherweight XC rim, the design parameters were clear make them lighter, wider, and smoother riding. And unsurprisingly, the team in Ogden, Utah, delivered in spades. The 29in M50Fifty rim now weighs a paltry 330g, shaving a full 50g per rim as compared to the 29 XC. Part of this weight savings has been accomplished by trading in traditional bead hooks for a redesigned beadless hook bead, which is both lighter and more impact resistant. The width has grown to 21mm internally, which is an increase of 3mm. That translates into a rounder tire profile, for greater cornering stability, and more rubber on the ground at any given time. By relieving material from the rim, ENVE has taken the M50Fifty's tuned ride feel to previously unseen levels. Anyone who's familiar with ENVE knows the fanatical lengths that its engineers go to in order to achieve a perfect ride feel. Accordingly, the M50Fifty has been tuned for greater vertical compliance, thereby reducing rider fatigue, without sacrificing the fantastic lateral rigidity that endows ENVE with the on rails feeling for which they're prized. Which brings us to those wonderful hubs. The name Chris King in cycling componentry is synonymous with absolute quality, longevity, and aesthetic appeal to boot. All pa...