Enve Wheels Patch?

ricardinho · #1 07-22-2021, 11:07 AM

Has anyone of you who have Enve wheels seen this before? Am trying to go tubeless, but there is some air leaking opposite of the valve. Looks like a "patch" on the carbon.

From my LBS:
I have attached images of the Enve wheels. Front and rear for photo reference.

You can see on the front rim that the bead of the rim has a slight bend as well – Noticed there where a majority of the sealant was emerging from.

Is this normal?

Thanks.

yinzerniner · #2 07-22-2021, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricardinho

Has anyone of you who have Enve wheels seen this before? Am trying to go tubeless, but there is some air leaking opposite of the valve. Looks like a "patch" on the carbon.

From my LBS:
I have attached images of the Enve wheels. Front and rear for photo reference.

You can see on the front rim that the bead of the rim has a slight bend as well – Noticed there where a majority of the sealant was emerging from.

Is this normal?

Thanks.

That is not normal. If you're the original owner then they should get you a new set for free posthaste.

November Dave · #3 07-22-2021, 11:23 AM

It's standard. Enve uses that "port" to remove their bladder, and then covers it with that patch. Any lack of air-tightness of the patch is minuscule next to the spoke holes on either side of it. The tubeless tape covers that.

If there is air leaking out at the nipples, there is a problem with the integrity of the tape's seal. If air is leaking out at the tire bead, then the tire is either not seated correctly or just needs sealant to complete the seal.

kppolich · #4 07-22-2021, 11:32 AM

I have the same thing on my enve tubulars.

jpritchet74 · #5 07-22-2021, 01:15 PM

I would have guessed not normal - it looks like I learned something new today!

ricardinho · #6 07-22-2021, 01:29 PM

Thank you to all. Looks like part of their build process and should not worry. I guess my LBS has not run into many of these wheels.

Thanks again.

poff · #7 07-22-2021, 06:05 PM

It is on ALL enve wheels. You are safe.

Spdntrxi · #8 07-22-2021, 06:08 PM

it's a little rough, but nothing to worry about...

That is were they remove the bladder..

oldpotatoe · #9 07-23-2021, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spdntrxi

it's a little rough, but nothing to worry about...

That is were they remove the bladder..

Considering the $$ of these, you would think they could come up with a little more 'elegant' solution...

SlowPokePete · #10 07-23-2021, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Considering the $$ of these, you would think they could come up with a little more 'elegant' solution...

I agree 100%...

Looks VERY rough to me.

SPP

R3awak3n · #11 07-23-2021, 04:22 PM

but does it matter if its fully functional and stays on the inside behind tape and a tire?

mcteague · #12 07-23-2021, 05:56 PM

My Campagnolo Bora WTOs are smooth as a baby’s bottom inside, no spoke holes either!

Tim

R3awak3n · #13 07-23-2021, 07:14 PM

Campy wheels are on their own level.

That said no holes can be a pain in the ass if a spoke breaks

tonyfanatic · #14 07-25-2021, 07:53 AM

Although normal to ENVE it surely doesn't look good as far as quality finish or manufacturing technique. I have rims from Scorpion Bike Wheels that use Auto Filament Wound, not prepreg like most high-end brands out there, plus they use a mandrel to shape the tire bid and the rim is absolutely smooth inside and out. I have trained and raced hard on these wheels for 7 years with over 30k miles and I can't kill them. Yes, ENVEs are lighter. I have a friend that melted the ENVE rims to the point of deformation using an air blow dryer to remove decals. Good-by $2500