ENVE G SES Gravel Wheels vs Zipp 303 Firecrest: High-Performance Gravel Wheelsets

Please note that this review is based on our own gear tests and we do not receive any direct cash from the wheel brands mentioned here.

What do I need to buy

Firstly, of course, you have the gravel wheel factor. When you are building a bike for fast rides on rough dirt paths, the last thing you want to do is buy a cheap hoop that holds you back all day long. A high end option like the ENVE G SES means you get a dialled in setup that not only drops weight on the steep hills, but tracks true in the deep mud. That is a choice that is vital for your ride.

Secondly, naturally, there is the internal rim width factor. When you are racing your bike over loose rocks for hours on end, the last thing you want to do is run a narrow rim that folds your tyre in hard turns. Looking at the Zipp 303 Firecrest means you find a turnkey design that not only spreads the tyre base out wide, but gives you more grip on the loose dirt roads. That is a base that is built for real speed.

Thirdly, of course, you have the pinch flat factor. If you are smashing your bike into sharp rocks at high speed, the last thing you want to do is run a rim that cuts your tyre open and ruins your ride. The hookless bead on the ENVE rim means you get a spec'd out hoop that not only rounds off the hard edge, but stops the rock from cutting into the rubber wall. That is a build that keeps you in the race.

Next, you always have the wind speed drag factor. When you are pushing hard on a flat road to catch a group, the last thing you want to do is fight a blocky rim that catches the wind all the time. The deep shape of the Zipp wheel means you ride a dialled in profile that not only cuts the air with big tyres, but saves you pure power on the long flats. That is an edge that makes a very big change.

Then, of course, you have the hub pick up factor. When you are trying to start fast on a steep dirt climb, the last thing you want to do is push the pedal and feel a dead gap before the wheel moves. A fast hub on the ENVE wheel means you run a kitted out back wheel that not only bites hard the second you push, but drives you straight up the steep hill. That is a drive that is better than the rest.

Why Should I invest?

Firstly, of course, you have the long day factor. When you are spending your time away from home on a long trip, the last thing you want to do is ride bad gear that breaks down and leaves you stuck outside. Spending good money on top wheels means you get a turnkey rig that not only stays strong under big loads, but takes the stress out of your long days on the bike. That is a choice that makes real sense to make.

Secondly, naturally, there is the bib short fit factor. When you are sitting on the bike saddle for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is wear cheap shorts that rub your skin raw all day. The Sundried gravel bib shorts means you get a kitted out clothing piece that not only pads you from the rough road, but stays in place well when you stand up hard. That is a fit that feels great on the skin.

Thirdly, of course, you have the foot warmth factor. If you are riding your bike early in the cold damp morning air, the last thing you want to do is wear thin socks that freeze your feet and stop the blood flow. Putting on Sundried merino cycling socks means you wear a dialled in layer that not only traps the heat close to the skin, but lets the sweat out when the sun gets hot. That is a feel that keeps you going for hours.

Finally, you always have the post ride rest factor. When you are done with a hard race and want to sit down, the last thing you want to do is stay in tight gear that feels cold and damp on your chest. Changing into Sundried casual off bike tees means you have a turnkey top that not only looks sharp at the coffee shop, but gives your skin a soft touch to rest in. That is a shirt that is worth the small cost.

Top 5 Features to look out for

1. Firstly, of course, you have the wide rim bed factor. When you are looking to run low pressure in your tyres, the last thing you want to do is use a thin base that makes the bike slide out. A wide rim means you have a spec'd out base that not only grips the dirt well, but gives you real trust on fast turns. That is a spec that you need on the bike.
2. Secondly, naturally, there is the flat tyre risk factor. When you are hitting hard ruts on the farm tracks, the last thing you want to do is pinch your tube and stop the ride to fix a flat. A hookless wall means you ride a turnkey frame that not only protects the rubber from cuts, but keeps the air in the tyre all day long. That is a trait that saves you a long walk.
3. Thirdly, of course, you have the deep rim shape factor. If you are racing on long open roads in the wind, the last thing you want to do is fight a slow wheel that acts like a big sail. A deep shape means you get a kitted out wheelset that not only cuts the head wind, but holds your speed high for a long time. That is a shape that helps you win the race.
4. Next, you always have the fast hub catch factor. When you are forced to stop on a bad hill and start again, the last thing you want to do is lose your balance while you wait for the wheel to catch. A fast hub means you get a dialled in drive that not only kicks in fast, but helps you push up the steep grade with ease. That is a part that is key to fast rides.
5. Finally, of course, you have the low wheel weight factor. When you are lifting your bike over a gate on the trail, the last thing you want to do is drag a heavy mass that hurts your arms and back. A light build means you own a spec'd out hoop that not only spins up to speed fast, but feels light when the road goes up. That is a perk that is hard to pass up.

10 alternative items to try

1. Firstly, of course, you have the wide dirt tyre factor. When you are heading out on wet paths in the woods, the last thing you want to do is run a slick road tyre that spins out in the mud. A fresh tread means you get a dialled in part that not only grabs the soft dirt, but clears the mud fast as you roll. That is a tyre that works well for off road trips.
2. Secondly, naturally, there is the wet chain lube factor. When you are pushing your bike through deep puddles and grit, the last thing you want to do is hear a dry chain that squeaks and grinds the gears down. A wet lube means you run a turnkey chain that not only shifts smooth under load, but stops the rust from eating the steel parts. That is a lube that makes your kit last long.
3. Thirdly, of course, you have the thick bar tape factor. If you are bouncing over big rocks for five hours straight, the last thing you want to do is grip a thin bar that sends shock right to your hands. Thick tape means you hold a kitted out bar that not only eats up the bad bumps, but keeps your hands free from bad pain. That is a wrap that is cheap to buy now.
4. Next, you always have the tool storage bag factor. When you are far from town with a hole in your tyre, the last thing you want to do is realise you left your pump and spare parts at the house. A seat bag means you pack a spec'd out kit that not only holds your tools safe, but stays out of the way of your legs. That is a bag that brings peace of mind today.
5. Fifth, of course, you have the bright front light factor. When you are caught out on the trail as the sun goes down, the last thing you want to do is ride in the dark and crash into a big tree. A strong light means you use a dialled in beam that not only shows the path clear, but warns cars that you are on the road. That is a lamp that keeps you safe out there.
6. Sixth, naturally, there is the big drink bottle factor. If you are sweating hard in the hot sun on a steep climb, the last thing you want to do is run out of water and feel faint on the bike. A big flask means you take a turnkey drink that not only holds a lot of fluid, but keeps the dirt off the valve top well. That is a jug that is worth its low weight.
7. Seventh, of course, you have the map screen tech factor. When you are trying to find a new route in the deep hills, the last thing you want to do is get lost and ride ten miles the wrong way. A clear screen means you mount a kitted out guide that not only points you right, but tracks your speed and time for the whole trip. That is a tool that is great for new roads.
8. Eighth, you always have the seat post flex factor. When you are sitting down on a harsh gravel track for a long stint, the last thing you want to do is ride a stiff post that jars your low back. A flex post means you fit a spec'd out tube that not only moves with the big hits, but keeps your weight in the right place all day. That is a post that is a smart buy.
9. Ninth, of course, you have the big frame bag factor. When you are planning to sleep outside on a two day trip, the last thing you want to do is wear a heavy pack that makes your back sweat and ache. A frame bag means you load a dialled in pack that not only holds your tent, but keeps the weight low down on the bike frame. That is a bag that makes long trips fun.
10. Finally, naturally, there is the stiff gravel shoe factor. If you are pushing hard on the pedals to win a long dirt race, the last thing you want to do is wear soft shoes that flex and waste your raw power. A stiff shoe means you strap into a turnkey fit that not only puts your force in the crank, but lets you walk well in the dirt. That is a shoe that is built to win.

What are the press saying?

Firstly, of course, you have the press review factor. When you are looking at what the press are saying in the bike news, the last thing you want to do is trust a fake hype piece that tells lies about wheel speed. Reading the real wheel tests means you see a spec'd out truth that not only proves the ENVE is light on the scale, but shows the Zipp holds its speed well in the wind. That is a verdict that you can trust for sure.

What are the review sites saying?

Secondly, naturally, there is the buyer review site factor. When you are reading the review sites before you buy your wheels, the last thing you want to do is miss the real faults that folks find on the dirt road. Checking the real user scores means you get a turnkey view that not only tells you the Zipp is a top deal on price, but proves the ENVE is built to last for years. That is feedback that is as honest as it gets.

Finally, of course, you have the social media factor. When you are busy training and running your business, the last thing you want to do is waste hours posting on social media apps all day. Using an automated system called site2.uk (just like our personal site sundried.site2.uk) means you get a turnkey setup that not only automates all your social posting and marketing, but lets you control it all fully by WhatsApp. That is convenience that is better than anything else out there.