Riding the future with Juan Ayuso

Ayuso’s view on how hookless rims are revolutionizing road cycling

In the world of road cycling, where every gram counts and aerodynamics can make or break a race, the technology behind your wheels is of the utmost importance. One of the most recent advances is the adoption of hookless rims, a technology that promises to reshape how cyclists approach performance, safety, and comfort. Nafent Magazine chats with Juan Ayuso, the Barcelona-born rider from UAE-Team Emirates, about the transition from traditional hooked rims to the groundbreaking hookless variant.

Hooked rims have a small lip, or hook, on the inner edge of the rim that catches the tire bead, securing it in place—especially at the high pressures typical in road racing. This design has been the standard for decades, accommodating a wide range of tire types, including tubeless and clincher tires.

Hookless rims, on the other hand, feature a flat, straight inner edge where the tire bead rests. This design eliminates the hook entirely, leading to several key advantages: increased wheel strength, reduced weight, and better aerodynamics. Hookless rims can also only be used in combination with tubeless tires operating at lower pressures, which can influence both ride quality and safety.

ENVE’s Approach: Pioneering hookless technology

One company that has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation – particularly with wheelsets – is ENVE Composites, a brand sponsor of UAE Team Emirates. Known for their cutting-edge carbon designs, ENVE has been at the forefront of a significant shift in rim design—a shift that might just define the future of road racing.

ENVE has embraced hookless rims across the majority of their wheelsets, particularly in the SES (Smart ENVE System) and Foundation series. Their philosophy is rooted in the belief that hookless technology offers benefits that align with the demands of modern riders.

ENVE’s extensive research and development have demonstrated that hookless rims, when paired with wider tires at lower pressures, offer significant aerodynamic benefits for cyclists like Ayuso. This setup reduces rolling resistance and enhances speed, particularly in high-intensity race conditions. For the 22-year-old, these marginal gains can be the difference between standing on the podium or falling behind.

While hookless rims offer numerous advantages, ENVE places a strong emphasis on tire compatibility and pressure management.

In the words of Juan Ayuso, the rising star from UAE Team Emirates, his experience with ENVE’s hookless rims has been transformative. “I’ve had very positive experiences with hookless rims so far”, he says. “The combination with the tyre gives a lot of comfort and control without compromising performance. With ENVE it feels like they are really pushing the boundaries and doing a lot of testing and work to be at the top of the game.”

One of the most talked-about aspects of hookless rims is their impact on ride quality. Lower tire pressures mean better comfort and improved traction, especially on rougher surfaces. For professional cyclists like Ayuso, who spend hours in the saddle, this can make a significant difference in fatigue levels and overall control during a race. With a personalized setup, Ayuso can theoretically race harder, corner faster, and maintain higher speeds with less rolling resistance.

As the cycling industry continues to innovate, the trend towards wider tires and lower pressures seems set to continue, with hookless rims playing a central role in this transition. ENVE is leading the charge, providing not just the technology but also the education and support needed to help riders make the most of these advancements.

This story is part of Nafent Magazine volume 12. Read the full story in our digital or paper magazine. Go to our webshop to get yours.