by Calnago on Thu Feb 26, 2015 8:20 pm
I'll take a stab at that. I have Boras. I've had Reynolds DVUL46 clinchers built with DT Aerolite spokes to DT Swiss 190 hubs (Rear:28 spokes, 2x) Front: 20 spokes, radial). I know these are not Enves but the hubs and spokes are a very common build option with the Enves. The bracing angle of the DT hubs is just not as good as the Boras. For whatever reason, those wheels did not seem nearly as strong or stable as the Boras. I'm attributing that to the bracing angle of hub flanges, the light flat spokes, and the rim (which I believe was too light for me). In fairness the Enve rims are very strong, and both Reynolds and Enve beefed up their light rims after 2010 and all the problems both these companies had then. But still, I've had many Campy wheels over the years, and that G3 spoke pattern has never failed me. I can't think of another wheel I'd ride with only 21 spokes in the rear. And I'm 200lbs, and like to sprint. I also don't like how wide the front ENVE rims are up front. Acutally too wide in my opinion and can cause issues with tire clearance and brake adjustments. I prefer stainless steel reaplaceable spokes as well, which both the Boras and the ENVEs would have. They catch little wind, versus say, the fatter carbon spokes of a Lightweight wheel which, in the event you do need one repaired, I hope you have some spare wheels or are prepared to wait a long time.
But the Campy hubs... yes, the hubs. The factory hubs in Boras, or other high end campy wheels (and shimano), use non-cartridge type bearings in finely machined cup and cone races. These things are just so nice to ride AND maintain. Granted the DT 190 hubs were very nice and they rolled very smoothly as well, but there's something about a perfectly adjusted cup and cone bearing that maintains it's function over a very long time that I like.
That's my 2 cents. I'd take the Boras, especially the new ones, all day long over any other wheel out there in the high end carbon offerings, custom hand built or otherwise.
Having said that, I also ride Campy Record hubs laced standard 3x DT Swiss Comp spokes (32) to Ambrosio Nemesis rims. Much less cost, but so nice to ride. Just heavier. Just don't have the bling factor, although on certain builds I think they complement the frame a lot better than a blingy high profile carbon rim can.
But... lot of choices, no one answer. Good luck.
I agree with a previous poster who was making the case for wheel built as a "system". Take the case of the Shamal rims, 3G pattern. They are not actually perfectly round before being built up. They have slight bulges between the spoking groups. But when the whole wheel is tensioned up properly, the wheel becomes perfectly round.
I don't know, as far as factory built wheels go, these are at the top of the heap in my books. And now, with the slightly wider rim, I suspect they are even more stable and fit the wider tires of today a bit better.
I actually have a set of the new Bora Ultra 35's awaiting tires and am really looking forward to testing them out soon.