On my Tarmac SL8 that's running SRAM AXS I am rocking the Zipp SL 80 Race bars at 36cm, which make sense keeping it all in house and having the ability to easily run BLIP shifters. I like the recessed routing on the SL 80 Race because the Tarmac stem I am running does not support in route routing, however on my Supersix Evo Hi-Mod running Shiamno Di2 with the Conceal stem I am running the ENVE SES Aero In Route bars 35/40 since they can be run semi integrated or fully internal. Both bars weigh about the same 250g, both have flared bottoms and narrow tops, but I found the ENVE Aero bars to have much more of a flat razer like shape than the Zipp's. Both bars are comfortable on the tops and hoods and both have similar reaches 79mm vs 80mm. The biggest differences would be the ENVE bar is super stiff, while I found the Zipp to offer much more compliance. The integration on the ENVE even when run semi integrated and not through the stem is much cleaner than the Zipp's that rely on a really tidy tape job. I am not really a fan of the integrated bar end plugs, but I guess they are more aero, but yet again you are stuck with this type of plus unless you cut the bar ends. I guess the killer feature for some people will be the fact that you can add ENVE's Aero clip on extensions to these bars, making them perfect for time trials or triathlons. Pair the ENVE Aero pairs with ENVE's own Aero In Route stems and you have the cleanest two piece aero setup out there, granted my Supersix Evo does not support them stem. Price wise typical ENVE top of the market pricing and in contrast the Zipp SL 80 Race is anywhere from $25-$60 cheaper before you factor in an sales or coupons. Both bars are great but in my opinion I still run the Zipp's if you were running SRAM AXS with a non in route stem and I run the ENVE if you were running Shimano and or running an ENVE In Route Stem. BTW the aero benefits of running a very narrow two piece handlebar integrated or semi integrated at the tops is much more aero than running a larger one piece cockpit integrated, plus it allows you to be adjust fit so much easier, it's cheaper in initial purchase and replacement cost.
I use these and the Arundel mandible and in terms of value for money somehow Enve comes out the winner? They are light, hold the bottles in a death grip and look good in matte. No complaints.
I have 600 miles on the bike now and have become acquainted with the bike, but it still just doesn't stand out as anything other than just ok. It looks cool, all black and stealth like, but the ride quality and handling is just ok. However, surprisingly harsh even with only 60 psi on 28mm Conti tubeless tires. It is very stiff and responsive but they missed the mark here I think on ride quality.
My previous bike was a Colnago C50, so I was riding on "vintage" equipment, but still what would be considered a race bike in its day. Honestly I was expecting significant improvements with regards to ride and handling. While the disc brakes and wheels are a big improvement, I honestly can say the Colnago handled and road as well if not better.
Quality control appears to be an issue here as well. The derailleur hanger was not installed correctly, such that initially one could not thread the axle with the wheel installed. Same wheels I had on my gravel bike that went on like butter. After playing with the alignment I got it to work but the axle still seems unusually tight going in (certainly compared to my gravel bike thru axle and the front axle on the Melee.
The top tubes on most of the bike frames now days are 1+ cm longer than the past. Enve provides limited options in the way of shorter stems and bar reach options. Additionally the extended reach with the new SRAM brake levers adds to the dynamic here. With the shortest integrated stem Enve offers is a 90mm and what they recommended base on their fit calclulator, which I purchased and found to be a bit long. I contacted Enve and while they were responsive they basically dismissed the lack of shorter stem options, which was pretty disappointing. They directing me to just look for aftermarket solutions which may or may not even fit. I guess it was my bad to expect that when paying a premium the options would be more expansive. So that's my bad in assuming that the fit calculator would be right and that if that didn't fit there would be some option that they could provide. My only real option here with what they provided would be to use their aero riser stem and some aftermarket handlebar. I didn't spend $10k on a bike to put a riser stem a bike I bought to fit based on the fit calculator that they provided.
With no option to pre-ride these bike at least locally here I went off online reviews. Those reviews were certainly not the experience I have had. Bottom line I won't buy Enve products in the future, as I think they are overrated and why pay a premium for what appears to be just average service and quality. I am kind of regretting selling my Colnago now and seriously considering selling the frame and look for a better solution at this point.
My recommendation here is that you don't buy this bike unless you have ridden it in advance, know that it will fit, and feel comfortable with the handling and ride quality.
Upgraded from the Enve AG25's earlier this year. The AG25's were a decent wheelset. Nothing to rave about but, not terrible. I cannot believe and never would have foreseen how much of a drastic difference there is in the ride and handling of the G23 over the AG25. I had hoped for some improvement but, stunned by the drastic change. It's like a completely different bike. The G23's inspire confidence on high-speed descents. They roll faster, climb better and add stability to the overall handling.
