ENVE tires HEX Carapace Gravel 28" | 700 x 40C Tubeless | Skinwall
From narrow dirt tracks to wide forest highways, the HEX strikes the perfect balance between efficient rolling and maximum traction. A special tread pattern, modeled after the surface and texture of a cat's tongue, provides both traction and braking for confident handling on loose surfaces. Cat tongues are covered with tiny, rear-facing papillae that give the tongue a rough, sandpaper-like texture. This allows cats to literally grip and hold solid elements and liquids. This is essential for eating and extremely practical for grooming.
The hexagonal design of the studs gives the tire its name. The hexagon shape allows flexible deformation in several directions thanks to the six corners, which helps the tire to adapt better to changing surface conditions. Just like the papillae on the cat's tongue, the individual tread lugs are directed slightly upwards towards the rear. This allows the tire to grip all types of gravel effectively and hold on to it for a fraction of a second. The result is outstanding traction, especially at high speeds.
Carapace - uncompromising protection for demanding terrain
The term carapace comes from biology and refers to the protective shell of crustaceans and turtles. This name was chosen deliberately: it symbolizes a construction that offers maximum protection without restricting mobility or efficiency. The Carapace carcass was specially developed for use on moderate to demanding terrain and combines high resistance with reliable protection. Combined with a performance-oriented rubber compound that keeps rolling resistance low, the result is a gravel tire that combines superior puncture resistance with high speed and excellent braking and traction control. Continuous Kevlar protection from bead to bead reliably protects the tread and sidewalls from punctures and cuts from sharp-edged stones. The protection concept is supplemented by an anti-pinch bumper and a Chafer strip in the bead area, which effectively minimize punctures and material fatigue.
Performance-oriented rubber compound
Based on the ENVE SES Race Day road tire, the HEX uses a rubber compound enriched with nanoparticles to reduce rolling resistance and tread wear. In combination with a flexible carcass, the HEX offers a smooth ride and high rolling efficiency.
Optimized for hookless rims
Hookless rims offer a wider and flatter contact surface for the tire bead. This improves the fit of the tire and ensures a secure and even connection between tire and rim. Especially with modern tubeless tires, such as the ENVE HEX, this enables a reliable seal. A reinforced protective layer in the area of the tire bead protects the HEX from friction and damage caused by contact with the rim. Thanks to the integrated Kevlar beads, the tire always stays where it belongs - in the rim - even under high loads.
Developed for tubeless use
Tubeless tires have many advantages: they allow you to ride with lower air pressure, which improves traction and minimizes rolling resistance, reduces the risk of punctures and contributes to better riding performance thanks to the reduced overall weight. For additional protection, the HEX Carapace has full-length Kevlar puncture protection under the tread and sidewall. If you want, you can also ride ENVE's gravel tires with a tube. But who wants that?
Technical data:
Tire type: Folding tire
Application: Gravel
Size (inch): 28 | 700 x 40C
Size (ETRTO): 40 - 622
Rubber compound: made from natural and synthetic rubbers, enriched with nanoparticles
Profile: Hexagon block shape with cat tongue texture
Carcass: Kevlar full protection
Tubeless compatible: yes
E-bike compatibility: n/a
recommended air pressure: 1.5 - 3.5 bar (20 - 51 psi)
recommended rim width: 17 - 25 mm
Maximum load (per tire): n/a
Color: black (tread), bend (sidewall)
Weight according to manufacturer: 470g
Weight self-weighed: 453g
Scope of delivery: 1x ENVE tire HEX Carapace Gravel 28" | 700 x 40C Tubeless | Skinwall