BIKE CHECK: A VERSATILE ALLIED RACER

Images: Andy Chasteen

For Noah Collins, there was no better pairing for his Allied Able than a set of SES 3.4 AR wheels. The endurance sports coach from Colorado Springs chose the US-made frame and wheelset for a broad mix of events this season, ranging from fast road racing, to the smooth gravel of SBT, and the chunky rocks of BWR Cedar City.

“I’ve done crits on that bike and I was still able to get decent results with it even while having knobbies on. The frame quality is exceptional, and it balances stiffness with a ride quality that’s forgiving enough to be on it all day. As for the wheels, I don’t want to build my bikes with anything other than ENVE. They are beautiful, strong, and fast”, said Noah.

Noah’s build targets performance and versatility, which is a popular objective these days and exactly where the 3.4 AR shines. The rim’s 25mm inner width provides an aerodynamic advantage over most anything else on the market when running 28-32c tires, while the Wide Hookless Bead design considerably reduces the chance of a tubeless pinch flat when tackling true gravel riding.

Frameset: Allied Able
Wheels: ENVE SES 3.4 AR
Tires: Specialized Pathfinder 42c
Stem: Pro
Handlebar: Easton
Seatpost: Easton
Drivetrain: Shimano GRX, SRM Origin Power Meter crank w/ 46t Absolute Black oval chainring, 11-40 cassette
Pedals: Speedplay SYZR