Reaching For Watts

When designing the Melee v2, we left no stone unturned to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and minimize weight. This included making sure we got every possible ounce of speed out of the aero cockpit.  

Working with Simon Smart and Team UAE Team Emirates gives us access to the brightest minds and most experienced leaders in cycling. So, when it came time to do the hard work, we looked to them for ideas and inspiration. We knew the ENVE Aero One-Piece Handlebar was fast based on wind tunnel data, and race results proved it. However, since the bar can account for upwards of 40% of the bike system's drag, we wanted to make sure we got every ounce of speed out of the aero cockpit. At the same time, we couldn’t sacrifice comfort. Because the rider accounts for most of the system's drag, comfort in the most aero riding positions was essential; it had to be fast in the real world. 

A few targeted updates to the ENVE Aero One-Piece v2 Handlebar saved 3 watts, a substantial gain for a second-generation design. Key changes include:  

“Aergonomic” Drop Shape

• Airfoil design to reduce drag

Pads – one at hood-to-top transition and one in the drops

• Additional drag reduction by increasing drop cross-section

Comfort through vibration dampening 

• Stack height

• 6mm lower than the original SES Aero One-Piece Handlebar 

Beyond the bar design changes, Tadej Pogacar’s grueling uphill time-trial victory in the 2025 Tour de France inspired us, as he rode a traditional road bike without a race radio or handlebar tape. We dug into the logic behind this decision as we looked for additional watt savings in the SES Aero One-Piece v2 Handlebar. While riding without bar tape would be uncomfortable and outright dangerous under certain conditions, it prompted an experiment to refine our tape without sacrificing performance or safety. 

After lengthy experimentation and real-world riding with nearly every tape possible, we found an older bar tape technology that gave us the exact characteristics we needed. It is a thinner (1.2mm), fibrous tape with a velvety finish. The new Aero Race Tape delivered real watt savings through lower drag, while still pulling tightly around the Aergonomic shape without tearing and providing a natural grip. All the system changes in the SES Aero One-piece v2 Handlebar add up to a net of 3 precious watts saved in real-world conditions. Aero efficiency with enough comfort and grip to stay in the drops or perched on the hoods during long breakaways and even the occasional uphill time trial.