The majority of our wheels are made using Sapim spokes; they are renowned for supplying a very high quality product. These come in 2 standard colours, silver or black, although structurally their behaviour is the same, the black coating typically adds 70% to the cost. If you want some more exotic colours for your build we have a range from our suppliers, please call to discuss.

For most wheel sets we use double butted spokes (thicker sections on the ends thinner in the middle). By working the metal to create the profile they provide greater resilience and strength than is typically obtained in a plane gauge (same thickness along the length). These are our most commonly used spokes:-

Race

A great all-rounder, tried and tested in many applications. A double butted spoke profile with dimensions 2.0mm x 1.8mm x 2.0mm.

Race is the most popular double butted spoke from Sapim. It is built to tension easily without winding up (twisting of the spoke that can lead to spokes loosening during usage). Race provides a better shock absorption thanks to its thin middle section than non butted spokes. 

Technical specs

Weight: 14G (64 pcs x 260 mm lg) 363 g
Material: Stainless Steel
Middle section strength: 1300 N/mm2

D Light

A double butted spoke profile with dimensions 2.0mm x 1.65mm x 2.0mm.

These spokes are designed specifically to meet the needs of mountain bike wheels providing:-

  • Maximum strength
  • Minimum weight
  • Disc brake compatibility
  • Suitable for hand wheel building

The short 2mm section of the D-Light reduces weight especially on the threaded side. The 2mm section starts just at the beginning of the thread. Therefore, the rotating masses at the end of the spoke are reduced. This brings benefits to both the acceleration and braking qualities of the wheel. The end sections are 2mm providing strength whilst the middle section thins to 1,65mm, which makes the spoke much stiffer and brings less torsion during truing.

Technical specs

Weight: (64 pcs x 260 mm lg) 307 g
Material: Stainless Steel
Middle section strength: 1370 N/mm2

CX Ray

These are the strongest spoke commonly used by wheel builders; they are as light as a titanium spoke and are suitable for many high performance applications. The spokes have an aero elliptical section so the cross sections are 2.0 - (0.9x2.2) - 2.0 mm.

The CX-Ray still receives the best results in fatigue testing of any spoke. Its unique strength and flexibility make the CX-Ray suitable for most bicycle disciplines. The middle section of the spoke is drawn then pressed in a special mold to form its specific profile.  CX-Ray spokes are used by top bike racers and triathletes around the world. Even downhillers use them, recognizing their strength and flexibility. Special alloy treatment and sophisticated production make this possible.  The CX-Ray fits all standard hub holes.

  • The aero design does not require specially designed or modified hub holes to fit the elliptical section.
  • The spoke ends are dimensionally similar to standard round spokes.
  • Longer lasting than any other spokes on the market.
  • Aerodynamic middle sections reduce wind resistance. 
  • Produced from high-tensile, fatigue-resistant 18/8 stainless steel conforming to the Sapim quality standard specifications.

Technical specs

Weight: (64 pcs x 260 mm lg) 272 g
Material: Aerospace grade stainless steel to AISI 302
Middle section strength: 1600 N/mm2

Leader

The Leader is the recommended choice for a day-to-day usage. These are typically used in basic wheel sets as they are lower cost, but still providing a good quality product.

Technical specs

Weight: 14G 2,0 mm (64 pcs x 260 mm lg) 431 g
Material: Stainless Steel
Middle section strength: 1080 - 1180 N/mm2