Spokes

Spokes are an undervalued part of a decent wheel. They can be chosen to increase the strength and stiffness or a wheel, or manage aerodynamic drag. Spokes come in a variety of shapes. Some spokes are still completely straight, with no variation in thickness throughout their length, but many are now single or double butted. Butted spokes have either one end or both ends thicker than the centre of the spoke. This saves weight, while allowing the centre of the spoke a little more flexibility, but without weakening the important connections on each end. Some spokes are also designed with aerodynamics in mind, either being elliptical or completely flattened. These spokes are important for time trials and the like, but the flattened spokes require hub modifications to fit through the spoke holes. Whatever spokes you decide on, getting the right length is extremely important. There are a number of spoke length calculators online, but feel free to drop our wheel building team an email if you need a hand.