Nimble wire
wheel spoke.
These spokes are used in FLY and Spider wheels. They are stainless
steel stained black. They are round and double butted 2.0 to 1.5mm
(front FLY spokes) and 2.0 to 1.7mm (Spider spokes and FLY rear spokes). Double butting makes these spokes both lighter
(~5 grams front and ~6 grams rear each,
varies by length) and more durable. We have selected a round profile
spoke, not a bladed spoke, for aerodynamic reasons. We measure that
bladed spokes actually create more turbulence and drag in the changing air
of outdoor race
venues. We have a patent on our variable cross-section spoke design
which would optimize the aero properties further, but we have not
implemented this in a wire spoke.
We have spoke kits and tools available for working on your FLY and Spider
wheels (see pricing, see FLY
tool, see Spider tool.)
These kits are specific to each wheel model to match the spoke length
and nipple needed. FLY and Spider aero nipple rims include the
special nipples required for each.
Our front wheels are built with radial spoke patterns.
This minimizes aero drag and spoke weight without compromising
strength. Our rear wheels are built with 2 cross or 3 cross drive
side spokes for durability and optimal torque transfer. Past model non-drive side spokes have been built
both crossed and radial. Our experience with these designs has led
us to favor a crossed non-drive side because (1) the tangential patterns
improves spoke
durability and (2) every spoke is involved in wheel torque transfer
(improving drive transfer stiffness as much 40%). The advantages of
radial designs are a small 1-2 gram weight savings and no measurable aero
savings.
We build with a 110 kg highest spoke tension. This tension improves
wheel durability by almost eliminating slack spokes and slack spoke
fatigue. See spoke lengths for
replacement spoke length information (which varies by wheel configuration) and
rim ERD (effective rim diameter) information for wheel building and
repair. Also see rims.
Spoke selection is a key driver in wheel configuration because spokes
effect wheel stiffness. Also see Rider
Weight Limits especially the note at the bottom relating lateral
stiffness to spoke choice