Bike Spokes That Will Last: Reviews 2017
Spokes are one of three important parts of a bicycle’s wheel. Like the other two parts—the hub flanges and the wheel rims—if the spokes are not working properly or are of poor quality, it will affect the performance of the tire and of the entire bike. Spokes are responsible for holding the tire system together and allow the wheels to have strength.
There are three different types of bicycle spokes: the plain gauge spoke, the aero spoke, and the butted spoke. Plain gauge spokes are basic spokes that are used about 90 percent of the time for riders.
Bicycle spokes need to be able to withstand both constant and inconstant force. Some of the force is absorbed by other components of the bike, but spokes still need to stand up to impact. Different types of spokes stand up to force in different ways and all have their pros and cons. What should you know about the different kinds of spokes?
Butted Spokes
Butted spokes are some of the most common in use and within this category are a few different options. Laser spokes, made from a different type of stainless steel is a high-tension spoke. It makes bike wheels strong and stable. These heavy-duty spokes are right for most applications but are not recommended for high transmission riding.
D-Light bicycle spokes combine the benefits of racing spokes with laser spokes and it’s compatible with all of the same hubs and nipples. The final option is a super spoke that is made of stainless steel (so it’s strong), but it’s lighter than other types of stainless steel spokes. These spokes are produced by a specific company with a secret formula for the metal blend and they are very expensive and available only via special order.
Aero Spokes
Aero spokes are made from butted spokes, so you get the benefits of those spokes, but they also offer a variety of aerodynamic benefits. This improves the strength of the spokes and increases their lifespan. There’s also less spoke twist.
Keep in mind, the strength measurement of a spoke is not the overall strength, but a comparison of the strength of its central portion. The central portions on some spokes are slimmer which makes them look strong and offer greater strength than laser spokes despite looking weaker to the naked eye.
Considerations When Choosing Spokes
There are several things you need to consider when shopping for spokes, in addition to the basic type of spoke you want to buy.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the differences in wheels. Front wheels carry less stress than rear wheels, so you need to make your decisions based on that knowledge. Front wheels don’t need spokes as strong as back wheels, which means if you want to enjoy the benefits of weaker spokes, you can do so by putting them on the front tire. You can also use fewer spokes on front tires.
Front bicycle wheels can usually be both radially or tangentially laced, so the spokes can either come directly out of the hub to the rim or at tangents to the hub. It can be tough to find exactly what you need if you prefer specialized builds, so you’ll need to shop around and look for a manufacturer that makes the spokes you want.
Also, keep in mind that re-lacing your spokes in a manner not conducive to what the manufacturer recommends because it can void warranties on the tires. Many experts recommend not using radial lacing because it causes distortion in the hubs and creates a weaker wheel and rougher ride. It’s also a stiffer lacing pattern, which is why radial lacing is done on the front wheels so often. If radial lacing is your preferred method, you can lace heads in or heads out, the former of which creates a stiffer lace and puts more strain on the spoke. If you have any doubts, your local bike shop will be happy to re-lace your spokes for you to ensure the perfect tension and an accurate lacing.
Despite advice against doing so, some people prefer radial lacing for aesthetic purposes. There are also some functional reasons you might want to lace your spokes in such a manner.
Choosing the Best Bike Spokes that Last
Now that you know a little about the different types of spokes and how they can be used differently on a bike tire, here are a few options for what we think are the best spokes available:
36pcs Steel Spokes Mountain Bike Spokes
These MTB 251 mm–268 mm W/nipples retail for around $10 for 36 spokes. They are made from #45 steel and have a diameter of 2 mm. These spokes are reasonably priced and strong enough to stand up to basic riding.
Standard J Bend Bike Spokes and Nipples
These UCP steel spokes come in silver and retail for around $7 to $12, depending on what size you need. You get a pack of 12 spokes and 12 nipples, which makes them a pretty good value for the quality spoke you’re getting.
36pcs Stainless Steel Spokes Mountain Bike Spokes MTB 258 mm–269 mm W/Nipples
These spokes are made from stainless steel and measure 2 mm in diameter. They come in a package of 36 nipples, 36 spokes and retail for about $15. The spokes come with a rust-free guarantee, so you can return them for your money back if they rust.
These are just a few spoke options available. You can get spokes in a variety of price ranges and a variety of sizes. Your best bet if you are serious about using spokes to change your riding performance is to try out a few different varieties and lacings. This way you’ll get a feel for what you like. There are many options that offer functionality and durability, so much of the decision comes down to personal preference.
On the other hand, if you just need to replace older spokes or you want something basic to work with, you can choose any of the spokes listed above. They are all durable and affordable, so you can’t go wrong with the standard choices available.
