How to choose a radio

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The choice of spokes will always determine the stiffness and resistance of the wheel, since it is the element that transmits the accelerations and braking, as well as the lateral stiffness when cornering or sprinting. It is a critical element to which in RuedasCustom we give great importance. Wheels are not only made of hubs and rims (which is what traditionally attracts our attention when choosing them). The spokes are the ones that will determine an important part of their behavior.
 
The spokes that we use in RuedasCustom are always made of steel, because its characteristics of mechanical strength, stiffness, elasticity module and fatigue resistance, place this material above the rest in terms of performance and durability.
 
 
 
 
Our spokes are made by Sapim, Alpina, Pillar or CN Spoke, which are proven manufacturers of spokes that offer products with a very good quality finish, in addition to having a range that allows us to build a wheel for each type of driving.
 
 
 
 
We can differentiate the spokes in 2 types (Round and Flat). We have 3 models of round spokes and 3 models of flat spokes.
 
The round spokes are more economical. We work with 3 models of round spokes, all of them biconified, with thickness in the central body of 1.8, 1.7 and 1.5mm.
 
The flat spokes have a higher price, but have high resistance and low weight. We work with 3 models of flat spokes: Alpina Flat DB 1.5, Sapim CX-Ray and Alpina Hyperlite.
 
 
 
 
Here are the details of each of them:

 

Biconical steel radius 2.0-1.8-2.0mm

It is a steel spoke that has 2.0 mm at the shoulder (part of the hub connection), 1.8 mm in the middle zone and 2.0 mm at the tip. This spoke has most of the material concentrated at the ends, which is where the spoke works the hardest, and is lightened in the middle zone with 10% less diameter than at the ends. This makes it the heaviest spoke but also provides great strength and stiffness. Lighter than the 2.0 mm constant thickness spokes and stronger than the 1.8 mm constant thickness spokes. This is the most requested spoke by riders looking for strength and reliability. These spokes are available in a number of white colored assemblies as well.

 

Biconical steel radius 2.0-1.7-2.0mm

It is a steel spoke that has 2.0 mm at the shoulder (part of the hub connection), 1.7 mm in the middle zone and 2.0 mm at the tip. This spoke has a higher draw, so it is even lighter in the middle area with 15% less diameter than at the ends. This makes it the most versatile spoke, with the best balance between weight, price and strength. Its weight savings and wide range of applications make it one of the most popular for demanding XC use. 

 

Biconical steel radius 2.0-1.5-2.0mm

It is a steel spoke with 2.0 mm at the shoulder (part of the hub connection), 1.5 mm in the middle zone and 2.0 mm at the tip. This spoke is maximally lightened in the middle area with 25% less diameter than at the ends. This makes it the lightest tapered radius we work with. However, its resistance in the middle zone is still high, and its good price and high lightness make it one of the most sought after by light pilots. We do not recommend choosing these spokes for riders weighing more than 85-90 kilograms.

 

Alpina Flat Steel Radius Flat DB 1.5:

It is an Italian-made steel spoke with a flat geometry that offers high strength, high stiffness and low weight at a low price. It has 2.0mm at the shoulder (hub connection part), a central part of rectangular section of 1.6 x 1.1mm and 2.0mm at the tip. Equally light as the 2.0-1.5-2.0mm biconical steel spokes but stronger, it is an excellent choice for riders looking for very light, aerodynamic and strong wheels, all at a low price.

 

Sapim CX-Ray Flat Steel Radius:

It is undoubtedly the spoke by autonomasia as far as custom wheel assemblies are concerned. It is manufactured in Belgium with the highest performance. It has 2.0mm at the shoulder (hub connection part), a 2.2 x 0.9mm elliptical section central part and 2.0mm at the tip. If we take the pressing to flatten a spoke to its maximum optimization, the Sapim CX-Ray spoke is originally a full-thickness spoke which, after a pressing process, acquires its elliptical geometry. That is, it is apparently flat, but its elliptical geometry multiplies the tensile and fatigue strength, eliminating right angles, thanks to special molds that press the radius to obtain a specific geometry.

 

Alpina Hyperlite Flat Steel Radius:

Also made in Italy, this exclusive spoke allows you to shave a good handful of grams off your wheels without any loss of reliability. The Alpina Hyperlite flat steel spoke is as light as a titanium spoke, but much stronger and more durable due to its nature. It has 2.0mm at the shoulder (hub attachment part), a 1.5 x 0.9mm rectangular section center part and 2.0mm at the tip. The engineering of the design taken to the maximum expression as far as a bicycle spoke is concerned, to obtain a plus of lightness in the whole.