In-Depth Look: Sapim’s Bold New Spokes for 2026

Introduction

At NTP Composites, we're always on the lookout for innovations that can take your wheels to the next level. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the latest products from our trusted spoke supplier, Sapim.

Details

Sapim has built a strong reputation for its high-performance steel spokes, offering products that excel in various cycling disciplines, with a focus on durability and performance. Their CX Ray is one of the most popular spokes in the world of high-performance wheels, known for its lightweight design and exceptional strength. At the 2025 Eurobike, Sapim unveiled not only an updated version of the CX Ray but also two groundbreaking new spokes made from carbon fiber and PBO (Polyphenylene Benzobisoxazole) fiber. This marks a major leap in their product development, pushing the boundaries of what's possible for cyclists. Let’s dive into the details of these exciting new products and explore how they can elevate your next wheel build.

Key Specifcation Comparision Chart:

Model	Material	Max Strength	Weight	Length
Sapim RC-1	PBO Fiber + stainless steel	>3500N	1.9g at 260mm	80-310mm (excess length in demand)
Sapim CX Ray Pro	Stainless steel	1800N/mm² (middle)	4.2g at 260mm	152-305mm
Sapim CX Carbon	Carbon fiber + stainless steel	>3500N	2.9g at 260mm	246-306mm

Sapim RC-1: The Future of Comfort with PBO Fiber

The RC-1 is a game-changing product in Sapim's lineup, featuring high-strength synthetic fibers in a flexible form. PBO fiber spokes have already gained popularity in Spinergy wheels, where they’ve been praised for their lightweight nature, comfort, and compliance. Sapim’s new RC-1 spokes claim to have enhanced lateral impact resistance for a reliable and comfortable ride.

A key challenge with current PBO fiber spokes is their less-than-aerodynamic profile. Sapim addresses this with the RC-1, making it ideal for cyclists seeking comfort and performance over long, rugged trails. With a lightweight design (just 1.9g per spoke at 260mm), RC-1 spokes are perfect for gravel, cyclocross (CX), and cross-country (XC) racers.

Key features of RC-1:

Exceptional vibration damping for a smooth ride.
Ultra-lightweight (1.9g per spoke at 260mm).
High strength with premium lateral impact resistance.
Easy wheel building with M4*0.5mm thread hardware.
Impressively wide spoke length range (80-310mm).
Best suited for gravel, CX, XC cycling and BMX racing.

CX Ray Pro: Strength, Aero, and Easy Wheel Building

The CX Ray Pro is an upgraded version of Sapim's renowned CX Ray. The updates focus on four main areas: strength, aerodynamics, ease of wheel building, and weight reduction. Here's how the CX Ray Pro stands out:

Stronger & More Durable: Sapim has improved the tensile strength by approximately 11%, thanks to a double-treated high deformation process. The middle strength is now 1800N/mm², compared to the CX Ray's 1600N/mm². The spoke head also features a double-butted design, with a top part diameter of 2.2mm and a lower part of 2.0mm, which enhances fatigue resistance.

More Aerodynamic: The CX Ray Pro features a refined elliptical profile (2.10*1.05mm), which Sapim claims reduces aerodynamic drag by 30% compared to the CX Ray (2.20*0.9mm).

Easier Wheel Building: Sapim has made the part above the threads thinner (down from 2.0mm to 1.7mm). This change makes it easier for wheel builders to assemble wheels, as spokes that are 2-3mm too long can still be used effectively. This reduces inventory strain and shipping delays for wheel brands.

Key features of CX Ray Pro:

mproved strength-to-weight ratio (middle strength up 12.5%, weight down ~3.7%).
30% less drag due to optimized aerodynamic profile.
Easier wheel building with the new spoke head design (rim-end).
Best suited for road, MTB, gravel, and CX applications.

Sapim CX Carbon: The Aero Wing Revolution

Sapim’s new CX Carbon spokes are a breakthrough in spoke technology. The carbon fiber spoke market has seen a lot of white-label products from overseas manufacturers, but Sapim's entry into the space stands out. The CX Carbon boasts a unique, patented steel-carbon connection that ensures durability with a tensile strength of over 3500N.

The middle section features a 2:1 ratio aerofoil shape (3.0*1.5mm), designed to minimize aerodynamic drag. At just 2.9g per spoke (at 260mm with steel hardware), the CX Carbon is as lightweight as its competitors while offering superior performance. The spoke length range is also impressive, spanning from 246mm to 306mm.

Key features of CX Carbon:

Aero wing shape for reduced drag and increased speed.
Lightweight design (2.9g per spoke at 260mm).
T-shaped spoke head to prevent twisting.
High strength and durability.
Best suited for paved roads and hill climbs.

Now that you’ve seen the innovations in Sapim’s latest spokes, which one stands out for your next wheel project? Whether you’re building wheels for gravel riders, CX racers, or road enthusiasts, these new spokes offer something for every application.

We’ll keep you updated with MSRP and launch dates once we receive more information from Sapim distributors in Mainland China. Stay tuned for the latest!

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