The pursuit of marginal gains in road and gravel cycling has driven an increasing number of low-spoke count wheel designs in the market. But what are the real benefits and challenges of reducing spoke numbers?
In this article, we explore this trend, discuss key engineering considerations, and provide component recommendations for more durable, high-performance low-spoke builds—helping OEMs, brands, and wheel builders make informed decisions for their next projects.
Low Spoke Count: From Standard to Modern Trends
In the 1970s, 36-spoke wheels were the standard, and wheel building was relatively straightforward. This began to change in the early 1980s, when wind tunnel tests revealed a clear relationship between spoke count and aerodynamic drag: fewer spokes reduce turbulence and air resistance.Today, lower spoke counts are common:
- MTB: 28H and 32H
- Road: 24H, 21H, 20H
- Gravel: 24H, 28H
Advanced fiber spokes, including carbon, PBO, and Dyneema, have enabled further reductions—resulting in 24H and 20H carbon XC wheels, as well as 16H–18H high-performance road wheels.
Common Lacing Patterns and Hole Counts
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Straightpull
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20/24H
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0X / 0X
2X / 2X
|
|
24/24H
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2X / 2X
2X / 2X
|
|
28/28H
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3X / 3X
3X / 3X
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|
J-bend
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20/24H
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0X/0X (front)
2X/0X (rear)
|
|
24/24H
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2X / 2X
2X / 2X
|
|
28/28H
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3X / 3X
3X / 3X
|
|
32/32H
|
3X / 3X
3X / 3X
|
Key Benefits of Fewer Spokes
While aerodynamic gains may be marginal for most riders, low-spoke designs offer measurable advantages:
- Reduced weight: Each high-end spoke (e.g., Sapim CX Ray) weighs ~4.3g. Reducing spoke count from 24H to 20H can save ~34g per wheelset.
- Improved ride feel: Advanced fiber spokes exhibit different stiffness and vibration characteristics compared to steel, making traditional spoke counts sometimes excessive.
- Lower air drag: Particularly beneficial for triathlon, track, and time-trial wheels with ultra-low spoke configurations or full-disc designs.
- Aesthetic appeal: Low spoke counts convey a modern, professional look, appealing to high-end performance markets.
Challenges and Engineering Considerations
Reducing spokes places higher demands on the wheel system. Key considerations include:1. Lateral StiffnessFewer spokes can reduce lateral stiffness. To compensate:
- Choose rims with wider and deeper profiles.
- Customize carbon layups using high-modulus materials.
- Optimize layup orientation to enhance stiffness without adding weight.
- Optimized hub and spoke design.
2. Load DistributionFewer spokes mean each spoke carries more load:
- Use stronger spokes (e.g., CX Ray Pro) or larger diameter carbon spokes (CS02).
- Reinforce carbon rim layups, especially for drive-side rear wheels.
- Ensure precise rim drilling angles to minimize spoke misalignment and fatigue.
3. Wheel Truing and Maintenance
- Low-spoke wheels require higher tension, and adjustments on one spoke affect surrounding spokes more than in higher-spoke wheels.
- Experienced wheel builders are essential to maintain performance and longevity.
- Our team has over 10 years of experience in high-performance custom wheel builds, ensuring precision and durability.
NTP Carbon Spoke Offerings
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Model
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Dimension
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Weight (260mm)
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Tensile Strength Standard
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CS01T
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1.8-2.9*0.9-1.8
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1.8gr
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＞3000N
|
|
CS02T
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2.2-3.3*1.4-2.2
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2.4gr
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＞3200N
|
|
CS03T
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2.2-3.8*1.0-2.2
|
2.4gr
|
＞3200N
|
|
CS04T
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2.2-5.2*0.8-2.2
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2.4gr
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＞3200N
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Conclusion
Low-spoke count wheels are not just a trend—they reflect advancements in spoke technology, carbon rim manufacturing, and wheel-building expertise. However, reducing spokes requires careful material selection, precision engineering, and skilled assembly.Ultimately, wheel design is a balance between weight, aerodynamics, stiffness, and durability. By understanding the trade-offs, OEMs, brands, and builders can deliver wheels that meet modern performance demands without compromising safety or quality.
