Composite spoke roadbike wheel?

Question

I've seen people riding roadbikes that do not have metal spokes but instead has thick solid plastic or some kind of composite spoked wheel. what are they called and ive seen some online but cost a lot of money, is there anywhere that sells them for really cheap?

Answer 1

Spinnergy has made non-metal (PBO) spoked wheels for quite some time now. These aren't carbon, but a poly-filiment spokes with a vinyl type jacket. While not cheap, used sets sell on EBay all the time if your interested. I own a set and they ride very well and stay true. However, you need a special spoke wrench set and replacement spokes are about $7. Good thing is the spokes rarely need replacing.

I will second the XR-1 wheels as a great wheel set at at a little over $200 new.

Answer 2

They might look flashy - but unless you are prepared to spend the cash, a cheap set is dicing with disaster!

The new Mavic R-SYS has thick carbon spokes, I was tempted to buy a set recently but too many bad reviews made me feel a little uneasy.

Instead I went for the Dura-ace 7850 carbon. A little less flashy but I believe I made the right choice.

If you are on a budget I most highly recommend 'Xero XR1 lite' - a brilliant set of wheels for the money and they look good too!

Wheels are THE most important upgrade you can make to your bike, to improve performance. Choose wisely!

Best of luck mate.

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