ENGINEERING OVER ASSUMPTIONS
At Scribe, we’re always chasing performance but not without extensive testing, development and scrutiny. When we began testing carbon spokes, the goal was simple - Reduce weight, improve responsiveness, all without compromising aerodynamic efficiency.
A carbon spoke can help us achieve a lighter build and added stiffness, but as with any of our performance, we need the data to back it up. With that said, when developing our carbon spoked wheelsets, we put them to the test against one of the most proven performers in the industry, the Alpina Ultralite Aero steel spoke.
TEST RESULTS: SURPRISING AERODYNAMICS
Our initial tests were eye-opening. Using 5mm carbon spokes in a controlled setup, the results showed a clear difference: The Carbon 5mm spokes were aerodynamically slower than the Alpina steel spoke.
It wasn’t what we expected and not what we wanted to see (because they look incredible) but it’s why we tested. Despite their futuristic profile, the larger 5mm carbon spokes created more drag compared to the ultra-slim, aero-optimised Alpina Ultralite Aero steel spokes.
WEIGHT & RIDE FEEL: THE CARBON ADVANTAGE
Aerodynamics isn’t everything. On the road, the carbon spokes transformed the wheel’s character and as mentioned previously, they look incredible (Look FAST - be FAST eh?)
-
Weight savings were significant, dropping overall wheel mass by 50–80g depending on configuration.
-
Ride quality improved noticeably: the wheels felt more responsive under acceleration, with a distinct snappiness and reduced flex during sprints and climbing efforts.
-
Damping is another standout feature; carbon spokes naturally absorb high-frequency road buzz, giving a smoother, more connected feel.
In short, while they lost fractions of watts in aero efficiency, they gained in responsiveness and improved road feedback.
HOW WE CHANGED THE GAME
We took the insights from our early testing, reworked the aero profile, and pushed carbon further than ever before. We went back to the tunnel with a completely redesigned spoke shape, and this time, the results flipped. The new profile cuts drag across all yaw angles while keeping every advantage riders loved: low weight, sharp responsiveness, and that smooth carbon feel.
For the carbon spokes, these are the fastest bladed spokes on the planet, and when benchmarked against a flat 5mm carbon spoke, we found a Watt improvement of 0.5W (0°), 0.5W (5°), 0.4W (10°), and 0.2W (15°) at 45 km/h.
THE RESULT: OUR FASTEST WHEELS EVER
After countless prototypes and wind-tunnel sessions, the new Ultra Range is complete. Built around our fastest carbon-bladed spoke yet, it delivers the most advanced performance we've ever engineered.
