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?)
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Weight savings were significant, dropping overall wheel mass by 50–80g depending on configuration.
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Ride quality improved noticeably: the wheels felt more responsive under acceleration, with a distinct snappiness and reduced flex during sprints and climbing efforts.
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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.
WHAT NEXT?
We see it as progress through data. Our current phase is focused on developing a carbon spoke with improved aerodynamic shaping, one that retains the weight and ride advantages while closing the aero gap whilst looking incredibly cool at the same time!
What we’ve learnt is that Innovation doesn’t happen in a single step; it's a process; This is part one of that journey. At Scribe, we test, refine, and retest because performance isn’t built on assumptions or industry trends
STAY TUNED: OUR NEXT-GENERATION CARBON SPOKE IS NEARLY READY!
Below is a sneak peak at the wind-tunnel data we collected for what we believe is the World’s fastest carbon bladed spoke. Steel aero spokes still trump carbon spokes at the moment, but if you want the fastest carbon bladed spoke, you will be able to find this on our New Ultra range that is releasing shortly!
