Effectively, right here we go! Right here’s some information about the way forward for the 32″ wheel, which appears to be extra of a actuality on a regular basis. Up till now, it’s been fairly difficult for wheel builders to even discover spokes lengthy sufficient to construct 32″ wheels.
However Berd has simply introduced that they could have simply solved that downside with the discharge of two new spokes. The primary are the PolyLightX Excessive SPokes designed particularly for Downhill and eMTBs. The second is their flagship PolyLight Spoke in lengths as much as 340mm.
Let’s have a look.
PolyLightX
Berd’s PolyLightX spokes are designed particularly for riders who want further sturdiness for enduro, downhill, or eMTB functions. These spokes function a diameter that’s 50% bigger than Berd’s normal PolyLight spokes, leading to a 44% enhance in stiffness and greater than double the abrasion resistance in comparison with the unique design.
The PolyLightX’s design focuses on the particular calls for of aggressive driving and high-load conditions. Regardless of the elevated power, PolyLightX spokes weigh simply 3.5 grams per spoke, which is only one gram heavier than the usual PolyLight model. This weight distinction is comparatively minimal for riders who want the added efficiency traits for difficult terrain and driving types.
PolyLightX spokes use 14-gauge (2.0mm) threads, which implies they work with normal nipple methods that the majority bike retailers and residential mechanics already use. The spokes can be found in lengths from 270mm to 340mm, masking frequent wheel sizes together with 27.5″, 29″, and 32″ wheels.
Berd PolyLightX Spokes Element
Weight: 3.5 grams per spoke
Diameter: 2.7 mm
Thread kind: Commonplace 14-gauge thread (2.0 mm)
Compatibility: Hook Flange Hubs solely
Use Circumstances: Downhill, enduro, and eMTB
Berd Spokes for 32″ Wheels
The bike trade is making ready for a big shift because it begins to develop and flirt with the 32″ wheel. And there’s phrase that the UCI is making ready to permit 32-inch wheels in World Cup cross-country racing beginning in 2026. This variation has prompted bike producers like BMC to develop prototype bikes, whereas tire corporations like Maxxis are already producing suitable rubber. The bigger wheel format guarantees higher rollover capabilities, improved traction, and sooner speeds on choose race programs.
Berd’s spoke manufacturing is predicated within the USA. So, this allowed them to pivot shortly and put together for the early levels of the 32″ wheel revolution. The corporate now gives its PolyLight and PolyLightX spokes in lengths as much as 340mm, in increments of 1mm. Moreover, these new spokes make the most of the identical polymer expertise that has established BERD’s presence in skilled racing.
Whereas 32-inch wheels require spokes roughly 32mm longer than their 29-inch counterparts, Berd’s polymer spokes add solely 0.07 grams per spoke, which implies simply 3.8 further grams for a whole wheelset. As compared, conventional steel spokes face a a lot steeper weight penalty, including 26-46 grams per wheelset when scaling as much as 32-inch wheels. When your spokes are this lengthy, spoke weight extra vital than ever.
Berd isn’t any stranger to podium-winning spokes and wheels. Over the previous two seasons, riders utilizing 29-inch wheels with Berd spokes have achieved greater than 50 World Cup podium finishes. This contains 4 of the six medal positions on the 2024 Olympic mountain bike races.
The spokes’ vibration-damping properties and low weight have made them in style amongst aggressive cross-country riders, traits that ought to switch on to the brand new 32-inch wheel format.
Berd PolyLightX Spokes Element
Weight: 2.6 grams per spoke (340 mm spoke)
Diameter: 1.8 mm
Thread kind: Commonplace 14-gauge thread (2.0 mm)
Compatibility: Jbend, straightpull, or hook flange hubs
Potential use circumstances: XC MTB, gravel
Get extra information on the hyperlink beneath!
berdspokes.com
