Specialized racing bicycle wheel sets feature Arris CFRTP spokes
The CLX Sprint and CLX III bikes are being marketed as the “fastest race wheels,” with co-developed aero-shaped spokes that save 96.6 grams in weight and increasing strength by 20%.
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Arris Composites’ (Berkeley, Calif., U.S.) Made to Outperform (MTO) carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP) bicycle spokes are now being featured on Roval Rapide CLX and CLX III wheel sets.
According to the Arris team, “What makes the MTO spokes different is the thermoplastic construction, which produces a thin, aero-shaped spoke that Arris claims is lighter and stronger than metal spokes while also offering an efficient, low-waste production process and a design that allows the spokes to be laced into standard rims and hubs.”
Since 90% of aero benefit comes from the front wheel, Arris went all in with a 63-millimeter-deep front rim to slice through the wind, and a lightweight 58-millimeter rear with carbon fiber spokes for acceleration.
In an article on Roval Rapide Wheels, ’s Alvin Holbrook writes: “The wheelset uses carbon [fiber] composite spokes co-developed with Arris, which Roval says are 20% stronger than bladed steel alternatives and shave close to 100 grams off the system weight. Lacing is done in a 2:1 pattern, and the wheels are built around DT Swiss 180 EXP internals housed in Roval’s low-flange road hubs with ceramic SINC bearings. Even still, Specialized says the wheels still cut 215 grams over the outgoing Rapide CLX II wheels.”
Learn more about the continuous CFRTP spokes .
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