SPOKE TERMINOLOGY

Talking spokes is a whole new language

BUTTED

The spoke is thickest at both ends where the strength is needed, but thinner in the middle section, to save weight and better deal with flex and torsional loading.

24 HOLE OR 18, 22, 32, ETC

3 CROSS

RADIAL

LACING

Simply the spoke count for the wheel.

The lacing pattern, given by the number of spokes that a single spoke crosses on its path from spoke hole in the hub to the rim hole – in this case, three. Spokes can also be 2-Cross and even 1-Cross but these are not as commonly used.

Spokes that span directly in a straight line from hub flange to rim.

The way the spokes weave in and out of each other, and one of the key skills in a wheel builder’s craft.