Speiche

Speiche is a slender rod that forms part of a wheel, most commonly associated with bicycles. It connects the hub to the rim and transmits forces as the wheel rotates, helping to maintain roundness, transmit torque, and distribute loads from riding and impacts.

Role and design: Spokes bear tension and work together with nipples and rims to keep the wheel true. The spoke pattern, count, and tension influence stiffness, durability, and handling. Common configurations include radial spokes (no cross) for lighter front wheels and various cross patterns such as 2-cross or 3-cross to increase strength. Drive-side spokes are often tuned to higher tension than non-drive-side spokes to compensate for torque from the drivetrain.

Materials and construction: Spokes are typically made from steel, with stainless steel and alloy steel being common choices. High-end wheels may use carbon fiber bladed spokes for reduced weight and improved aerodynamics. Spokes are threaded at the rim with nipples to allow tension adjustment. Diameters and profiles vary by use, with road and mountain bike spokes generally ranging from about 1.6 to 2.0 mm in diameter, and bladed variants offering different cross-sections.

Manufacture and maintenance: Spokes are produced by drawing wires to required thickness, forming straight lengths, and assembling them into a wheel during building or rebuilding. Regular maintenance includes checking for damaged or corroded spokes, ensuring even tension, and truing the wheel. Broken spokes are typically replaced and the wheel re-tensioned to restore true roundness and alignment.

In summary, the speiche is a fundamental component of a wheel that enables mechanical performance through controlled tension and symmetrical geometry.