spoked

Spoked is an adjective describing wheels or other circular structures that use individual rods called spokes to connect a central hub to a surrounding rim. The term is most commonly applied to bicycle wheels, wagon or carriage wheels, and some aircraft gear, but it can also describe decorative or mechanical designs that employ a spoke pattern.

In a typical spoked wheel, the hub anchors a set of spokes that extend to the rim. Spokes may be arranged radially (directly from hub to rim) or cross-laced (for example in 2-cross or 3-cross patterns) to distribute forces from braking, turning, and riding. Most modern bicycle spokes are made of steel or stainless steel and are threaded at the rim by nipples to allow tension adjustment. The rims may be metal or alloy, and high-performance builds may use carbon fiber rims. Some traditional wheels use wooden spokes; these designs require different construction methods and materials.

Spoked wheels have a long history, arising in ancient and medieval times to create lighter, stronger wheels than solid ones. The advent of wire-spoked wheels in the 19th century significantly influenced the development of bicycles, wagons, and light vehicles. Today, spoked wheels remain common on bicycles and many vintage or off-road applications, while other sectors increasingly use solid or monolithic wheel designs for efficiency or aerodynamics.

Maintenance for spoked wheels focuses on maintaining spoke tension and wheel true. Broken or loose spokes can cause wobbling or failure, so regular inspection, truing, and tensioning are important. Spoked wheels offer advantages in repairability and modular replacement, but they require ongoing care.