Berd Spokes - FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hubs do Berd spokes work with?
Berd spokes are compatible with all J-bend hubs and all tangential straight pull hubs. Berd spokes are not compatible with radial straight pull hubs.
What types of rims do Berd spokes work with?
Berd spokes work with all standard bicycle rims, including rims designed for both external and internal nipples.
Can I race with Berd Spokes?
Yes! Berd spokes are legal for racing. In fact, the UCI, which regulates professional cycling, has specifically approved Berd spokes, so you can race Berd spokes from local crits to the Tour de France. Send us a postcard!
How much weight will I save over metal spokes?
Depending on the wheelset, weight savings with Berd spokes typically range from 100 to 200 g.
Are Berd spokes the same length as metal spokes for any given wheel?
No. Berd spoke lengths are slightly different than metal spoke lengths to account for the hub connection and the initial stretch of the spokes when building. Our spoke calculator must be used to calculate the proper length.
Berd Spokes are flexible, so how can you make a wheel out of them?
To answer that question, we need to discuss how wheels are built. Each spoke in a wheel is pulled in tension during the wheel building process – in fact, each spoke is under 50 - 100 kgf, depending on the particular wheel build. When riding the bike, spokes at the bottom of the wheel de-tension to support the weight of the rider, but because they are pretensioned, they never leave tensile loading. Because of this, flexible spokes function equivalently to metal spokes.
Does my hub need to be modified to work with Berd spokes?
For tangential straightpull hubs, no modification is necessary. A specially-designed insert protects the spoke head from sharp corners in the hub holes. For classic and radial straightpull hubs, sharp corners must be removed from the hub holes prior to lacing using tools that Berd supplies.
How do Berd spokes connect to the hub?
The eye of the spoke is pulled through the hub hole and secured with a small rod.
How do Berd spokes connect to the rim?
Berd spokes connect to the rim using standard 14 gauge nipples.
What type of nipple should I use with Berd spokes?
We highly recommend using double square locking nipples because they can be trued from the back of the rim, have additional thread engagement, and prevent loosening of the nipples over time. If using a rim that requires internal nipples, we recommend locking internal nipples.
How do you prevent Berd spokes from twisting while truing?
Berd spokes have a flat section near the end of the spoke that is held with a special tool while truing. This is very similar to the way in which bladed metal spokes are held.
What types of hubs do Berd spokes work with?
Berd spokes are compatible with all J-bend hubs and all tangential straight pull hubs. Berd spokes are not compatible with radial straight pull hubs.
What types of rims do Berd spokes work with?
Berd spokes work with all standard bicycle rims, including rims designed for both external and internal nipples.
Can I race with Berd Spokes?
Yes! Berd spokes are legal for racing. In fact, the UCI, which regulates professional cycling, has specifically approved Berd spokes, so you can race Berd spokes from local crits to the Tour de France. Send us a postcard!
How much weight will I save over metal spokes?
Depending on the wheelset, weight savings with Berd spokes typically range from 100 to 200 g.
Are Berd spokes the same length as metal spokes for any given wheel?
No. Berd spoke lengths are slightly different than metal spoke lengths to account for the hub connection and the initial stretch of the spokes when building. Our spoke calculator must be used to calculate the proper length.
Berd Spokes are flexible, so how can you make a wheel out of them?
To answer that question, we need to discuss how wheels are built. Each spoke in a wheel is pulled in tension during the wheel building process – in fact, each spoke is under 50 - 100 kgf, depending on the particular wheel build. When riding the bike, spokes at the bottom of the wheel de-tension to support the weight of the rider, but because they are pretensioned, they never leave tensile loading. Because of this, flexible spokes function equivalently to metal spokes.
Does my hub need to be modified to work with Berd spokes?
For tangential straightpull hubs, no modification is necessary. A specially-designed insert protects the spoke head from sharp corners in the hub holes. For classic and radial straightpull hubs, sharp corners must be removed from the hub holes prior to lacing using tools that Berd supplies.
How do Berd spokes connect to the hub?
The eye of the spoke is pulled through the hub hole and secured with a small rod.
How do Berd spokes connect to the rim?
Berd spokes connect to the rim using standard 14 gauge nipples.
What type of nipple should I use with Berd spokes?
We highly recommend using double square locking nipples because they can be trued from the back of the rim, have additional thread engagement, and prevent loosening of the nipples over time. If using a rim that requires internal nipples, we recommend locking internal nipples.
How do you prevent Berd spokes from twisting while truing?
Berd spokes have a flat section near the end of the spoke that is held with a special tool while truing. This is very similar to the way in which bladed metal spokes are held.
