Radial Spoke Material
 

Are radial spokes made from a material different from non radial spokes? Typically non radial spokes are made from non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel. At least all the wheels that I've built were made from this material.

However, I have a Fulcrum rear wheel that has radial spokes on the non-drive side that are magnetic. The drive-side has non-magnetic spokes, which are I suspect are made from the typical "garden variety" 300 series stainless steel material.

So, if you purchase radial spokes, do you need to be mindful of the material grade? What material is typically supplied for radial spokes?

Thanks!

Jason

There is no reason that I know of as to why an radial lace pattern needs a different spoke material. I suspect your differing magnetism is because of different spoke batches (due to stocking/resupplying and not from any intention). IIRC some alloys of SS can change their magnetism due to impact/shock. Andy

300-series stainless steel can become mildly magnetic when subject cold working so stainless steel spokes often exhibit a bit of magnetic attraction. Radial spokes are the same material of construction as cross laced spokes but are often "bladed" rather than round.

As mentioned, SOME SS can be mildly magnetic. Still MUCH weaker than generic iron/steel.

Thanks, but these spokes are not mildly magnetic, they super magnetic.

It's odd that the drive side spokes, which are hooked, are not magnetic and the non drive side (left), which are straight, are super magnetic.

Some stainless steels (the 400-series) are be strongly magnetic, just like carbon steels. The 300-series can mildly magnetic after cold working.