Originally Posted by dit (Post 9580782)

I have always been interested in having a set of wheels built with blade spokes. The price of the spokes has always stopped me from investing in them. Have any of you ever had or rode a set of blade spoked wheels? I would think that they are faster....less wind resistance.

Originally Posted by tejanotrackie (Post 9580857)

yes, i have had several sets of wheels built for road and track bikes with bladed or oval shape spokes, and also have purchased modern wheels with deep section rims and bladed spokes. They are definitely faster in that they have significantly less wind resistance, and this has been demonstrated in numerous laboratory tests. I would suggest that if you go to the expense of using bladed spokes, then also get a v section rim as well. Also, the less spokes you use the better, and you can used a radial lacing pattern in the front to further reduce wind resistance.

Originally Posted by norskagent (Post 9580832)

in a cross wind they are tricksy...

Originally Posted by BianchiGirl (Post 9580832)

I never used them much but I do have a front "race wheel" with oval it rode it on occasion when I needed a spare. I did not notice a huge difference....

Originally Posted by dit (Post 9583648)

I am not sure I agree that the blades are not period correct. I am sure they were available in the mid 70's, though I believe they were 'state of the art' at the time.

Originally Posted by T-Mar (Post 9582937)

Bladed spokes do not cause enough of an increase in surface area to cause handling problems in crosswinds. The problem is generally caused by the deep section rims used in conjunction with the spokes.



+1. Bladed spokes by themselves do not cause enough of a difference to warrant use by most recreational riders. However, in conjunction with with radial spoking, less spokes and deeper section, aerodynamic rims they are justified for competition, particularly time trials and triathlons.

Also note that here is difference between bladed and oval spokes, the latter being much more aerodynamic.

Finally, be aware of the possibility of flange failure. This was fairly frequent using bladed spokes where the holes had to be slotted. However, it can also happen with oval spokes, particular in older, less expensive hubs not intended for radial spoking patterns. In traditional spoking patterns, the angle of the spoke places more distance between the hole and edge of the flange than a radial pattern, allowing more metal to carry to load. Less spokes also involve more tension and higher stress on the flange.

Originally Posted by Chombi (Post 9583863)

Yes, state of the art, but then available components did not really accept radial spokes, thus the questionable parctice of slotting of hub spoke holes to accept them. It's more of a customizing practice done by a very few and not what is seen on production bikes.