How to choose spokes for mountain bike wheels?

There are two possible scenarios: either one of the spokes on your mountain bike wheel has broken, or you'd like to fit a new wheel. In the first case, there's no choice but to use a MTB spoke identical to the broken one. For the second case, here's what you need to choose.

Standard spokes

Length (contact one of our advisers to help you with this)

Spoke types

Apart from very specific spokes for each wheel model, there are 3 main categories, depending on the characteristics required.

Classic spokes A spokes are cylindrical and have a constant diameter along their entire length. Although they are not light, they are particularly robust.

Double Butted B are still cylindrical spokes, with a diameter identical to that of the classics for the ends, but smaller for the rest. This keeps the spokes sturdy while saving weight.

Flat spokes C flat spokes have the same design as Double Butted, but the thinner part is flat on these versions. This saves a lot of weight and makes the wheel more aerodynamic, while retaining good strength, especially against shearing (an element coming across the wheel).

Which spokes for my riding?

Hiking

For recreational mountain biking, classic spokes will give you maximum reliability.

Cross-Country

For outings Cross-CountryDouble Butted and even flatter spokes will save you maximum weight on your wheels, while retaining all the reliability you need to finish your race safely, especially with flat spokes.

All-Mountain / Enduro

ForAll-Mountain or EnduroYou can opt for either classic spokes for reliability, or flat spokes for maximum performance and dynamism.

DH / Freeeride

For more extreme riding, such as DH / Freerideclassic spokes for obvious reasons of sturdiness.