Our Swap to Alpina Spokes
A Closer Look at Spoke Choice
At NOBL, building the best wheels means obsessing over every detail. While our carbon layup innovation is core to what we do, we apply the same level of scrutiny and rigorous standards to the spokes, hubs, and nipples that we curate as choices for our custom wheelsets. After extensive tensile testing and real-world validation, we’re excited to announce that Alpina Extralite spokes will now come standard on NOBL wheels and wheelsets.
Alpina Extralite 28h Count Weight 157g
Alpina Extralite 32h Count Weight 179g
Brand |
Model |
Head / Type |
Butted |
Shape |
Max Tensile Strength |
Claimed Weight (28 spokes) |
| Alpina | Extralite | Straight Pull | Double (2.0, 1.7, 2.0) | Round | 297.6 kgf | 157g (288mm) |
| Sapim | D-Light | Straight Pull | Double (2.0, 1.65, 2.0) | Round | 247.5 kgf | 147g (288mm) |
| Sapim | Race | Straight Pull | Double (2.0, 1.8, 2.0) | Round | 277.7 kgf | 175g (288mm) |
| Sapim | CX-Ray | Straight Pull | Double | Bladed | 259 kgf | 132g (288mm) |
| DT Swiss | Competition | Straight Pull | Double (2.0, 1.8, 2.0) | Round | 223.8 kgf | 180g (288 mm) |
| DT Swiss | Competition Race | Straight Pull | Double (2.0, 1.6, 2.0) | Round | 147.9 kgf | 147g (288mm) |
How We Test Strength
To evaluate tensile strength, each spoke listed above was subjected to pull testing. We tested multiple spokes per model across a range of lengths, pulling each to failure. The value shown (in kgf) represents the lowest force at which any spoke of that model failed during testing. Alpina produced the most consistent results, with no spoke breaking below 297.6 kgf.
Why Alpina Extralite?
These spokes offer standout strength-to-weight performance with a double-butted 2.0mm–1.7mm–2.0mm profile. In testing, Alpina Extralite spokes outperformed DT Competition, Competition Race, and even our longtime favourites, Sapim Race and D-Light. These results couldn’t be ignored, making the choice to shift to Alpina as our standard spoke option all the more logical!
Made from high-grade 302 stainless steel similar to Sapim CX-Ray spokes, they offer excellent fatigue resistance and consistency. While we’ll continue offering Sapim CX-Rays as a premium upgrade for those seeking maximum weight savings and aero gains, Alpina Extralite spokes are now our go-to for standard builds thanks to their outstanding all-around performance.
Specs at a glance:
- Weight: ~5.7g (260mm)
- Butted: 2.0/1.7/2.0mm
- Configurations: J-bend or straight-pull
- NOBL lab and trail tested
Faqs
Why did NOBL switch to Alpina Extralite spokes for standard builds?
After extensive lab and on-trail testing, we found that Alpina Extralite spokes offer a superior balance of weight, strength, and consistency. They outperformed many leading spokes in tensile strength, including Sapim Race, D-Light, and DT Swiss Competition, Competition Race, making them the best fit for our builds.
What are the specs of Alpina Extralite spokes?
Alpina Extralite spokes are double-butted (2.0–1.7–2.0), and made from high-grade stainless steel. They weigh approximately 157g per 28 (288mm) spokes and tested at an impressive 297.6 kgf minimum max tensile strength in our lab.
Are Alpina Extralite spokes stronger than Sapim Race or D-Light?
Yes. In our testing, Alpina Extralite spokes showed higher tensile strength and better consistency than both Sapim Race and D-Light. They’re also lighter than the Race spokes.
Are CX-Ray spokes still available?
Absolutely. Sapim CX-Ray spokes remain a premium upgrade option. They’re cold-forged, bladed for aerodynamic performance, and extremely lightweight at just 132g per 28 (288mm) spokes. Ideal for riders looking to maximize performance gains.
Tried And True Alternatives
Bladed Spoke Upgrade: Sapim CX-Ray
Sapim CX-Rays remain a benchmark for high-performance wheels. With their bladed profile, ultra-low weight (132g per 28 spokes), and top-tier fatigue resistance, these spokes are ideal for riders chasing marginal gains. CX-Rays are available as an upgrade on most builds for those seeking every performance edge.
Still Running Race or D-Light? No Problem.
If your wheels are built with Sapim Race or D-Light spokes, rest assured—they’re still great! We’ve always trusted these spokes, and they remain solid choices for strength, reliability, and value. We simply believe Alpina Extralite offers a marginal improvement that aligns with our relentless pursuit of the best-performance components.
BERD Is the Word
For riders aiming to build the absolute lightest wheels possible, we also offer BERD spokes as a high-end upgrade. Made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene – or Dyneema, in short – they’re significantly lighter than any steel spokes on the market and help dampen vibrations and trail feedback for a uniquely smooth ride.