Spoke and Rim

Need spokes or rims? Check out the ONYX RCR Spokes and Rims post for a selection.

Cross vs. Radial Laced Spokes

Both cross-laced and radial-laced spokes serve different purposes in wheel construction, affecting strength, durability, and performance.

regular

Cross-Laced Spokes

  • Design: Spokes crisscross each other, usually in a 2-cross, 3-cross, or 4-cross pattern.
  • Strength: Better at handling torque and lateral forces, making them ideal for hub motors and disc brakes.
  • Durability: More evenly distributes stress, reducing the risk of spoke breakage over time.

Cross-Laced Spokes Best For

  • Electric bikes & motorcycles (handling motor torque)
  • Disc brake wheels (absorbing braking forces)
  • Heavy loads or off-road use

Radial-Laced Spokes

  • Design: Spokes go straight from the hub to the rim without crossing.
  • Strength: Lighter and slightly more aerodynamic but weaker against torque and lateral forces.
  • Durability: Higher stress on the hub flanges, making them more prone to failure under torque loads.

Radial-Laced Spokes Best For

Front wheels without disc brakes (road bikes, some lightweight applications) Lower-speed applications where torque isn’t a factor

Which One is Better?

For ONYX with hub motors, cross-laced spokes are the way to go. They handle motor torque better, last longer, and provide a more reliable ride. Radial spokes might look cool, but they’re not built for high torque loads and can lead to failures over time.

Want the strongest setup? Go cross-laced, preferably 3-cross or 4-cross.