The Nero Show We Still Don’t Use Carbon Spokes: Zipp Employee Explains
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May 22, 2025 Nathan Schickel, product manager at ZIPP, dives into the exciting advancements in their product range, including the innovative new 353 NSW wheel. He explains why ZIPP continues to use steel spokes over carbon ones, emphasizing durability and ease of repair. The discussion also covers the evolution of rim sizing, the balance of aerodynamics and rolling resistance, and the growing role of professional teams in refining wheel tech. Additionally, they explore the complexities of wheel design and trends impacting bicycle performance.
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Why Zipp Sticks With Steel Spokes
- Steel spokes offer high strength with thin, lightweight sections that maintain wheel aerodynamics effectively.
- Carbon spokes lack widespread availability, reliability data, and field repair solutions, inhibiting their current adoption at Zipp.
Trade-offs of Tire Width in Pro Racing
- Pro riders still choose narrower 28mm tires to save weight, despite wider tires offering rolling resistance advantages.
- Switching from 28mm to 30mm tires costs about 1-2 watts in aerodynamics but gains 5-6 watts in rolling resistance benefits.
Involve Stakeholders in Wheel Design
- Consult pro teams, tire makers, and bike manufacturers when updating wheel rim designs.
- Understand future tire trends and bike clearances to create optimized wheel and tire combinations.