Sapim, Partington and Wolverine have on the Sea Otter Classic 2026 each showcased a new composite spoke system. The three products address different weak points of carbon wheels, from serviceability to hub compatibility, and emphasise usability and serviceability alongside weight savings.
Sapim RC-1: established name makes a move
Sapim is one of the largest steel spoke manufacturers in the world. The Belgian manufacturer showcased the RC-1, a fully tensioned carbon spoke developed with technology from Applied Fibre, an American company active in aviation and defence, among other sectors.
The RC-1 weighs 1.9 grams at 260 mm. That is according to Bikerumor 3 grams lighter than a CX-Ray Steel spoke and 1 gram lighter than Sapim's own CX-Carbon. Sapim also claims that the spoke adds vertical compliance to the finished wheel.
The production equipment is currently being brought to Belgium for in-house spoke manufacturing. For now, Sapim is focusing on OEM supply to wheel brands, not on retail sales. There is no retail price yet.
Partington R-Series: Replaceable and carbon
The Australian Partington addressed the problem that premium carbon spoke wheels are difficult to maintain to date. The earlier R-Series MKII used continuous carbon filaments that ran from rim around hub and back to rim, embedded in the structure. Light and stiff, but if a spoke was damaged, the wheel was effectively written off.
The new R-Series It sticks to carbon, but wraps it in an eight-layer loop-shaped spoke. On the hub side, the loop is secured with a pin that is screwed into the hub via an Allen key. This pin is eccentric, allowing the tension to be adjusted within limits. On the rim side, the spoke slides into a slot and is tightened with a locking connection. The result is a closed rim bed that doesn't require tape for tubeless.
The accompanying proprietary hub features a needle bearing as the main bearing, a low-resistance helical spline ratchet, and end caps made of PEEK-plastic, according to Partington four times stronger than aluminium and kinder to carbon frames.
The rims are available in 50 mm and 65 mm deep, with an internal width of 23 mm and an external one 34 mm, optimised for 28-32 mm tyres. Weights range from 1.175 grams (50 mm, Performance Ti) total 1.290 grams (65 mm, Performance). Prices of $5.500 for the Performance and $6.500 for the Performance Ti version. Launch is on 1 June.
Gulo G-Spoke: wider compatibility
While Partington builds a complete wheel platform, the American Wolverine for the other route: the existing braided carbon G-Spoke suitable for more hubs. The new straight-pull variant fits any carbon spoke-compatible hub, such as those from Industry Nine, without requiring a proprietary hub.
The spoke uses triaxially braided carbon with an additional material that Gulo considers a trade secret. At both ends, there is titanium hardware with an internal thread nipple. Gulo claims 900 lbs tensile strength and 8%: reduced vibration compared to steel spokes, plus higher impact resistance in own drop tests.
Complete wheels with the new straight-pull spokes cost $2.295 to $2.695. The lightest model, the La GMX SL XC, weighs 1.035 grams at 30 mm internal width.
The core per brand
- Sapim RC-1 — 1.9 g per spoke, OEM-only, made in Belgium, no retail price known
- Partington R-Series — replaceable continuous-carbon spokes, adjustable tension, launching 1 June, from $5,500
- Gulo G-Spoke straight-pull — Fits standard carbon spoke hubs, titanium hardware, wheels from $2.295
Three brands, three routes. Sapim brings scalability via OEM, Partington makes high-end carbon wheels serviceable, and Gulo lowers the barrier by removing hub lock-in. Which approach will first break through broadly in complete wheelsets is something the rest of 2026 will tell.
