From timeless steel spokes to the weight-saving revolution of carbon fiber, Berd Spoke and now to the Sapim RC-1 with aerospace-grade PBO material — bicycle spoke technology has evolved far beyond just holding a wheel together. This is important for the wider wheel market because it shows that spoke innovation is no longer limited to stainless steel aero spokes. Advanced fiber spokes, carbon spokes and composite spoke systems are becoming part of the high-end road wheel conversation.

For riders, the question is no longer only: “Should I choose steel spokes or carbon spokes?” A better question is: “What kind of spoke system matches my riding style, wheel depth, stiffness expectation and brand positioning?” For wheel brands, bike brands and custom builders, this creates a new way to build product tiers. A traditional steel-spoke wheelset can remain a strong performance option, while a carbon spoke wheelset can become the lightweight, race-level or premium model in the product range.

ORNAN offer 3.2mm and 5.5mm carbon spoke options, in this guide, we break down how to pick the right carbon spoke wheelset for your product line. (Support to customize building road/gravel/MTB wheels)

Why carbon spokes are getting more attention

For years, high-end road wheelsets were mainly compared through rim depth, rim weight, internal width and aerodynamic shape. Riders asked whether they needed 35mm, 45mm or 60mm rims. Brands focused on wider rims, lighter carbon layups and smoother tire-to-rim transitions.

But as modern carbon road wheels continue to develop, one part of the wheel is getting more attention: the spoke system.

Traditional steel spokes, especially aero steel spokes, are still widely used because they are reliable, serviceable and familiar to most wheel builders. They remain an excellent choice for many road, gravel and MTB wheelsets.

However, for race-focused road wheels, more brands and riders are now looking beyond traditional steel spokes. They want lower weight, sharper acceleration, a more direct riding feel and a stronger high-end product identity. This is where carbon spokes and advanced fiber spokes have entered the discussion.

Carbon spokes are not just a small visual detail. They change how a wheelset is positioned, how it feels under load, and how riders understand the product level of a wheel.

What carbon spokes change in a road wheelset

Carbon spokes should not be treated as a magic upgrade that automatically makes every wheel better. A wheelset is always a complete system. The final performance depends on the rim profile, carbon layup, hub structure, spoke tension, lacing pattern, tire size and rider setup. Still, carbon spokes can change several important parts of the riding experience.

1. Weight

Reducing wheel weight is especially valuable because wheels are rotating components. A lighter wheelset can feel quicker when accelerating, climbing or changing speed. For riders who focus on climbing, fast road racing or building an ultralight road bike, carbon spoke wheels can be an attractive upgrade. They allow the wheelset to reduce weight while maintaining a high-end carbon construction.

2. Response

Carbon spokes can create a more direct feeling under power. When the rider accelerates, sprints or climbs out of the saddle, the wheel may feel sharper and more immediate compared with a more comfort-focused setup. However, response is not decided by the spokes alone. Rim stiffness, hub flange design, spoke tension and tire pressure all affect the final ride feel.

3. Ride feel

Many riders ask whether carbon spokes improve comfort. The more accurate answer is: carbon spokes change the ride feel, but comfort is determined by the whole wheel system. Rim layup, tire width, tire pressure, spoke tension and road surface all matter. A carbon spoke wheel can feel fast, direct and efficient, but it should still be matched to the correct tire setup and riding purpose.

4. Aerodynamic appearance and product identity

Flat carbon spokes also give the wheelset a stronger visual identity. For many high-end road wheels, the spoke system is part of the product’s premium image. A wider flat carbon spoke can make the wheel look more aggressive and performance-oriented. A narrower flat carbon spoke can keep the appearance cleaner and lighter. This does not mean one is always better than the other. It depends on how the wheelset is positioned.

5. Brand differentiation

For wheel brands and bike brands, carbon spokes can help separate a race-level wheel from a standard carbon wheel. Instead of only changing rim depth or hub level, a brand can create a clear product ladder: steel spoke wheelset for reliable performance, lightweight carbon spoke wheelset for climbing and all-round riding, and wider flat carbon spoke wheelset for a stronger race and aero image. This makes it easier for customers to understand why one model sits above another.

ORNAN 3.2mm vs 5.5mm UD carbon spoke specification

ORNAN’s 23mm internal carbon spoke wheel category includes two main UD carbon spoke road wheelset series: one with 3.2mm width flat UD carbon fibre spokes, and another with 5.5mm width flat UD carbon fibre spokes. Both are based on a 700C road disc brake platform with 32mm external width, 23mm internal width, UD Free Paint TECH, and 35/38/40/45/50/55/58/60mm depth options. The page also lists Ratchet 36T or 54T system options.

The main difference between these two series is the spoke width.

The 3.2mm and 5.5mm UD carbon spoke wheels are not positioned as two completely different performance systems. Instead, they offer different spoke-width choices on the same 23mm internal carbon road wheel platform.

In practical product positioning:

· 3.2mm UD carbon spokes offer a cleaner and lighter spoke profile.

· 5.5mm UD carbon spokes offer a wider and more visually powerful carbon spoke profile.

· Both series are designed for high-performance road use.

· The final choice depends on the rider’s preferred wheel appearance, weight target and product positioning.

Weight comparison: 3.2mm vs 5.5mm UD carbon spoke wheelsets

With same configuration but different spoke, the 3.2mm series is lighter across the same rim depths. The 5.5mm series is approximately 94g heavier than the 3.2mm series at each matching rim depth.

All listed weights are based on the complete 700C disc brake wheelset configuration with 12 × 100mm front and 12 × 142mm rear hub spacing. Weight tolerance is listed as ±3%.

This means that if the main target is the lowest possible wheelset weight, the 3.2mm version is the more weight-focused choice. If the goal is a stronger carbon spoke visual identity, the 5.5mm version may be the better product-positioning choice.

Which carbon spoke wheelset fits which rider?

For lightweight climbers

A rider who focuses on climbing usually wants low rotating weight and quick acceleration. For this type of rider, the 3.2mm UD carbon spoke wheelset is usually the more suitable direction. A 35mm, 38mm or 40mm rim depth can keep the wheelset light while still offering a modern road profile.

Recommended direction:

· 3.2mm UD carbon spokes

· 35mm / 38mm / 40mm depth

· For climbing, hilly routes and lightweight road builds

For all-round road riders

Most road riders need one wheelset for mixed conditions: training, group rides, rolling terrain and fast weekend rides. For this use case, both 3.2mm and 5.5mm versions can work. The choice depends on whether the rider prefers a lighter setup or a stronger carbon spoke appearance.

Recommended direction:

· 3.2mm or 5.5mm UD carbon spokes

· 40mm / 45mm / 50mm depth

· For daily road riding, training and all-round performance

For race-oriented riders

Race-oriented riders often want a wheelset that feels direct, fast and visually high-end. For this type of product positioning, the 5.5mm UD carbon spoke wheelset can be used to create a stronger race-level image. The wider flat carbon spoke makes the wheelset look more aggressive and premium, especially when combined with 50mm, 55mm, 58mm or 60mm depths.

Recommended direction:

· 5.5mm UD carbon spokes

· 50mm / 55mm / 58mm / 60mm depth

· For race-level product positioning, criterium-style riding and fast road use

For endurance road riders

Endurance riders usually care about long-distance efficiency, comfort and control. For this type of rider, the spoke width should not be the only decision. Tire width, tire pressure and rim depth matter just as much. A 3.2mm carbon spoke wheelset with a moderate rim depth can create a balanced setup, especially when paired with suitable road tires.

Recommended direction:

· 3.2mm UD carbon spokes

· 38mm / 40mm / 45mm depth

· Focus on tire setup, pressure and long-distance ride feel

For wheel brands

For a bike brand or wheel brand, the two series can help build a clear product structure.

What to check before choosing carbon spoke wheels

1. Rider weight

The rider weight limit for these ORNAN carbon spoke wheelsets is 90kg. This should be considered when recommending a wheelset to end users, especially for powerful riders, heavy riders or riders using the wheels in demanding conditions.

2. Rim depth

Rim depth affects weight, handling and aerodynamic performance. 35–40mm is lighter and better for climbing and hilly terrain; 45–50mm is balanced for all-round road use; 55–60mm is more aero-oriented and race-focused. The best rim depth depends on the rider’s terrain, average speed and handling preference.

3. Tire choice

The 23mm internal width platform is suitable for modern road tire trends. Wider road tires can improve comfort, grip and rolling efficiency when matched with the correct pressure. A wheelset should always be selected together with the rider’s tire size and frame clearance.

4. Hub system

The ORNAN carbon spoke wheel category lists Ratchet 36T or 54T system options. For riders and brands, hub choice affects engagement feel, serviceability and product level. A higher-engagement system may be more attractive for riders who want a sharper response.

5. Spare spoke plan

Carbon spokes are more specific than common steel spokes. For this reason, a replacement plan is important. ORNAN provides spare spokes with the wheelset, which helps reduce service concerns for riders, dealers and wheel brands.

6. Testing and certification

For high-performance road wheels, testing is part of product trust. All of ORNAN wheelsets are tested according to ISO4210, and they comply with UCI certification standards. This is important for riders and brands who want a wheelset suitable for serious road use.

ORNAN 23mm internal carbon spoke wheel platform at a glance

FAQ

Are carbon spokes better than steel spokes?

Not always. Carbon spokes and steel spokes have different strengths. Steel spokes are widely used because they are reliable, familiar to wheel builders and easy to service. Carbon spokes are usually used for higher-end wheelsets where lower weight, sharper response and premium positioning are more important. The right choice depends on the rider, wheelset design and target price level.

What is the difference between Sapim RC-1 and ORNAN UD carbon spokes?

Sapim RC-1 is Sapim’s advanced fiber spoke solution using PBO fiber. ORNAN’s 3.2mm and 5.5mm spokes are flat UD carbon fibre spokes used in complete 700C road carbon spoke wheelsets. They are not the same product, and they should not be compared only by material. A wheelset’s final performance depends on the full system: rim design, spoke structure, hub, tension, lacing, tire setup and intended use.

What is the difference between ORNAN 3.2mm and 5.5mm carbon spokes?

The main difference is spoke width. The 3.2mm version uses a narrower flat UD carbon spoke and is lighter as a complete wheelset. The 5.5mm version uses a wider flat UD carbon spoke and creates a stronger carbon spoke visual identity. In ORNAN’s product positioning, they are not separated by a major performance difference. They are two spoke-width choices based on the same 23mm internal, 32mm external carbon road wheel platform.

Which is lighter, 3.2mm or 5.5mm?

The 3.2mm version is lighter. Across the listed 35mm to 60mm depth options, the 3.2mm wheelsets range from 1085g to 1275g, while the 5.5mm wheelsets range from 1179g to 1369g. The 5.5mm version is about 94g heavier at each matching rim depth.

Do carbon spokes improve comfort?

Carbon spokes can change the ride feel, but comfort is not decided by spokes alone. Comfort depends on the complete wheel system, including rim layup, spoke tension, tire width, tire pressure, frame design and road surface. Riders who want more comfort should also pay attention to tire setup and pressure, not only spoke material.

Can carbon spokes be replaced?

Yes. ORNAN provides spare spokes with the wheelset. Because carbon spokes are more specific than standard steel spokes, riders and dealers should keep spare spokes available and use proper wheel service procedures when replacing them.

What is the rider weight limit?

The rider weight limit is 90kg. For heavier riders, powerful sprinters or riders using wheels in demanding conditions, the wheelset should be selected carefully based on riding style and use case.

Are ORNAN carbon spoke wheels suitable for OEM/ODM brands?

Yes. ORNAN carbon spoke wheelsets are suitable for bike brands, wheel brands, custom wheel builders and new design projects. The 3.2mm and 5.5mm spoke options make it easier to build different product tiers, such as lightweight, all-round and race-level carbon spoke wheel ranges.

ORNAN’s 23mm internal carbon spoke wheel series offer 3.2mm flat UD carbon spokes for a lighter and cleaner setup, and 5.5mm flat UD carbon spokes for a wider and more visually distinctive carbon spoke wheel.

Both series share the same modern road platform: 700C disc brake, 23mm internal width, 32mm external width, multiple rim depths, Ratchet 36T or 54T system options, ISO4210 testing, UCI-compliant standards and spare spokes included.

For riders and brands looking to build a modern carbon spoke road wheel range, the choice is not only about spoke material. It is about choosing the right wheel system for the right riding purpose.

Looking for a lightweight carbon spoke road wheelset for your brand, shop or custom build carbon wheels?

Explore ORNAN 23mm internal carbon spoke wheels, including 3.2mm and 5.5mm flat UD carbon spoke options, or contact us(info@ornanbike.com) to discuss your target rim depth, hub system, rider weight range and private-label wheelset plan.