which spokes

rattyc5

I am buying some H Plus Son Archetype rims on shimano 105 hubs. I am an heavy rider at 16 and half stone. going for 32 spokes and have a choice of sapim race spokes at £25 or sapim cx ray spokes at £95. I will be using the bike for long day rides of eventually 100 miles.
which should I go for? wheel builders says cx ray. the wheels will end up as my winter wheels next year.

ugo.santalucia

WHich wheel builders says CX Ray?

rattyc5

I don't want to name anybody for people to possibly slag them off. I just want some opinions on them.

ugo.santalucia

CX Ray spokes are OK for time trialling, they are a bit stiffer than the equivalent weight round spoke and allegedly they have a longer fatigue life, but these numbers have never been clear and I have seen several broken ones, so they're not infallible.
The down side is that they cost 4-5 times the Race spokes, so its up to you to see the value in them... there is nothing magic about them, they don't ride better and in a wheel with high spoke count they are largely unnecessary. That said, it is a smart way to make a lighter rear wheel which is stiff enough

racingcondor

CX Rays are great spokes, especially for a best/race build. I don't think they represent good value for money on a high spoke count wheelset built for durability though (even though £95 is a good price for that many of them).

cycleclinic

Sapim race spokes is what I would suggest for your weight and the spoke count you are right in choosing. I see little point in trying to make a 32 spoke build aero you won't succeed.

Laser spoke will work on the front if you want to save 48g. I would not use them on the rear for you. I peroanlly would not bother with CX-ray for this build. They are areo spokes for aero wheels.

rattyc5

thanks all for the replies. cheaper spokes it is then. i am not a speed person , more of a high mileage plodder.