If you were a kid into cycling back in the 90’s, I’m sure you know the name Spinergy. The Rev X was their iconic eight blade carbon spoked wheel that sent the UCI into a tizzy. Though the wheel would eventually be banned by the cycling governing body, Spinergy never went away. Instead, they turned to more traditional wheel designs, but never lost that passion for composite spokes. Their GXC wheel carries on that tradition with their PBO spokes. Don’t worry, these are already UCI approved. Oh, and they have dropped their prices.
The GXC is their gravel/cyclocross/Allroad wheelset. Spinergy uses a carbon rim that is 32mm tall, 24mm wide, with an internal width of 18mm. Inside, there is a lightweight foam core that helps make the wheels stronger, dampen vibration, and keep water out of the rim. They are also tubeless-ready. It uses their PBO spokes, which are made up of 30,000 strands of polyphenylene bensobisoxazole fibers, encased in a chemical, water, and UV proof composite.
Most of the time, I can say “that’s just a fancy name for…”, but honestly, I wasn’t sure. So after some research, I found that PBO is a fiber that goes by the trade name, Zylon. It’s about double the tensile strength of kevlar, but not quite as high as Toray T1100G, according to Wikipedia. It’s used in sporting goods, aerospace, and high tension rope. In a cycling application, it is 3-times as strong as stainless steel spokes, but half the weight. For wheels, this is important, because that means less rotational weight, which makes for a faster-responding wheel. The brand also claims the spokes absorb more vibration than traditional spokes, helping keep riders fresher for longer. Spinergy harnesses the PBO spokes by attaching aluminum ends to hold them in place and allow the wheels to be trued. Also, because of the coating on the wheels, you can get them in multiple color options, adding some bling to your bike.
The GXC is a disc brake only wheelset, which is on par for the type of riding they are made for. The hub is a Spinergy design, and accepts 12 or 15mm thru-axles, along with quick release. Shimano/SRAM, Campy, SRAM XD, and SRAM XDR ARX freehub drivers are available.
We are looking forward to getting a wheelset in for review, so keep an eye out later this Spring for a full review. Spinergy also has the GX32 and GX aluminum wheelsets. The GX32 is basically the GXC’s aluminum companion, but the GX is available in 700c or 650b with a wider rim for larger tires.
New Pricing
Along with some new wheels, Spinergy wants to get more of its wheels under riders. Across their road, gravel, and mountain wheels, pricing is now set at $1199 for their Stealth FCC 4.7 road and track wheelsets, down to $549 for their Z-Lite. For $999, you can get their full carbon road Stealth FCC 3.2 or the GXC wheelsets, or $599 for the Z32 aluminum road wheels or the GX aluminum gravel wheels. All of these wheels feature the PBO spokes.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year