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Components 101: Spokes
Spokes have three main functions:
- adding strength to the wheel rim – spokes connect the hub to the wheel rim and are held in tension (stretching force) causing the rim to be evenly pulled inwards. This arrangement makes the wheel extremely strong.
- transferring leg power from the hub to the wheel – enabling the force applied to the hub of the rear wheel by the chain and gears through the act of pedalling, to be carried efficiently.
- supporting rider weight on the wheel – by spreading the load so that it is more evenly distributed thus preventing too much stress on any single spoke.