Spinergy Spokes

After my very first wheelchair literally fell apart on me more than ten years ago, I swore my next chair was going to be a lot more durable. And part of that process included having sturdy wheels with spokes that didn’t bend and break all the time. That’s when I found out about Spinergy Spokes. While reviewing new wheelchairs at a local hospital, the Spinergy rep brought his wheels in and swore they were the toughest wheels on the market. And to prove it, he put one of the wheels on the ground and proceeded to jump up and down on the spokes. To my amazement, nothing broke or bent under his 200 pound weight. I was sold.

Overall Rating: ***** 5 Stars

Pros:
Very durable and strong
No replacing bent spokes
Keeps your rims true
Very light weight
Great for wheelchair athletes
No spoke creaking

Cons:
Need a special tool to replace spokes when (if ever) necessary
Pricey

Review:
The first thing to know about these spokes is that they are incredibly strong. One or two spokes every couple of years might need to be replaced, but that’s nothing compared to standard metal spokes. Because they are flexible, they absorb shock and are ideal for wheelchair athletes whose chairs take a beating.

There is also no need to worry about bending a spoke when you catch one on a corner or on a piece of furniture. And even if one does break, the rest of your Spinergy spokes will keep your wheels straight and true (as I’ve personally tested). These spokes are also very light. Each spoke is made up of 30,000 fiber strands which create a flexible and very quiet spoke. I noticed right away how quiet my wheels became and that I never had to listen to that steel-spoke-creaking again! And because they are not steel, I never have to worry about getting them wet and rusting.

There are very few problems associated with Spinergy spokes. The cost is the most prohibitive, usually selling for several times the cost of traditional wheel sets. The price if often balked at by insurance companies, but more and more companies are starting to realize the long-term cost-effectiveness of spending the extra money.

You also have to have a special tool to change and/or fix spokes when (if) they need it. Make sure that you keep yours in a safe place as this is not a tool that most people have in their toolboxes at home. However many bike shops now carry Spinergy spokes and will be able to help you make adjustments. I’ve had numerous cycling-addicts come up to me and comment on my Spinergy wheels! Spinergy's website includes both a cycle and wheelchair section, have recently added handcycle information, and are currently looking for sponsorship athletes!

Overall, I would recommend these wheel sets and spoke systems to anyone in a wheelchair who is remotely active and/or involved with sports and outdoor activities, or who wants to pay the extra cost for the assurance and peace and quiet of this wonderful invention.