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I managed to find a front Crank Brothers Carbon Synthesis wheel for a great price, but I can't afford to buy the matching Carbon rear, so thought I'd build up their Alloy version of the Synthesis wheel, so it at least, sort of, matches.
Part of the philosophy of the Synthesis wheels, is that the front and rear wheel have different feel/characteristics. To achieve this, among other things, they use fewer and different spokes front and rear. This brings me, finally, to my question, on an Alloy rim'd wheel, will I notice any difference between using Sapim Race or Sapim CX Sprint spokes ?
The matching carbon rear wheel, uses CX Sprint spokes (to the front's CX Ray) but the Alloy versions use D light front and Race rear. Obviously there's a fair price difference between Race and CX Sprint, and I don't mind paying it, if there's advantages to be had from it. Would I notice any difference ?
I was going to say get the sprints so they are all matchy with the front and after all it’s only one wheel’s worth. Then I checked the price, ouch! From a practical point of view Sapim Race are the obvious choice and no I wouldn’t be able to feel the difference.
Recent thread with lots of info about those Sapim spokes https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/spoke-aficionados-assemble-28-32-race-d-light-cx-ray/
Just anecdotal evidence, but I've been impressed with how strong CX-Rays seem to be compared with other spokes (used most of the popular types at various points). I don't really notice any difference between spokes in riding, though.