TECH
Ride Smooth Technology (RST) Reduces vibrations by 7.5%
Our G-Spoke with Ride Smooth Technology represents a significant advancement in bicycle wheel technology. The use of composite materials with our advanced triaxial braiding techniques offers distinct advantages over traditional metal spokes by reducing vibrations. This gives bike riders enhanced control, comfort, and performance.
Reduced Vibrations
Equals a Smoother Ride
During cycling, exposure to vibrations comparable to riding on rough surfaces like the cobblestone roads of Paris Roubaix [2] is shown to increase the muscle activation of cyclists leg and arm muscles, increase heart rate by 5-7% and increase oxygen uptake by 2.7% [3] During national level enduro mountain bike competitions, riders are exposed to vibrations that well exceed the international standard BS EN ISO 5349-1:2001 for limiting the chance of developing Hard-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) [4]. Extended vibration exposure reduces the endurance of maximal isometric contractions [5] and maximal voluntary contractions [6]. Increased hand-arm muscle activation [3] and reduced maximal muscle contraction can cause “arm pump” during prolonged vibration exposure which reduces bike control and rider confidence.
In contrast to the rigid nature of metal spokes, the carbon G-Spoke’s composite material excels in dissipating vibration, absorbing road and trail chatter and delivering a smoother, more comfortable ride. This is a crucial advancement, especially considering that metal spokes, with their limited vibration-damping capabilities, can contribute to rider fatigue/discomfort and decrease control, confidence, and performance.
Vibration RMS (Root Mean Square) is a statistical measurement used to quantify the magnitude of a varying quantity, often used in the context of vibration analysis. It’s a way to express the effective value of the total vibration within a system, providing a single number that represents the energy content of the vibration signal over a period of time.
More strength Equals Less maintenance
The G-Spoke’s modern composite material offers a 20% increase in tensile strength over traditional metal spokes, enhancing durability and longevity. This means the wheel maintains tension longer, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and wheel truing. This strength is pivotal in maintaining wheel integrity under stress and during high-impact riding conditions over the life of the wheel.
IMpact Strength
Direct impacts to spokes from rocks, sticks, and impacts are inevitable. We test for this with our custom GULO Impact Tower Test where individual spokes must survive direct impacts of 4 to 12 joules at a variety of spoke tensions. GULO G-Spokes consistently withstand larger impacts than steel spokes without losing tension or permanently deforming, meaning less re-truing and broken spokes for you! This is possible through the proprietary triaxially braided structure only found in the G-Spoke.
Vibration Testing
The results of testing (see chart) show a significant vibration reduction transmitted through the Gulo G-Spoke wheel versus the comparable steel spoked wheel.
In the context of vibration, aRMS provides a measurements that are directly related to the energy content of the vibration and can be related to the potential for causing damage or discomfort. High RMS values indicate higher levels of vibration and lead to fatigue, reduced muscle control, and increased heart rates.
Acceleration Root Mean Square (aRMS) is a statistical measurement used to quantify the magnitude of a varying quantity, often used in the context of vibration analysis. It’s a way to express the effective value of the total vibration within a system, providing a single number that represents the energy content of the vibration signal over a period of time.
Chart 1
Measuring the difference in vibrations between Steel Spokes and G-Spokes.
Chart 2
Enlarged view of Chart 1
Testing Protocol:
In the lab, two front wheels (Wheel 1: GULO G-Spokes, GGA-SL rim, GULO GIS hub; Wheel 2: competitor top of the line bladed steel straight-pull spoke, GGA-SL rim, DT Swiss 350 hub) were mounted with the same 32mm tire and inflated to 64psi. Each wheel was subjected to 20mm square edge impacts at 26Hz on the fatigue test drum (ISO 4210-7).
The peak vibration in the lateral direction is found at the frequency of spokes going under the bottom of the wheel (around 108Hz). The peak vibration in the radial direction is at the frequency of impacts from the bump wheel (around 26Hz). The wheel built with GULO G-Spoke transmits 7.92±2.24% less lateral vibration and 3.27±0.80% less radial vibration.
In the context of vibration, a RMS provides a measurements that are directly related to the energy content of the vibration and can be related to the potential for causing damage or discomfort. High RMS values indicate higher levels of vibration and a greater impact on rider fatigue and discomfort.
Results:
The wheel built with GULO G-Spoke transmits 0.54 ± 0.01g less lateral vibration vs the steel spoke that transmits 1000 more vibration. The data shows that in the real world application the G-spokes absorb more vibrations from the surface making for a smoother more comfortable ride.
TENSILE Strength
The Gulo wheel system incorporates the Gulo G-Spoke, a triaxially braided carbon composite spoke that utilizes Ride Smooth Technology (RST). This technology emphasizes compliance, comfort, stiffness, and strength. By controlling the braid angle and using advanced materials, the Gulo G-Spoke reduces vibrations from surface chatter, providing a remarkably smooth ride experience. With a tensile strength 20% stronger than stainless steel spokes, the Gulo G-Spoke offers exceptional durability and reliability. It absorbs impacts effectively, retains tension longer than traditional steel spokes at a fraction of the weight, and revolutionizes the game with its unique composite design.
The strength-to-weight ratio of a carbon fiber part is much higher than steel or non-reinforced plastic. The specific details depend on the construction of the part and the application. Using a triaxial braid in our spoke manufacturing process, we are able to maintain maximal stiffness while also increasing the tensile strength of our carbon composite G-Spoke over competitors carbon spokes.
Tensile strength (TS) is the maximum stress a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking.
Kilogram-force (kgf) is a unit used to measure force.
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