Author Topic: Sapim CX Ray vs Alpina Hyperlite Aero  (Read 817 times)

DrRoB

Sapim CX Ray vs Alpina Hyperlite Aero
« on: June 03, 2025, 03:42:40 PM »
Dear community,
I need your help in making a decision.
I wanted to order a new wheelset from Lightbicycle (lightweight all-rounder) Airia 47 mm disc with steel spokes. However, I can't decide between Sapim CX Ray and Alpina Hyperlite Aero. What are your experiences? The Sapim are slightly heavier but probably more robust.
Unfortunately I have had no experience with the Alpina so far, but several companies (Farsports C) seem to trust them.

What would you recommend?

I'm a heavy rider, 88 kg, so I have to consider that.

Thanks.



toxin

Re: Sapim CX Ray vs Alpina Hyperlite Aero
« Reply #1 on: June 03, 2025, 06:49:03 PM »
Hyperlites are shallower, so fractionally less aero and less stiff. They should still be stiff enough on the front in most arrangements, but it might be a good idea to go with something stronger on the rear DS.

Farsports actually use a mix of Alpina Ultralite (cx-ray equivalent) and Sapim Super (Alpina Hyperlite equivalent). Make of that what you will.

Serge_K

Re: Sapim CX Ray vs Alpina Hyperlite Aero
« Reply #2 on: Today at 04:23:58 AM »
You're a tank. Sapim CX ray is the gold standard. I wouldnt buy something that says hyperlite for a 88kg rider, just like you dont put a tutu on a chihuahua.
Fast on the flat. And nowhere else.

jfcb

Re: Sapim CX Ray vs Alpina Hyperlite Aero
« Reply #3 on: Today at 08:04:53 AM »
I agree, as you're a heavier rider you will enjoy the extra stiffness more than a couple of grams saved. More robust, stiffer, less trouble. CX-Rays you should go for.

Tom77

Re: Sapim CX Ray vs Alpina Hyperlite Aero
« Reply #4 on: Today at 08:13:16 AM »
CX ray & sprint for drive side

Sebastian

Re: Sapim CX Ray vs Alpina Hyperlite Aero
« Reply #5 on: Today at 10:38:08 AM »
I’m 80-85kg and I’ve built plenty of wheels for myself and others over the past 15 years. I agree with Serge: CX-Rays are the gold standard. I’d be confident that they will withstand pretty much anything you throw at them. If you feel you need to go lighter, I reckon carbon spokes will be your only option. I got no experience with Alpina spokes, though. Solely due to a lack of availability. What I can say: Superlight 1.5mm cross section spokes like DT Revolutions and Sapim Lasers lack the stiffness that is needed for heavier riders IME. Especially on the rear wheel.

Pedaldancer

Re: Sapim CX Ray vs Alpina Hyperlite Aero
« Reply #6 on: Today at 01:34:36 PM »
You're a tank. Sapim CX ray is the gold standard. I wouldnt buy something that says hyperlite for a 88kg rider, just like you dont put a tutu on a chihuahua.

Such a dumb and empty blabla...

Alpina is not a beginner in spokes.
Specifically they use exactly the same steel alloy as Sapim  by checking the data sheets and material properties.
Their manufacturing looks more smooth and clean than Sapim spokes.


However,  the hyperlites are the pendant to CX Ray super spokes and I wouldn't recommend them for 88kg.
The Ultralites can be an alternative choice, they are corresponding to the CX Ray

Depending on the hub geometry it can also make sense to think about CX sprint on the rear drive.

Alpina spokes are legit in any case. I already built wheels with them and they are absolutely fine. No difference to Sapim. Neither during the build nor afterwards in the riding.
« Last Edit: Today at 01:37:50 PM by Pedaldancer »

Wet Noodle

Re: Sapim CX Ray vs Alpina Hyperlite Aero
« Reply #7 on: Today at 03:56:03 PM »
CX-Rays are the gold standard. I’d be confident that they will withstand pretty much anything you throw at them.
...
What I can say: Superlight 1.5mm cross section spokes like DT Revolutions and Sapim Lasers lack the stiffness that is needed for heavier riders IME. Especially on the rear wheel.

That is some confusing use of words. Just to be sure, you meant to say that CX-Rays, while being able to withstand anything you throw at them, lack the stiffness that is needed for heavy riders ... especially on the rear wheel. Right?

Just asking, as Lasers and CX-Rays are supposed to have the same cross sectional area (which means exact same stiffness). Should be similar or the same with Revos and DT's CX-Ray counterpart.

Pedaldancer

Re: Sapim CX Ray vs Alpina Hyperlite Aero
« Reply #8 on: Today at 06:45:53 PM »
That is some confusing use of words. Just to be sure, you meant to say that CX-Rays, while being able to withstand anything you throw at them, lack the stiffness that is needed for heavy riders ... especially on the rear wheel. Right?

Just asking, as Lasers and CX-Rays are supposed to have the same cross sectional area (which means exact same stiffness). Should be similar or the same with Revos and DT's CX-Ray counterpart.

You are right about the connection between Laser and CX Ray.
There's just the one additional thing. Due to the cold forging process from circular to the bladed shape the CX Ray gets a bit higher N/mm² value. That's driven by microscopic changes in the inner structures which happens during cold forging.