Sapim CX Ray vs Alpina Hyperlite Aero

[DrRoB]

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]

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]

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.

[jfcb]

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]

CX ray & sprint for drive side

[Sebastian]

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]

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.

[Wet Noodle]

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]

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.