Ursus Arya G All-Road Wheels Are the First to Get New Sapim RC-1 Flexible Spokes

Ursus has introduced the Arya G gravel and all-road wheelset, the first to feature Sapim’s innovative RC-1 flexible spokes. These wheels combine new rims and hubs connected by the RC-1 spokes, which made their debut at Paris-Roubaix with Team Picnic-PostNL. The spokes’ unique design allows them to compress and absorb impacts, providing enhanced comfort and stability on rough terrain, particularly cobbled sectors. The Sapim RC-1 spokes are constructed from Polyphenylene Bensobisoxazole (PBO), a synthetic fibre known for its flexibility without lateral stretch. This material, previously utilised in Spinergy’s lightweight wheels and wheelchair designs, enables the wheel to absorb vibrations radially while maintaining lateral stiffness. Each spoke weighs just 1.9 grams and is made from thousands of fine PBO filaments encased in a UV-resistant sheath, requiring rims with slightly larger spoke holes to accommodate their 5.5mm thick nipples. Ursus has integrated these spokes into a bespoke wheel build using their OmniTune System, featuring the straight-pull U-RG60 hub and a 50mm deep, 31mm wide carbon rim. This setup employs a 2:1 lacing pattern and 21 spokes front and rear, delivering a claimed 79.67% reduction in vibration compared to the company’s previous Proxima R50 model. Despite the focus on comfort and impact absorption, the wheels retain sharp handling characteristics, making them suitable for demanding mixed-surface riding. Riders from Team Picnic-PostNL have praised the Arya G wheels for their combination of comfort, stability, and responsiveness. John Degenkolb highlighted the wheels’ ability to soften the harshness of cobbles without sacrificing reactivity, while Piet Rooijakkers emphasised the wheels’ role as a crucial performance tool for tackling varied terrain at high intensity. The complete wheelset weighs approximately 1,340 grams and is compatible with multiple freehub standards, retailing at €2,500 per pair. The introduction of the Arya G wheels with Sapim’s RC-1 spokes represents a significant advancement in wheel technology for gravel and all-road cycling. By prioritising impact absorption without compromising lateral stiffness, Ursus offers riders a compelling option for improved comfort and control on challenging surfaces. As the technology gains exposure through professional racing, it may influence future developments in wheel design across the electric and traditional cycling sectors.