Berd Launches Longer Spokes for 32” XC Wheels + PolyLightX Extreme Downhill Spokes

Well, here we go! Here’s some news about the future of the 32″ wheel, which seems to be more of a reality everyday. Up until now, it’s been quite challenging for wheel builders to even find spokes long enough to build 32″ wheels.

Berd DH and 32 Inch Spokes hero — (Photos / Berd)

But Berd has just announced that they may have just solved that problem with the release of two new spokes. The first are the PolyLightX Extreme SPokes designed specifically for Downhill and eMTBs. The second is their flagship PolyLight Spoke in lengths up to 340mm.

Let’s take a look.

PolyLightX

Berd’s PolyLightX spokes are designed specifically for riders who need extra durability for enduro, downhill, or eMTB applications. These spokes feature a diameter that’s 50% larger than Berd’s standard PolyLight spokes, resulting in a 44% increase in stiffness and more than double the abrasion resistance compared to the original design.

The PolyLightX’s design focuses on the specific demands of aggressive riding and high-load situations. Despite the increased strength, PolyLightX spokes weigh just 3.5 grams per spoke, which is only 1 gram heavier than the standard PolyLight version. This weight difference is relatively minimal for riders who need the added performance characteristics for challenging terrain and riding styles.

Berd DH and 32 Inch Spokes polylightx — PolyLightX

PolyLightX spokes use 14-gauge (2.0mm) threads, which means they work with standard nipple systems that most bike shops and home mechanics already use. The spokes are available in lengths from 270mm to 340mm, covering common wheel sizes including 27.5″, 29″, and 32″ wheels.

Berd PolyLightX Spokes Detail

Weight: 3.5 grams per spoke
Diameter: 2.7 mm
Thread type: Standard 14-gauge thread (2.0 mm)
Compatibility: Hook Flange Hubs only
Use Cases: Downhill, enduro, and eMTB

Berd Spokes for 32″ Wheels

The bike industry is preparing for a significant shift as it starts to develop and flirt with the 32″ wheel. And there’s word that the UCI is preparing to allow 32-inch wheels in World Cup cross-country racing starting in 2026. This change has prompted bike manufacturers like BMC to develop prototype bikes, while tire companies like Maxxis are already producing compatible rubber. The larger wheel format promises better rollover capabilities, improved traction, and faster speeds on select race courses.

Berd DH and 32 Inch Spokes PolyLightX pile

Berd’s spoke manufacturing is based in the USA. So, this allowed them to pivot quickly and prepare for the early stages of the 32″ wheel revolution. The company now offers its PolyLight and PolyLightX spokes in lengths up to 340mm, in increments of 1mm. Additionally, these new spokes utilize the same polymer technology that has established BERD’s presence in professional racing.

While 32-inch wheels require spokes approximately 32mm longer than their 29-inch counterparts, Berd’s polymer spokes add only 0.07 grams per spoke, which means just 3.8 additional grams for a complete wheelset. In comparison, traditional metal spokes face a much steeper weight penalty, adding 26-46 grams per wheelset when scaling up to 32-inch wheels. When your spokes are this long, spoke weight more important than ever.

Berd DH and 32 Inch Spokes 29 vs 32 — 29″ wheel (left). 32″ wheel (right)

Berd is no stranger to podium-winning spokes and wheels. Over the past two seasons, riders using 29-inch wheels with Berd spokes have achieved more than 50 World Cup podium finishes. This includes four of the six medal positions at the 2024 Olympic mountain bike races.

The spokes’ vibration-damping properties and low weight have made them popular among competitive cross-country riders, characteristics that should transfer directly to the new 32-inch wheel format.