As simple as they look, there is a lot of considerations when lacing up a bike wheel. Beyond selecting the brand of hub and rim, a lot of focus also needs to be placed on the spokes and nipples. Not just the number, but material, butting, length, tension, and weight all need to be factored along with color. In the U.S., DT Swiss and Wheelsmith have been the longtime favorite of wheel builders, but there is a Belgium manufacturer who has been making spokes for decades longer than both companies combined. Started in 1918 by Herman Schoonhoven, Sapim (Société Anonyme Pour l’Industrie des Métaux) has been making spokes and nipples in Belgium for well over 90 years. Continue reading Ever Spoke’n Belgium?