Broken spoke and quotation from AMFLOW Customer Support

[Phil_13fr]

Hello,

I have owned an Amflow PL Carbon Pro since April 2025. I am now on my third broken spoke on the rear wheel in 9 months, even though I ride normally and without any aggressive riding style.

After the first incident in August 2025, AMFLOW Customer Support sent me two complete spokes with nipples and washers under warranty.

In November 2025, after breaking another rear wheel spoke, I contacted AMFLOW Customer Support again to order replacement spokes due to their fragility. I have been in discussion with them ever since—initially because of stock issues, as rear wheel spokes were out of stock, and now because of pricing issues, as the quote they provided seems excessive to me:

1 spoke for HMC-30 29” Amflow Carbon Fiber Rear Wheel
Model: SAPIM E-Light Straightpull spoke, 2.3/1.7/2.0, length 299 mm

• Rear Wheel Spoke (299 mm): Unit price (including tax): €8.90
• Spoke Nipple: Unit price (including tax): €5.80
• Spoke Cap Washer: Unit price (including tax): €3.70

This results in a total of €18.40 for one complete spoke.


1 spoke for HMC-30 29” Amflow Carbon Fiber Front Wheel
Model: SAPIM E-Light Straightpull spoke, length 300 mm

• Front Wheel Spoke (300 mm): Unit price (including tax): €6.70
• Spoke Nipple: Unit price (including tax): €5.80
• Spoke Cap Washer: Unit price (including tax): €3.70

This results in a total of €16.20 for one complete spoke.


What do you think of these prices?

I read on the forum that there might be alternatives, such as DT Swiss Alpine 3 or standard DT Swiss HX1501 spoke sets, and possibly other models.

Could someone provide the exact reference for a compatible spoke, along with an online link?

Thank you in advance.

 

[ozzybmx]

I swapped the wheels out on my PL Carbon from new, before even riding the bike. I've never had much luck with machine built wheels.

As you have the carbon hoops, it may be worth taking the wheels to a good wheel builder and getting them hand built with DT Comps and possibly even a new set of hubs like DT 350's or Hopes if you want to future proof them for potentially taking a 20mm front axle at some stage.

The introduction of the 20mm axle on the Fox podium fork will definitely get me thinking the next time I build a set of wheels... will other manufacturers go down that road in 2026.

 

[Astro66]

Yep, I'm the same. First thing I did was change the hubs and spokes to J-Type, after all the reports of spoke issues with the original wheels. I used the original carbon rim on the front. And fitted a 27.5 Alloy Raceface Rim on the rear with Tannus inserts. Wheels have been perfect. Never broken a spoke. Never buckled a wheel yet. I ride very aggressively.

 

[Phil_13fr]

Thanks guys, but I'm not talking about changing my wheel, I'm just asking for your opinion about these prices and a link to compatible spokes!

Merci les gars mais je parle pas de changer ma roue, je demande juste votre avis sur les prix, et un lien vers des rayons compatibles!

 

[PeeJay1]

Hello,

I have owned an Amflow PL Carbon Pro since April 2025. I am now on my third broken spoke on the rear wheel in 9 months, even though I ride normally and without any aggressive riding style.

After the first incident in August 2025, AMFLOW Customer Support sent me two complete spokes with nipples and washers under warranty.

In November 2025, after breaking another rear wheel spoke, I contacted AMFLOW Customer Support again to order replacement spokes due to their fragility. I have been in discussion with them ever since—initially because of stock issues, as rear wheel spokes were out of stock, and now because of pricing issues, as the quote they provided seems excessive to me:

1 spoke for HMC-30 29” Amflow Carbon Fiber Rear Wheel
Model: SAPIM E-Light Straightpull spoke, 2.3/1.7/2.0, length 299 mm

• Rear Wheel Spoke (299 mm): Unit price (including tax): €8.90
• Spoke Nipple: Unit price (including tax): €5.80
• Spoke Cap Washer: Unit price (including tax): €3.70

This results in a total of €18.40 for one complete spoke.


1 spoke for HMC-30 29” Amflow Carbon Fiber Front Wheel
Model: SAPIM E-Light Straightpull spoke, length 300 mm

• Front Wheel Spoke (300 mm): Unit price (including tax): €6.70
• Spoke Nipple: Unit price (including tax): €5.80
• Spoke Cap Washer: Unit price (including tax): €3.70

This results in a total of €16.20 for one complete spoke.


What do you think of these prices?

I read on the forum that there might be alternatives, such as DT Swiss Alpine 3 or standard DT Swiss HX1501 spoke sets, and possibly other models.

Could someone provide the exact reference for a compatible spoke, along with an online link?

Thank you in advance.

Whereabouts are the spokes breaking/ snapping?.. do you have a local bike shop that builds wheels near you?… it maybe be worth getting the tension checked , could be over tensioned.. ( mass produced wheels).. bit different for personally built…

 

[RickBullotta]

Hello,

I have owned an Amflow PL Carbon Pro since April 2025. I am now on my third broken spoke on the rear wheel in 9 months, even though I ride normally and without any aggressive riding style.

After the first incident in August 2025, AMFLOW Customer Support sent me two complete spokes with nipples and washers under warranty.

In November 2025, after breaking another rear wheel spoke, I contacted AMFLOW Customer Support again to order replacement spokes due to their fragility. I have been in discussion with them ever since—initially because of stock issues, as rear wheel spokes were out of stock, and now because of pricing issues, as the quote they provided seems excessive to me:

1 spoke for HMC-30 29” Amflow Carbon Fiber Rear Wheel
Model: SAPIM E-Light Straightpull spoke, 2.3/1.7/2.0, length 299 mm

• Rear Wheel Spoke (299 mm): Unit price (including tax): €8.90
• Spoke Nipple: Unit price (including tax): €5.80
• Spoke Cap Washer: Unit price (including tax): €3.70

This results in a total of €18.40 for one complete spoke.


1 spoke for HMC-30 29” Amflow Carbon Fiber Front Wheel
Model: SAPIM E-Light Straightpull spoke, length 300 mm

• Front Wheel Spoke (300 mm): Unit price (including tax): €6.70
• Spoke Nipple: Unit price (including tax): €5.80
• Spoke Cap Washer: Unit price (including tax): €3.70

This results in a total of €16.20 for one complete spoke.


What do you think of these prices?

I read on the forum that there might be alternatives, such as DT Swiss Alpine 3 or standard DT Swiss HX1501 spoke sets, and possibly other models.

Could someone provide the exact reference for a compatible spoke, along with an online link?

Thank you in advance.

You can buy those same spokes elsewhere.

 

[Phil_13fr]

You can buy those same spokes elsewhere.

So please provide me with a link to the exact reference for these spokes SAPIM E-Light Straightpull spoke, 2.3/1.7/2.0, length 299 mm.
I will be very surprised if you find them: SAPIM doesn't offer them on its website. .

 

[alltheloams]

So please provide me with a link to the exact reference for these spokes SAPIM E-Light Straightpull spoke, 2.3/1.7/2.0, length 299 mm.
I will be very surprised if you find them: SAPIM doesn't offer them on its website. .

You could replace the broken ones (or all of them) with something like the Sapim Force - 2.0/1.8/2.2
Readily available and a fraction of the quoted price. That’s definitely what I would do, the prices they’re quoting are exorbitant.

Sapim Force example

 

[RickBullotta]

So please provide me with a link to the exact reference for these spokes SAPIM E-Light Straightpull spoke, 2.3/1.7/2.0, length 299 mm.
I will be very surprised if you find them: SAPIM doesn't offer them on its website. .

Just use Sapim Strong spokes. You won't notice the difference. FYI, I"ve handbuilt dozens of wheels.

https://www.prowheelbuilder.com/sapim-strong-straight-pull-black-single-butted-14-13g-2-0-2-4mm-spokes.html

My advice is to fix the wheel then sell it and replace it with a mainstream rim/hub combination.

 

[RickBullotta]

You could replace the broken ones (or all of them) with something like the Sapim Force - 2.0/1.8/2.2
Readily available and a fraction of the quoted price. That’s definitely what I would do, the prices they’re quoting are exorbitant.

Sapim Force example

I'd use Strongs - a better fit for a high powered eMTB

 

[RickBullotta]

So please provide me with a link to the exact reference for these spokes SAPIM E-Light Straightpull spoke, 2.3/1.7/2.0, length 299 mm.
I will be very surprised if you find them: SAPIM doesn't offer them on its website. .

Also, I never, ever build a MTB wheel with alloy nipples. Not a great place to save a few grams - they have a habit of failing before the spoke does, and then there's the hassle of removing the tire, removing the tubeless tape, fixing it, reapplying tubeless tape, reinstalling tire. Avoidable with brass nipples.

 

[F4Flyer]

They are a newer company and have not the benefit of those who have been through years and years of issues, Personally, I would rebuild the wheel with other Sapim or DT spokes that are a bit thicker in gauge. The issue may also be in the wheel build and inconsistent spoke tension but I would use heavier spokes if you weigh more than 190 lbs. I have no idea about stones so lbs is all I know.

 

[RickBullotta]

They are a newer company and have not the benefit of those who have been through years and years of issues, Personally, I would rebuild the wheel with other Sapim or DT spokes that are a bit thicker in gauge. The issue may also be in the wheel build and inconsistent spoke tension but I would use heavier spokes if you weigh more than 190 lbs. I have no idea about stones so lbs is all I know.

And I'd swap the hub at the same time. And the rim.

 

[F4Flyer]

Not a bad idea hahaha,...100%!. The new DT 350 (I forget the model) has been great on my Shuttle AM but the 18 or 24 tooth versions have solid teeth. I have stripped a 36 (hollowed out teeth). There are many options. The Vesper Classic is a good one but not a budget deal.

 

[Phil_13fr]

You could replace the broken ones (or all of them) with something like the Sapim Force - 2.0/1.8/2.2
Readily available and a fraction of the quoted price. That’s definitely what I would do, the prices they’re quoting are exorbitant.

Sapim Force example

Lenght

You could replace the broken ones (or all of them) with something like the Sapim Force - 2.0/1.8/2.2
Readily available and a fraction of the quoted price. That’s definitely what I would do, the prices they’re quoting are exorbitant.

Sapim Force example

Lenght 299mm is not available for the SAPIM Force, so I don’t know if it will be good. But only 1,19€ for this one, yes prices quoted are exorbitant!

 

[RickBullotta]

Lenght

Lenght 299mm is not available for the SAPIM Force, so I don’t know if it will be good. But only 1,19€ for this one, yes prices quoted are exorbitant!

Force is too lightweight. Use the Strong instead.

 

[Winford]

alternatives, such as DT Swiss Alpine 3

Its close but our spokes have a 1.7 diameter in the middle, the DT alpine 3 is 1.8

I just swapped out all my spokes for Sapim strongs 298mm SP and have not broken another spoke.

Any 298 spoke will work, just the common 2mm diameter will fix your rim. You can find those cheap at your local bike store

 

[Winford]

Lenght 299mm is not available

they are 298 and fit perfect, the 299 is not needed. I relaced my rim with 298 for all spokes and its a perfect rim now

 

[Winford]

I would use heavier spokes if you weigh more than 190 lbs.

100% correct lighter people riding easy wont need to change spokes. But at 190 I popped them 2 at a time in rocky chunk or the rogue stick will snap them

 

[Winford]

I never, ever build a MTB wheel with alloy nipples

You are buying the wrong ones. Ive built wheels with all kinds of different nipples and "wheelbuilder" alloy nips are very strong and you get the color of your choice. Ive had issues with squorx, but never his alloy nips. His are thicker and ive yet to strip a tight one. You do that with squorx and you snap the head off

 

[Winford]

I'd use Strongs - a better fit for a high powered eMTB

They are wicked strong too lol I hit rock gardens at 25-30 mph and so far I cant break one of the "strongs"

 

[Winford]

replace it with a mainstream rim/hub combination.

The hub is actually decent on the Amflow, and the CF part is high quality. I wish i could buy a similar one that was 27.5 so I can have matching rims. But Ill probably just find a 27.5 CF rim one of these days and relace my Dt Swiss EX 1500. Hard to beat the good ole 350 SP 28 hub

 

[Phil_13fr]

Its close but our spokes have a 1.7 diameter in the middle, the DT alpine 3 is 1.8

I just swapped out all my spokes for Sapim strongs 298mm SP and have not broken another spoke.

Any 298 spoke will work, just the common 2mm diameter will fix your rim. You can find those cheap at your local bike store

Please do you have a link to be sure I will order the good one, thank you!

 

[Winford]

have a link

for what, its just a 298mm straight pull spoke. The original spoke can be ordered straight from Amflow provided they are in stock. No other spoke matches exactly. The Dt Swiss 298mm alpine 3s are not easy to find but they do exist. if you want spokes to relace your rim go to weelbuilders.com and get sapim strongs 298 straightpull

 

[RickBullotta]

for what, its just a 298mm straight pull spoke. The original spoke can be ordered straight from Amflow provided they are in stock. No other spoke matches exactly. The Dt Swiss 298mm alpine 3s are not easy to find but they do exist. if you want spokes to relace your rim go to weelbuilders.com and get sapim strongs 298 straightpull

Note also that there is NOTHING WRONG with mixing spokes. Nada. Zero. Is it perfect or ideal? No, but it's close enough, and 99.999% of riders couldn't tell the difference. Maybe 100%.

 

[Rideit]

Just to clarify, DT does not make an Alpine III straight pull spoke (I certainly don’t see them as an option with my commercial account).
The Alpine III’s are J-Bend.
As to alloy nipples, it’s a mixed bag. I have probably built over 300 wheels with alloy, and maybe 4-500 with brass.
Generally, it boils down to the rider, and how often those wheels need truing, IME.
An alloy nipple that has good spoke prep, and built with a light grease on the shoulders, is very, very reliable under a smooth rider.
I have some alloy nipple wheels that are still fine 25 years later!
However, they need to be lubed before retruing, imo. (Not the threads, but the nipple shoulders).
Occasionally you can get galvanic corrosion between the nipple and spoke, then using a penetrating oil is warranted.
When adequately greased during the build, I have not experienced corrosion with carbon rims, but there could be a few factors involved it this.
There are softer aluminum nipples out there, that have a thinner/weaker anodization layer, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Just my .02 here.

 

[dreys]

If you're replacing a single spoke, stay with the same brand and same thickness.

If you're replacing all spokes, you can go with whatever you choose. Good spokes are Sapim Race or DT Swiss Comp. Going with stronger spokes will make rims susceptible to damage.

To get spoke replaced, reach out to professional wheel builder in your area. It will be cheaper and simpler vs getting spokes from Amflow.

 

[Rideit]

. Going with stronger spokes will make rims susceptible to damage.

so, we used to mess around with this on DH teams back when rim strengths were not as consistent, or simply not as strong as they are now.
We played with a few variables, such as trying spokes (or nipples) deliberately that were a mm or two shorter (or longer) than specced in order to tune the tension. It was cool, and we learned some great stuff.
Rim tech has come so, so far since then, that most big rim failures are a result of forces large enough that they overwhelm differences in spoke diameters, etc. I still believe butting makes for a a stronger wheel, though. Often builds/spokes fail due to inconsistencies in the tensioning, and not addressing loose/too tight spokes soon enough.
my opinion is that riders should be as aware of this as they are of tire pressure, but I’m a wheel-dork, lol!

 

[dreys]

so, we used to mess around with this on DH teams back when rim strengths were not as consistent, or simply not as strong as they are now.
We played with a few variables, such as trying spokes (or nipples) deliberately that were a mm or two shorter (or longer) than specced in order to tune the tension. It was cool, and we learned some great stuff.
Rim tech has come so, so far since then, that most big rim failures are a result of forces large enough that they overwhelm differences in spoke diameters, etc. I still believe butting makes for a a stronger wheel, though. Often builds/spokes fail due to inconsistencies in the tensioning, and not addressing loose/too tight spokes soon enough.
my opinion is that riders should be as aware of this as they are of tire pressure, but I’m a wheel-dork, lol!

Agree!

We build quite a few wheels for Pro DH teams here in SoCal and I'd rather see spoke snap and have the rider finish the race (most wheels can still be ridable with 31 spokes ), rather than having a rim that will no longer hold air and having DNF.

For Amflow riders on this thread, I'd highly recommend getting a proper DH/eBike wheel, since Amflow's 28-spoke count factory-built wheels are not that strong.

 

[paulsarg]

I have an Amflow PL pro carbon and have now snapped a total of 6 spokes at the nipple on the rear. I am 67 years old and dont ride that hard. From what I understand from all the forums is that the machine tensioned HMC30 wheels from Amflow are suffering spoke failures from uneven tensioning and under-engineering. This was verified by 2 wheel builders testing wheels that were in for spoke replacement. Also the Sapim light spokes and alloy nipples were not sufficiently robust enough for the lesser 28 spoke pattern. Apparently this was a weight saving exercise for Amflow where critical strength was required especially with the motors high torque. Given this is a premium product and there is quite a lot of these failures occuring to the wheelsets. I would think Amflow would be offering a partial rebate at least on a rebuild with new stronger spokes to at least cover this under-engineered problem that exists with their product. I have just been quoted $750 for a re-spoke of my rear using sapim strongs and brass nipples. I'm not happy especially coming off a Specialized Levo Sworks that I had for 5 years without a single broken spoke. I would invite an Amflow customer support team member to comment on this..