A double-butted spoke that works across road racing and trail riding needs to balance opposing demands. The Competition spoke from DT Swiss handles this through a 2.0/1.8/2.0mm profile where material sits at the stress points but thins through the center section. That geometry sheds 62 grams compared to straight gauge 2.0mm spokes on a 32-spoke wheel while maintaining the strength required for aggressive riding. The black finish provides corrosion resistance alongside the aesthetic preference for blacked-out wheel builds.

Cold forging creates the butted profile by compressing the wire with oscillating hammers rather than stretching it like conventional methods. This work-hardens the Swedish stainless steel at the molecular level while reducing the center diameter from 2.0mm to 1.8mm. The spoke maintains full 2.0mm diameter at the hub flange and nipple threads where peak stress concentrates during wheel loading. The thinner center section provides controlled flex that absorbs impact forces and reduces stress transmitted to the rim.

The 14-15 gauge designation indicates wire thickness using the American wire gauge system where lower numbers mean thicker wire. Thread rolling forms the nipple seat by displacing material rather than cutting it away, which preserves the grain structure and prevents stress concentration at the threads. Available in J-bend and straight-pull configurations across lengths from 194mm to 316mm to match various rim and hub combinations. This spoke handles applications from lightweight road wheels to enduro mountain bike builds where durability matters alongside weight savings.