“Do you think that round spoke was just as durable, more durable, or less durable, before they smashed it, making it flat?”
Interesting - I never thought of how this would impact the strength of the spoke. I heard that butting the spokes actually makes them more durable when compared to straight gauge (according to Jobst Brandt), because the spoke has more give to it in the thinner area and is more likely to stretch rather than pop. I wonder if an aero spoke works the same way?
Sapim CX-Ray spokes are extremely durable. They are aero, too, and light, and cost $2 each, which is where the consumer within decides to look at another option…