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@gbj_tester
When did the term 'steel' stop covering stainless varieties too?
Having looked at the question, I think I may have a candidate to replace stainless steel if anybody want to spend huge sums on a tiny improvement. Since the constraints are to use the least possible cross section (for aerodynamic reasons) to provide the required stiffness, we're looking for a tough material with a high Young modulus. I think TZM might be it; 60% stiffer than steel, so one could replace the 2.3x0.9 section of a CX-Ray with 1.8x0.7. Because it's a bit denser than steel, weight only comes down by 20%, but spoke drag should be cut by 20%, which is a worthwhile saving. Strength is probably sufficient, being a bit higher than spoke grade stainless steel, to get a way with the smaller cross section, although given the anchorages it is probably desirable to retain the 2.0mm round ends.