Spokes
Spokes at your next game night?
Add Spokes to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Spokes to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
- Designer Bert Hardeman
- Publisher Radical 8 Games
- Illustration Rusembell
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
Players swap spokes from their wheel with spokes on the board to create and modify routes, then travel along contiguous, same-colored tracks. Routes are built, shared, and dismantled as the game progresses, creating constant tactical shifts. The rules include team, multi-bike, and solo variants. First player to complete three laps wins.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at hobby gamers and above—strategic planning and quick adaptation are rewarded. At 45 minutes per game it's a typical game-night length; recommended age is 14+. Familiarity with rondel- or network-style mechanics helps.
How It Works
Core mechanics are Network and Route Building and Point to Point Movement: you exchange spokes to change the track, then move along connected color segments. A rondel-like selection limits action choices, while Race and Take That elements drive competition and interaction. Team-based and solo options add flexibility to player counts.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Bert Hardeman, Spokes blends cycling theme with abstract mechanics: swapping components to alter shared routes is central. The inclusion of drafting/energy tactics and multiple variants gives it a distinct racing identity within Sports/Abstract Strategy.
Pro
- High interaction through modifying shared routes (Network and Route Building, Take That)
- Short playtime (~45 minutes) allows multiple rounds
- Includes team, multi-bike and solo variants (from description)
- Theme-mechanic fit: drafting and energy use mimic cycling tactics
Contra
- Strategic decisions demand attention; not a light family filler (age 14+)
- Take-That effects may frustrate players preferring low interaction
Setting & atmosphere
The theme is bicycle racing: players represent bikes and manipulate track segments to draft, block, and overtake opponents during the race.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on mastering the swap-and-move cycle to understand how changes to the track affect movement options before deepening tactics.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game includes a solo variant and supports a minimum of 1 player.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is 45 minutes, making it a typical game-night length with room for multiple plays.
What prior experience do I need?
Some experience with tactical board games and rondel/network mechanics is helpful; recommended age is 14+.
How does this compare to similar games?
Spokes combines racing with network-building: altering shared track segments is the main differentiator.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 14 and tactical depth, it's better suited for families with older teens.
What mechanic makes it special?
Network and Route Building paired with a rondel-style choice system is the standout mechanic.
Fazit
Spokes is a compact, interactive racing strategy that suits players who enjoy tactical route manipulation and short races. Not ideal if you prefer slow, engine-building titles.
Spokes at your next game night?
Add Spokes to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Spokes to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
