All Mountain Bike Parts Descriptions

#11) Wheel Spokes - The wheels web.
  Available in wood (at one time), carbon fiber, titanium, nickel plated steel, but mostly stainless steel nowadays. These thin little sticks bind the hub and rim together. The wheel could be built stiff or flexible depending on the "cross" pattern of the spokes. More crosses, provide a springier wheel, better for heavy pack touring. A road bike would use "radial, one, or two cross spoke patterns. This makes it a harsher ride but when the wheels are stiff they also hold turns and climb better.

Bike Parts Diagram