Spoke Roady Model 2 Review

Those Spoke boys are at it again

The Spoke Pen has been a fixture on my desk since its release back in 2019. I reviewed the pen pretty positively, and eventually picked up the pocket version (called the Roady) which I never got around to reviewing. Well, Brian and Brad (aka Team Spoke, aka B&B, aka Spoke Squad) have been hard at work designing new pens and iterating on old ones. In the years since my initial review, a “Model 2” of both the Spoke Pen and the Roady, as well as a Roady XL that I have not yet got my hands on. They’re also experimenting with other materials, like titanium, polyacetal plastic, and brass in limited quantities. Today I hope to give you a quick overview of the Spoke Roady Model 2 in brass, go over the differences from the Model 1, and share some opinions on the changes. Let’s take a look.

The Original Cut

The original Spoke Roady was a small, slender pen equipped with a Parker-style/International G2 refill. Specifically the Uni-Ball SXR-600-07 Jetstream ballpoint refill, because Brad is a Uni Fanboy. It features a straight barrel with a lightly-grooved grip section, and a magnetic posting cap. The pen is roughly the size of a Kaweco Sport, and typically needs to be posted (used with the cap placed on the back of the barrel) to fit comfortably in an average hand. The cap provides a good counterweight to the barrel while writing, and the built-in magnets keep it securely placed both during practical use and in storage. The barrel and grip measure in with a slender 9mm diameter, the cap sits at 11.2mm, and the operating size is only 116.3mm in length.

The silhouette of the Roady is very clean, with basically no transition between barrel and threaded grip. The micro grooves on the grip are subtle. Although you can barely feel the grooved rings across the surface, they provide a good enough texture to hold the pen comfortably while writing. No slipping or re-gripping here.

The magnetic cap is functionally identical to, and interchangeable with, the Spoke Pen cap and features the same firm flat clip. If there are spec differences between Spoke Pen and Roady cap units, they are invisible to the naked eye. The magnets inside the cap provide a snappy connection to the pen, and I am yet to experience any accidental un-capping or slippage with this design. Also, it’s pretty nice to fidget with.

The Remaster

The Roady Model 2 has a few upgrades to the design but the overall purpose and functionality are the same. The first thing you’ll notice is the introduction of a raised ring around the center. Where the original pen’s barrel was consistent in diameter throughout the barrel and grip, the Model 2 has a clear dividing (or rather joining) line where the grip threads into the barrel. This raised section provides a good area to grip the pen while removing and posting the cap. The new grip section also flares up to meet it, with an angled step down to the actual grip area. This small ridge doesn’t effect the feel when using the pen, but it does create a small but visible resting place for the cap. (This design feature is also present on the Spoke Pen Model 2.)

Speaking of the grip, the improved grooved grip is a welcome upgrade. The Model 2’s grooves are far more defined than the original, giving them both an improved tactile feel and a bolder visual statement. This new groove design was a determining factor when I chose to pick up the Brass edition. I’m looking forward to the stark contrast in colors once the material begins to patina over time.

Those deep grooves continue along the length of the cap where we come to the final design change on this pen. The Model 2’s finial is slightly extended with a flattened top, featuring an inlaid and blackened Spoke Design logo. The original Roady had a smaller finial plug etched with the logo. Although the new version adds about 2mm of length, I definitely prefer this new look.

The Verdict

My slow purchase-to-review turnaround aside, I’m a fan of this pen. The Roady is a tough little piece that’s perfect for tossing in a pocket or backpack, but keep in mind it has a fairly powerful magnet in the cap. While I liked the original Roady well enough, the changes present in the Model 2 are welcome. They feel more like refinements than incremental adjustments. Necessary, but I didn’t know I wanted them. Spoke products are clearly designed and built with care and clear intent, which are things qualities I weigh heavily when considering a purchase. They also have a habit of sporadically releasing limited pressings of their pens (like the brass edition I have here today) including Roadys with acrylic caps or slotted titanium. Releases like these keep the brand’s aesthetic fresh without being tied to a quarterly or annual “limited edition” path. If you’re looking for a solid EDC type pen with the Parker Style (international G2) refill, this little pen goes a long way.

Thanks as always for reading! You can check out the Spoke Roady here, and be sure to click around for Spoke Design’s other great writing instruments.

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this review were purchased at retail price by the author, but my inbox is open for loaner pens. All opinions stated are my own.

Photo Note: Background pattern squares are 1×1 inch.