Brass spoke nipples offer superior corrosion resistance and mechanical stability compared to aluminum in gravel conditions. On the NxT C45 Gravel's 24-spoke-per-wheel design, the switch to brass adds 0.7g per nipple — a total of 33.6g per wheelset — in exchange for significantly longer service life, more consistent spoke tension, and no galvanic corrosion at the stainless-steel spoke interface.