An improved tensioned spoke bicycle wheel. The wheel comprises a hub, a rim, spokes and spoke nipples. A spoke that is connected to the left side of the hub is paired, at the rim, with a spoke that is connected to the right side of the hub. For each pair of spokes, there is provided a spoke plate that is positioned between the rim floor and the nipples. Each of the spokes in a pair extends through adjacent spoke bores in the rim, through spoke bores in the spoke plate and into the spoke nipples. The spoke plates distribute the forces associated with the tensioned spokes over a substantial portion of the rim floor. The spoke plate may have a flat surface where it supports the nipples or a socket shaped surface. In the latter case, the nipples have a ball shaped lower end that seat in the socket.