S
Steve Sloan
Guest
In a recent post on another subject, I read a comment indicating the formula I have followed in
recent years for specifying wheels for myself may be flawed. The commenter is somebody whom I
respect greatly. This is the formula I have been following over the last five years and about 25,000
riding miles:
36 hole MA2 (or stronger rims) with 14 straight gauge spokes, with alloy nipples and Ultegra hubs.
The commenter indicated that I would have stronger wheels if I used butted spokes and that I
shouldn't use "cheap spokes." In five years and 25,000 miles of riding I have had one busted spoke.
I weigh 200 to 210 pounds (varies) and carry up to 50 pounds of cargo.
I chose straight gauge over butted on the theory that at my weight spoke weight as a percentage of
the total package was insignificant, and that straight gauge spokes would be as strong at the ends
as butted spokes and would be stronger in the middles. It was hoped this might improve lateral
strength of the wheel. Cost was never part of the equation.
The broken spoke was on a front wheel. I have had bent rims from hitting nasty potholes, but no
other spoke problems. Can someone please let me know what I am doing wrong? I thought I was doing
pretty good.
Thanks:
Steve Sloan [email protected]
recent years for specifying wheels for myself may be flawed. The commenter is somebody whom I
respect greatly. This is the formula I have been following over the last five years and about 25,000
riding miles:
36 hole MA2 (or stronger rims) with 14 straight gauge spokes, with alloy nipples and Ultegra hubs.
The commenter indicated that I would have stronger wheels if I used butted spokes and that I
shouldn't use "cheap spokes." In five years and 25,000 miles of riding I have had one busted spoke.
I weigh 200 to 210 pounds (varies) and carry up to 50 pounds of cargo.
I chose straight gauge over butted on the theory that at my weight spoke weight as a percentage of
the total package was insignificant, and that straight gauge spokes would be as strong at the ends
as butted spokes and would be stronger in the middles. It was hoped this might improve lateral
strength of the wheel. Cost was never part of the equation.
The broken spoke was on a front wheel. I have had bent rims from hitting nasty potholes, but no
other spoke problems. Can someone please let me know what I am doing wrong? I thought I was doing
pretty good.
Thanks:
Steve Sloan [email protected]