J
Mike Anderson writes:
> I am looking for an alternative to DT Proline pre-tinned wire.
> I would like to try tying and soldering for practice. I know that DT
> sells wire and solder, but it is pricey. Are there suitable items
> available? I would like to find an alternative that is as easy to
> yank as the DT wire. I will use the knot-free method.
> I know the question of tie and solder have been discussed many
> times. I am just looking for a more economical pre-tinned wire
> regardless if the method is useful or not.
You didn't say why you want to undertake this tedious chore. I hope
you are aware that measurements were made on hand built wheels
furnished by Wheelsmith before and after tying and soldering to prove
that there was no possible structural effect from this process.
John Starley invented cross laced spoking on high wheelers so that he
could tie spokes at crossing points to prevent them from causing a
header when they broke. That was the initial purpose of cross lacing
spokes, so that they could be tied together. Shortly after that
Renold showed Starley his bicycle chain and the chain driven bicycle of
today was born.
Wheel builders were furious that he made tying spokes unnecessary so
they began using wire and soldering them to convince people that this
made their wheels "stronger" without showing the need for that
strength or how it could affect durability. They got so good a
telling these fables that 100 years passed without a real challenge to
the concept. It was pure faith... "why would they lie to me?" Well,
in fact the art was so old that the purveyors believed it themselves.
I assure you that there is nothing to it, except that replacing a
broken spoke becomes more difficult. I've seen it done back when this
was a common practice.
Jobst Brandt
> I am looking for an alternative to DT Proline pre-tinned wire.
> I would like to try tying and soldering for practice. I know that DT
> sells wire and solder, but it is pricey. Are there suitable items
> available? I would like to find an alternative that is as easy to
> yank as the DT wire. I will use the knot-free method.
> I know the question of tie and solder have been discussed many
> times. I am just looking for a more economical pre-tinned wire
> regardless if the method is useful or not.
You didn't say why you want to undertake this tedious chore. I hope
you are aware that measurements were made on hand built wheels
furnished by Wheelsmith before and after tying and soldering to prove
that there was no possible structural effect from this process.
John Starley invented cross laced spoking on high wheelers so that he
could tie spokes at crossing points to prevent them from causing a
header when they broke. That was the initial purpose of cross lacing
spokes, so that they could be tied together. Shortly after that
Renold showed Starley his bicycle chain and the chain driven bicycle of
today was born.
Wheel builders were furious that he made tying spokes unnecessary so
they began using wire and soldering them to convince people that this
made their wheels "stronger" without showing the need for that
strength or how it could affect durability. They got so good a
telling these fables that 100 years passed without a real challenge to
the concept. It was pure faith... "why would they lie to me?" Well,
in fact the art was so old that the purveyors believed it themselves.
I assure you that there is nothing to it, except that replacing a
broken spoke becomes more difficult. I've seen it done back when this
was a common practice.
Jobst Brandt