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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

1158.0. "Wheel Application Chart?" by ASIC::NBLIAMPTIS (multiprocessing as a way of life) Wed May 10 1989 22:42

	I use Wolber Alpines with 32 14 guage spokes and have never 
    had any problems.  I weigh 145-150 and do mostly fast recreational
    riding.  I assume I would have no problems if I used wheels with 
    more than 32 spokes.  However, I don't know what would happen if 
    I used lighter rims or fewer/lighter/radially laced spokes.

     	It seems to me there should be a "wheel application chart" 
    which relates the following;
    
    1)  rider weight,
    	riding style (Time Trial, Racing, Fast Recreation, Touring).
    
    2)  rim type, 
    	number of spokes,
    	guage of spokes,
    	lacing pattern.

    Any thoughts?
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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1158.1IN SEARCH OF...WMOIS::C_GIROUARDThu May 11 1989 11:166
    I agree, there should be one, but to date, haven't found one. I
    just put an order in for a new set of wheels at NASHBAR and had
    to talk to the manager of the "wheel building" dept. to have my
    questions answered. Gotta be formulas somewhere.
    
    Chip
1158.2What I have used for 5 yearsCIMAMT::CHINNASWAMYOH Bother!Thu May 11 1989 12:5517
How about we list what we are using and what problems we have had.
Kinda like the frame size survey:

	Weight:		190 lbs.
	Height:		6' 1"
	Rims:		Araya Aero
	Hubs:		Sansin?
	Spokes:		14g, 3 cross, 36 spoke

I have never had a spoke break on me, even after the chain jumped the 
freewheel. I do have to true my wheels slightly after a few hundred miles
but I can live with it. I have, however, bent two axles slightly. I presume
that my hubs are not of the highest quality.


Mano

1158.3(Yawn) Time to Build the Wheeeeels...SUSHI::KMACDONALDIs there life after drywall?Thu May 11 1989 13:3124
Just me...

	Weight:		210 lbs.
	Height:		6' 5"
	Rims:		Arc en Ciel, GP40, Monthlery, various other 
      				sewup/clincher rims
	Hubs:		Campag Record HF, Campag Track, Sunshine, Phil Wood
	Spokes:		36 spoke, 3 cross, 14/15 DB and 15/16 DB

Not many problems over the years, altho I've got some 15 year old wheels 
that are sort of falling apart. Had some breakage with the Track wheel 
and the Sunshine (cheapo) hubs. The cheapos had kinda nasty spoke holes 
and the track wheels just took a pounding commuting. Haven't had any other
breakage problems to speak of since I went to DB spokes. Favorite spokes 
thru the years have been the Robergel 3-Star, but next wheels will be 
built with some DT's; no prior experience. Have had pretty fair luck 
with Berg and Union spokes, but the 3-star's are just nicer.

BTW, my experience with DB spokes is to get them SMALLER than the 
straight gauge - i.e. I was having trouble with 14 SG's so I went to 
14/15 DB's and the problem went away. My theory was that the DB's had a 
bit more flexibility and resilience due to the thinner center section. 
Who nose :-).
                                           ken
1158.4Another data pointTALLIS::JBELLCeci n'est pas une pipe. |Thu May 11 1989 15:4932
Weight:    ~240 lbs + about 15 lbs in the panniers (30 when on a tour)
Rims:      Wolber 58 supergentleman 27x1-1/4
Hubs:      Specialized sealed bearing
Spokes:    DT Stainless 36 spoke, 3 cross, 14 gauge, laced by me,
           symmetric lacing with the pulling spokes on the inside.

    6000 miles with no broken spokes and only minor truing until last week
    when the chain went into the spokes (I replaced the 9 affected).

    The most important factor in determining the longevity of a wheel is
    how it was tensioned.  For that reason I question the usefullness
    of this survey.  Spoking pattern doesn't make a huge difference.

    When I built the wheel, I went by Jobst Brant's book.  He recommends
    tightening the spokes until the rim starts to warp, and then backing
    off a half turn.  On a wolber 58 rim, this gives VERY tight spokes.

    Remember, spokes don't break due to overload, they break from fatigue.
    Spokes in loose wheels will break first.

    My bike originally came with terrible wheels.  I lost 2 spokes a month,
    and then lost 2 at the same time.  I immediately turned homeward
    and bought new spokes on the way.  With properly tensioned spokes,
    I had no breaks.

    Use stainless steel spokes and oil the threads.  You do want to
    be able to true it later.

    -Jeff


    
1158.5Another Source of InfoANT::CRITCHLOWThu May 11 1989 17:1310
I saw in the June issue of Bicycling Mag last night an add for a PC 
based program that interactivley helps you decide the right parameters 
for spokes, rims and hubs. It has a data base with the various products 
on the market. New brands can be added. It will tell you what length 
spokes to buy etc. I don't recall the price. I don't think it was cheap.


JC
    

1158.6ONLY 166LBS.WMOIS::C_GIROUARDFri May 12 1989 10:3020
    Here's my stats & stuff:
    
      Weight:  166lbs. to 168lbs.
    
      TRAINING/RIDING
      ---------------
    
      Rims:  MA40's 700x20c - 36 hole
      Tires: Avocet K20's
      Hubs:  Campy Chorus
      Spokes: straight 14/15/14 - triple crossed - stainless DT's
    
      TT's/CITIZENS (some)
      -------------
    
      Rims:  MAVIC OPEN 4CD's 700x20c - 32 hole rear/28 hole front
      Tires: Avocet K30's
      Hubs:  Campy C Record
      Spokes: 14/15/14 (rear) & 15/16/15 (front) triple crossed
                                                 stainless DT's