Bicycle Mechanics - Wheelbuilders - Please Advise

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55/Rad
08-19-07, 11:26 PM
I have a set of late 80's or early 90's Mavic 501 hubs laced to Open 4 CD's with Titanium spokes (maker unknown) in prime condition. I inherited these as part of a recent deal - these suckers are light.

Problem is, both the front and rear are 28H and for the first time in my life, I'm breaking spokes on the rear. I'm 6', 160 lbs and the rear is laced 3X.

I'm wondering if this is caused by the titanium spokes themselves being so old or is it just a matter of not enough spokes for my body...or both. I usually go with 32.

I like these wheels and I'm wondering if they are worthy of a rebuild with a different spoke - maybe a Sapim? Or should I pawn them off onto a 125 pound flyweight?

Thanks....

55/Rad

Deanster04
08-20-07, 12:11 AM
I have a set of late 80's or early 90's Mavic 501 hubs laced to Open 4 CD's with Titanium spokes (maker unknown) in prime condition. I inherited these as part of a recent deal - these suckers are light.

Problem is, both the front and rear are 28H and for the first time in my life, I'm breaking spokes on the rear. I'm 6', 160 lbs and the rear is laced 3X.

I'm wondering if this is caused by the titanium spokes themselves being so old or is it just a matter of not enough spokes for my body...or both. I usually go with 32.

I like these wheels and I'm wondering if they are worthy of a rebuild with a different spoke - maybe a Sapim? Or should I pawn them off onto a 125 pound flyweight?

Thanks....

55/Rad

Ti is not as strong as SS. They don't put wt limits on Ti spindle pedals for nothing. Check with a local wheelbuilder and see if you can't put a set of DT Swiss 14/15 double butted spokes with BRASS nipples. This would give the wheels enough strength for your size.
urbanknight
08-20-07, 12:16 AM
Agreed, you should have a nice solid pair of wheels for your weight by just rebuilding them with modern 14/15/14 spokes. I believe titanium is just too brittle for something that stresses and destresses so much.

Lectron
08-20-07, 12:29 AM
Well, you can always get some more Ti spokes. Might even get some DTs if you're lucky. I guess that's what they are (?). Anyway. Ti spokes break more easily and needs more tension. It's not to be recommended on a durable training set of wheels, but there again. That might not be what we're talking about here..

If you can't get the DTs, there's always Marwi (California)