Bicycle Mechanics - Powertap Lacing 2x or 3x, does it matter?

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brianappleby
03-26-11, 03:24 PM
I've read in two different editions of Saris Powertap manuals that the wheels must be laced 2x, or 3x in order for the warranty to be valid.

I was recently gifted a wired PT Comp and noticed that it's manual mandated the 3x, although I've built PT's into 2x's before with no problem.

The hub is over a year old, and I'm not the original owner, so I don't think there is a warranty in the first place. I just want to keep it safe, and not somehow mess up the power readings. Is it cool if I stick with the 2x (on both sides)?

In case it matters, I'm lacing to a Kinlin XR 300 and probably 1.8-2.0 mm double butted spokes.

Thanks,
B.

FBinNY
03-26-11, 03:27 PM
It's generally, though marginally, best to follow the old pattern anytime you re-lace a wheel on the same hub. If you have no personal preference follow the pattern, if you feel you'd prefer 3x, go ahead and switch.

BTW- the 2x or 3x injunction is really the long way of saying that radial lacing voids the warranty, since 1x is almost never done anyway.
Retro Grouch
03-26-11, 04:22 PM
It's about the angles that the spokes take on their way to the rim. Ideally you'd like the spokes to be at a tangent as they leave the hub and radial as they enter the rim but you can't have both. As a general rule 3 cross usually works best with 32 or 36 spokes and 2 cross works better with 24 or 28 spokes.

Drew Eckhardt
03-26-11, 05:33 PM
I've read in two different editions of Saris Powertap manuals that the wheels must be laced 2x, or 3x in order for the warranty to be valid.

I was recently gifted a wired PT Comp and noticed that it's manual mandated the 3x, although I've built PT's into 2x's before with no problem.


The current wireless manual stipulates at least 2X on the non-drive side
(the torque tube is anchored there) but remains silent on the non-drive side.

My 2.4 was laced 3X both sides on a 27mm Alex rim and I'll rebuild it that way on a Kinlin XR-300 when it gets back from service.