weird spokes
07-16-08, 11:30 AM
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weird spokes
Hey I saw a bike on the fixed gear gallery that had some unique spoke work. It appeared that they had just twisted up a few spokes, so there were large gaps in the wheel. How do you do this and wouldn't this decrease the compression ability of the spokes. It would seem that the hub would just be hanging and pulling on the spokes above it instead of hanging and pushing on the spokes above and below, respectively. I am curious about these wheels, if you have done this please give me some insight. I cant find the pic anymore
07-16-08, 12:17 PM
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He might have had a low spoke count wheel. The idea is to cut down on rotational weight and increase your acceleration/climbing/general bike handling. You see them a lot on newer road bikes.
Here's a link to some pictures: CLICK HERE FOR SOME CRAZY WHEELS
Your spokes to end up at a higher tension then they would with a standard wheel but the idea is that the rims/spokes/hubs are stronger and can handle the extra tension so you can get away with fewer spokes. Only real downside I've found is that the spokes can be pretty freakin' expensive.
Here's a link to some pictures: CLICK HERE FOR SOME CRAZY WHEELS
Your spokes to end up at a higher tension then they would with a standard wheel but the idea is that the rims/spokes/hubs are stronger and can handle the extra tension so you can get away with fewer spokes. Only real downside I've found is that the spokes can be pretty freakin' expensive.
07-16-08, 01:02 PM
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07-16-08, 03:43 PM
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It is known as twist lacing. It was rather popular 15 years ago in the bmx racing scene. I dont know all the technical details to it. But I do remember them being the tightest spokes I have ever felt. Ugly as hell though.
07-16-08, 03:59 PM
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I think it was also a brief trend in the trials world. The idea is that it makes a springy wheel to absorb small impacts better. The reality is a wheel prone to catastrophic failure with the tension of one spoke dependent on another.
Also... spokes work in tension only. They have no significant compressive strength. Check out what this guy has to say about it.
Also... spokes work in tension only. They have no significant compressive strength. Check out what this guy has to say about it.
07-16-08, 06:03 PM
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The only reason any real mechanic would do twist lacing is because you didn't have the right spoke length. In addition to being super ugly.
07-16-08, 06:55 PM
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