Originally Posted by
joejack951
Explain how that is possible. For a given force applied to the hub at the axle, the hub will deflect some amount relative to the centerline of the rim. This will result in an increase in tension for some spokes with a decrease in tension in other spokes. All spokes are starting out with tension applied and assuming a reasonably built wheel, will still have some amount of residual tension even with the decrease as a result of the load. How do you conclude that these changes will be so largely disproportionate that the increases can be basically ignored?
The rim displaces toward the hub. Spokes near the bottom lose tension. The tiny amount of tension gain in the upper spokes is due to the rim losing its round shape. Jobst Brandt's book explains this quite well.