Originally Posted by
lazerzxr
Im struggling to see why higher x gets more stiffness.
Ive just looked at a 3D CAD drawing of my wheels using CK hub and RR440 rims (i know thats not what was mentioned earlier but you seem to be talking in general so it should still apply) I
For my wheels going from radial heads out, to 2x, the bracing width increases about 1.6mm per side at the centreline of where the spokes cross and spoke length increases approx 10mm (you need to buy new spokes)
In contrast, going with the approach mentioned earlier of relacing heads in, for my wheels, bracing width increases about 4mm and spoke length remains the same. Adding the benefit of not needing new spokes.
So on the face of it, to stiffen a wheel laced radial heads out, you would be better to rebuild heads in to increase stiffness than going 2x with new spokes.
What am i missing?
Yes, I kind of agree as you say, on the face of it. You have to make sure your spoke hole drilling and flange design allow this. Some are designed only for radial heads out. If allowed, the crossed lacing does give some improvement despite the longer spokes because 1/2 the spokes are heads in. He says there is data showing the crossed lacing is stiffer. As I said in an earlier post, wheel statics and dynamics are so complex, it is hard not to miss something in a quick and dirty perusal.