I read the above post and following ones regarding CK's recommendation for low spoke tension. I do not dispute that you were actually advised this, but I am very surprised. Low spoke tension means minimal spoke "stretch" and elasticity and increases the chance of a spoke "unloading" under stress. Unloading and the chance for spokes to periodically (every rotation) unload on the bottom of the wheel (not to mention during severe impact stress due to road hazards) is the single main cause of spoke fatigue and breakage. Because the CK hubs are so highly regarded, even prized, it doesn't make sense that they would have such a low individual spoke tension limit. Unlike many of you guys I only build with either American Classic or inexpensive BHS hubs and have never heard of stretching the hub shell to an extent that bearings become loose. Neither have I ever had a problem from tensioning front wheels to as much as 120 kgf.

Contrary to the information quoted to you, here is the relevant excerpt from the CK R45 hub owner's manual, the only information provided in writing regarding proper spoke tension on either the front or rear hub:

"Radial laced wheels are also more sensitive to over- or under-tensioning, thus proper wheel building practices must be followed. Please follow thespoke manufacturer’s recommended tension specifications when building wheels. Inspect hubs and check spoke tension at regular intervals."

This, I think, is in direct contrast to what you were told. Jude's use of 115 kgf for front hubs is consistent with best wheel building practice and consistent with spoke capability. I cannot imagine owning a wheel built to lower tension except in the case of a highly dished rear, when the non-drive side maxes out so much lower than the drive side. If CK R45 hubs cannot tolerate this quite normal 115 kgf spoke tension, they would be disqualified for a quality wheel build in my opinion. Since we know from their widespread use this is not the case, they must, by inference, be able to withstand spoke tension in the range that Jude used.

Robert