Originally Posted by
Bob Dopolina
Good luck.
I would be interested to see how you create a hook bead without a steel mold and sliders. One method is to use a dense rubber insert (and EPS foam core ) but that requires high external pressures and subsequent machining. Without the external pressure (a vacuum bag doesn't generate any) the end result is low compaction/flow and results in voids.
Since I'm going tubeless with all the rims the bead hook might not be 100% necessary. Then again it would be nice to have one so I planned on integrating two steel wires in the rim to create hooks.
The mold I planned on using would be a large round disc with machined outer surface to accomodate the rim form. The CF could be directly laid on the form to get the shape and tolerances right. After laying the CF I would add a pressure device into the mold (I was thinking a fatbike inner tube) and pump it full. Of course the mold needs to be shut with the tube inside as to create enough pressure.
Curing could be done in the sauna for a few hours.
Unfortunately this plan will most likely have to wait for till I actually have a job and paid vacation. So a year or two from now most likely.
Also one thing that does bother me with this is the availability of carbon fiber. There seems to be a relatively small market for high modulus CF in europe. Mostly CF is used by DIY'ers to make car parts (which do not require the structural integrity a bicycle component would need)