Front wheel - Radial/2X/3X?
06-19-07, 04:20 AM
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Front wheel - Radial/2X/3X?
Looks like i need a new front wheel for my roadie. The braking surface of my current front is worn or something - brakes don't seem to do anything. (New pads, and i've recently cleaned the braking surface. )
Currently i have a radially spoked Ritchey stock wheel. I'm thinking to complement the rear - DT RR 1.1/Ultegra/WS spokes.
Is radial stiffer/harsher vertically? I like a plusher ride. Plus if the wheel is plusher, i can run a higher PSI,which is more important(?).
Is 2X just a waste and i should go with 3X?
Is 3X inferior aerodynamically?Does it flex less? I like climbing out of the saddle, and weigh around 180, so flexing is a no no. (Although i'm not sure i'd actually FEEL flex...:-))
I know this is all about miniscule differences, so don't say thing's like "You're not Lance, you won't feel the difference". Miniscule differences is the stuff that the Bicycle Industry's profit margin and our upgraditis is made of.
What do you guys think? What are your experiences?
Bring it on.
Currently i have a radially spoked Ritchey stock wheel. I'm thinking to complement the rear - DT RR 1.1/Ultegra/WS spokes.
Is radial stiffer/harsher vertically? I like a plusher ride. Plus if the wheel is plusher, i can run a higher PSI,which is more important(?).
Is 2X just a waste and i should go with 3X?
Is 3X inferior aerodynamically?Does it flex less? I like climbing out of the saddle, and weigh around 180, so flexing is a no no. (Although i'm not sure i'd actually FEEL flex...:-))
I know this is all about miniscule differences, so don't say thing's like "You're not Lance, you won't feel the difference". Miniscule differences is the stuff that the Bicycle Industry's profit margin and our upgraditis is made of.
What do you guys think? What are your experiences?
Bring it on.
06-19-07, 06:16 AM
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Radial weighs the least (shortest spoke length), and since it's not a powered wheel like your rear you really don't have to worry about flex, nor torque transfer. And you can go with a lower spoke count up front because the rear carries more weight. I'm 200# and have spoke counts as low as 16 up front. (self built AC micro 58/ Velocity Ah). Lace them radial in for best aerodynamics.
06-19-07, 06:28 AM
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Originally Posted by vpiuva
Radial weighs the least (shortest spoke length), and since it's not a powered wheel like your rear you really don't have to worry about flex, nor torque transfer. And you can go with a lower spoke count up front because the rear carries more weight. I'm 200# and have spoke counts as low as 16 up front. (self built AC micro 58/ Velocity Ah). Lace them radial in for best aerodynamics.
Thanks for the reply.
Radial is my first choice, really. Most of all, because it looks better, and i really am not sure i'd feel the difference. I just wanted to hear people's negative experiences with radial. Also, like i asked in the OP - I'd like to know if anyone has noticed an increase in comfort, going from radial to crossed. Or decrease, in the opposite case.
06-19-07, 06:29 AM
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Originally Posted by FidelCastrovich
I like climbing out of the saddle, and weigh around 180, so flexing is a no no. (Although i'm not sure i'd actually FEEL flex...:-))
Radial lacing voids the warranty on many hubs.
Al
06-19-07, 06:37 AM
#5
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Originally Posted by FidelCastrovich
Miniscule differences is the stuff that the Bicycle Industry's profit margin and our upgraditis is made of.
On my ti racing bike I manage to average ~2kms/hr over my fully loaded commuter/utility bike. 2kms/hr is indeed quite a difference, but not one you'll notice by shaving 4g off your bottle cage- my commuter bike when loaded is literally 3 times the weight (or more) of the racer and it's far less aerodynamic.
I say stick with the tried and true 32h 3X. You really can't go wrong with that.
06-19-07, 07:19 AM
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What I can't understand is why you need to replace your wheel because the braking has deteriorated. What kind of pads are you using?
06-19-07, 07:44 AM
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Originally Posted by jemoryl
What I can't understand is why you need to replace your wheel because the braking has deteriorated. What kind of pads are you using?
I'm still not sure it's the wheel/rim. I'll know for sure tomorrow, after my morning ride. I'll switch the front wheel with my GFs bike, and see if the braking performance improves.
Honestly though, the rear wheel is a new silver DT RR 1.1, the front is an old Ritchey Aero, all black...I'm just looking for an excuse to complement the rear with another silver DT...
