Pros/Cons of direct pull spokes on Mavic Crossride
09-04-07, 08:38 AM
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Pros/Cons of direct pull spokes on Mavic Crossride?
I am considering a modest upgrade on my highracer recumbent to 26" Mavic Crossride Disc wheels. These have direct pull spokes & hubs, which I have never used. My searches on these forums are not very helpful in this regard.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct pull spokes and hubs?
So far the only advantages I am aware of are bladed spokes do not require notching the holes they pass through.
Disadvantages are said to be:
1. Spokes may only be available through Mavic at a high price. Has this changed because WheelSmith lists four direct pull spokes (not blades, however)?
2. If the direct pull spokes have the nipples at the hub, adjustment is akward.
Helpful comments please? Thanks in advance.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct pull spokes and hubs?
So far the only advantages I am aware of are bladed spokes do not require notching the holes they pass through.
Disadvantages are said to be:
1. Spokes may only be available through Mavic at a high price. Has this changed because WheelSmith lists four direct pull spokes (not blades, however)?
2. If the direct pull spokes have the nipples at the hub, adjustment is akward.
Helpful comments please? Thanks in advance.
Last edited by Giro; 09-04-07 at 10:05 AM. Reason: WheelSmith spokes not blades
09-04-07, 10:34 AM
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Direct pull spokes "may" prove to be stronger in the absence of an elbow which seems to be the first place to break.
09-04-07, 10:34 AM
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I had some direct pull spokes back in the late 90's, I think the brand was Pulstar or something along that line. The spokes were constantly pulling through the hub as the flange just popped off. the guys at the shop said that happened a lot to those straight pull hubs. Perhaps newer brands/versions have rectified this problem, but it caused me to steer clear of them ever since.
09-04-07, 06:50 PM
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I am considering a modest upgrade on my highracer recumbent to 26" Mavic Crossride Disc wheels. These have direct pull spokes & hubs, which I have never used. My searches on these forums are not very helpful in this regard.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct pull spokes and hubs?
So far the only advantages I am aware of are bladed spokes do not require notching the holes they pass through.
Disadvantages are said to be:
1. Spokes may only be available through Mavic at a high price. Has this changed because WheelSmith lists four direct pull spokes (not blades, however)?
2. If the direct pull spokes have the nipples at the hub, adjustment is akward.
Helpful comments please? Thanks in advance.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct pull spokes and hubs?
So far the only advantages I am aware of are bladed spokes do not require notching the holes they pass through.
Disadvantages are said to be:
1. Spokes may only be available through Mavic at a high price. Has this changed because WheelSmith lists four direct pull spokes (not blades, however)?
2. If the direct pull spokes have the nipples at the hub, adjustment is akward.
Helpful comments please? Thanks in advance.
Almost all Mavic spokes are direct pull. Only a couple of old models use elbow spokes. The direct pull spokes used by Mavic are almost all custom because they are designed as specific component of a wheelset. So, you do need to get specific Mavic spokes for any replacements. I think, in most cases, you'll find dealers selling them for $2-3/spoke. But, remember, these are not being sold for wheelbuilding purposes. You can buy Mavic rims for general purpose wheelbuilding, but these rims are not related to Mavic wheelsets. Those are two completely different parts of the business. In a Mavic wheelset the spokes, hubs, and rims, are all part of matched sets. Mavic rims - like Open Pros - are available for people who want to spec their own hubs and spokes.
Check with your dealer how much the spokes you are considering will cost. There are a LOT of Mavic riders that have many years on their wheels with the original spokes. Obviously, this is not something that can be guaranteed, but unless you are in the habit of replacing entire spokesets on a regular basis then the point of how much a single spoke costs is probably not worth worrying about.
Almost all Mavic wheels have spokes with the nipples at the rims. I think the only model that has nipples "near" the hub is the new Cosmic Carbone Ultimates ($2700/set). So, unless you are a high end racer, that's probably not an issue for you.
Hope that helps ;-)
09-05-07, 12:49 PM
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FWIW- I rode on them Crossrides for a while, and I really liked them. they actually stayed rather true
for a long time. Then the bike was stolen, so I can't tell you about adjustments
for a long time. Then the bike was stolen, so I can't tell you about adjustments
