Powertap Lacing 2x or 3x, does it matter?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member?
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,977
Likes: 1
From: Denver
Bikes: orbea onix, Cervelo SLC, Specialzed Allez, Cervelo P3 Alu
Powertap Lacing 2x or 3x, does it matter?
I've read in two different editions of Saris Powertap manuals that the wheels must be laced 2x, or 3x in order for the warranty to be valid.
I was recently gifted a wired PT Comp and noticed that it's manual mandated the 3x, although I've built PT's into 2x's before with no problem.
The hub is over a year old, and I'm not the original owner, so I don't think there is a warranty in the first place. I just want to keep it safe, and not somehow mess up the power readings. Is it cool if I stick with the 2x (on both sides)?
In case it matters, I'm lacing to a Kinlin XR 300 and probably 1.8-2.0 mm double butted spokes.
Thanks,
B.
I was recently gifted a wired PT Comp and noticed that it's manual mandated the 3x, although I've built PT's into 2x's before with no problem.
The hub is over a year old, and I'm not the original owner, so I don't think there is a warranty in the first place. I just want to keep it safe, and not somehow mess up the power readings. Is it cool if I stick with the 2x (on both sides)?
In case it matters, I'm lacing to a Kinlin XR 300 and probably 1.8-2.0 mm double butted spokes.
Thanks,
B.
#2
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
It's generally, though marginally, best to follow the old pattern anytime you re-lace a wheel on the same hub. If you have no personal preference follow the pattern, if you feel you'd prefer 3x, go ahead and switch.
BTW- the 2x or 3x injunction is really the long way of saying that radial lacing voids the warranty, since 1x is almost never done anyway.
BTW- the 2x or 3x injunction is really the long way of saying that radial lacing voids the warranty, since 1x is almost never done anyway.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#3
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
Likes: 649
From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
It's about the angles that the spokes take on their way to the rim. Ideally you'd like the spokes to be at a tangent as they leave the hub and radial as they enter the rim but you can't have both. As a general rule 3 cross usually works best with 32 or 36 spokes and 2 cross works better with 24 or 28 spokes.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 326
From: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA
Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs
I've read in two different editions of Saris Powertap manuals that the wheels must be laced 2x, or 3x in order for the warranty to be valid.
I was recently gifted a wired PT Comp and noticed that it's manual mandated the 3x, although I've built PT's into 2x's before with no problem.
I was recently gifted a wired PT Comp and noticed that it's manual mandated the 3x, although I've built PT's into 2x's before with no problem.
(the torque tube is anchored there) but remains silent on the non-drive side.
My 2.4 was laced 3X both sides on a 27mm Alex rim and I'll rebuild it that way on a Kinlin XR-300 when it gets back from service.





