Wheels don't spin as long as they should
04-18-14, 12:23 PM
#1
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Wheels don't spin as long as they should
Hi. I recently bought a bike ('06 Scott CR1 Pro) and it came with Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels. The bike was hardly ridden.
I decided to compare those wheels with the ones from my old bike which are Vuelta Corsa Lites. I gave both a good equal spin and the Mavics stop long before the Vueltas. Front and back. I tried with either arm spinning each one and I did it several times so the results are consistent.
Both use cartridge bearings. The bearings on the Mavics are silky smooth so I know they are ok. Is there some adjustment I need to really watch or do I spring for new bearings? Am I missing something?
Thanks
I decided to compare those wheels with the ones from my old bike which are Vuelta Corsa Lites. I gave both a good equal spin and the Mavics stop long before the Vueltas. Front and back. I tried with either arm spinning each one and I did it several times so the results are consistent.
Both use cartridge bearings. The bearings on the Mavics are silky smooth so I know they are ok. Is there some adjustment I need to really watch or do I spring for new bearings? Am I missing something?
Thanks
Last edited by Bloodshot; 04-18-14 at 12:41 PM. Reason: Elite, not Equipe
04-18-14, 12:30 PM
#2
Mechanic/Tourist
There's no adjustment on sealed bearings, thought it's sometimes possible to crank down so hard on the outer nuts so as to bind things up. If the bearings on the new wheels feel smooth you are worrying about nothing. What you are seeing is probably drag from the seals, and that will have less effect than what you lost by worrying about how long the wheels spin instead of riding! The seal drag on new bearings might actually be greater.
04-18-14, 12:33 PM
#3
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Tire and wheel weights will make a difference too. Momentum.....
04-18-14, 12:37 PM
#4
incazzare.
If it was hardly ridden, the bearings might need more riding before they are "broken in." I have noticed that sealed bearings often feel stiff at first.
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04-18-14, 12:49 PM
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I weighed both sets and the only difference is .1 lb on the rear and no difference on fronts.
I suppose you could be right about breaking them in. Guess I'll have to get out there and check them again after another week or two.
Thanks, everyone, for your input.
I suppose you could be right about breaking them in. Guess I'll have to get out there and check them again after another week or two.
Thanks, everyone, for your input.
04-18-14, 12:52 PM
#6
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Tire and wheel weights will make a difference too. Momentum.....
04-18-14, 12:57 PM
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How long a wheel spins off the ground is meaningless unless it's stiff enough that you can feel significant drag when you turn it (would stop in less than a turn).
Greater rotational inertia from heavy rims and tires would increase the number of spins, so cheap heavy wheels often spin longer than top end ultra light race wheels.
OTOH - drag can come from viscous or excess grease in a new bearing, or seal drag from new seals, not yet broken in, or a number of other meaningless factors.
Greater rotational inertia from heavy rims and tires would increase the number of spins, so cheap heavy wheels often spin longer than top end ultra light race wheels.
OTOH - drag can come from viscous or excess grease in a new bearing, or seal drag from new seals, not yet broken in, or a number of other meaningless factors.
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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.
04-18-14, 01:01 PM
#8
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
I have no clue if that is whats happening with your sets, I'm just talking to hear my own head rattle.
04-18-14, 02:35 PM
#9
Mechanic/Tourist
The bottom line is that what was done was pretty much meaningless as to real-world effect. Just get on the thing and ride.
04-18-14, 05:29 PM
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04-18-14, 07:07 PM
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