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-   -   Preference for 15g spokes? (https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bikes/763245-preference-15g-spokes.html)

chagzuki 08-26-11 05:17 PM

Preference for 15g spokes?
 
Is it inviting trouble to use 15g spokes? I'm a light rider, probably between 150 and 160 pounds and I've never broken a spoke with the 14 gauge I've been using. Anyone here opt for 15g? I figure I could save a bit of weight, at least on the Brompton front wheel given that it has a higher spoke count than Dahon opt for. Or perhaps it's inviting trouble?

LWaB 08-26-11 10:04 PM

The Brompton superlight front wheel uses butted spokes, so there is little weight advantage in using 15G spokes there. You can use 15G spokes on the rear but I would use spoke washers to partially compensate for the oversize spokeholes in the hub that allow for 13G spokes.

fietsbob 08-26-11 10:26 PM

You could get custom rolled thread .. use a 14/15 14 spoke , DT wheel smith, etc..
shortening it will lose the original thread butt, and so it will be a single butt 14/15 spoke..
when you are done.
DT Alpine, is a 13-15-14, so cutting those short, rolling new threads in ,
gives you a 13-15 spoke..
FWIW , Brompton Rear are 12 gage.. they still break if not kept tensioned..

Bike Friday Tikit builds around a 24 hole hub, same sort of 74mm width, 349 rim

So you could buy one of those wheels..

Geeeyejo 08-29-11 03:43 PM

How much weight would you really save? Not worth the loss in strength IMHO. Then again I have never been too concerned about weight- most of my rides are vintage steel topping out at 45-50lbs. Even my folder is 30+ lbs and I tip the scales at 225lbs - jeez, my bikes and I need to go on a diet!


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