Preference for 15g spokes?
08-26-11 | 05:17 PM
#1
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Bikes: Brompton, Dahon Vitesse D5
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?
08-26-11 | 10:04 PM
#2
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From: Auld Blighty
Bikes: Early Cannondale tandem, '99 S&S Frezoni Audax, '65 Moulton Stowaway, '52 Claud Butler, TSR30, Brompton
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.
08-26-11 | 10:26 PM
#3
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
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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..
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..
Last edited by fietsbob; 08-28-11 at 08:28 AM.
08-29-11 | 03:43 PM
#4
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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!
