Wheel Flex - Normal for Cheap or Imminent Failure?
10-03-16 | 03:31 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Just Plain Slow
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,026
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From: Santa Clarita, CA
Bikes: Lynskey R230
Wheel Flex - Normal for Cheap or Imminent Failure?
OK, so I'll admit how much I don't know about wheelsets. Lately, I've noticed that when I'm up out of the saddle climbing, my rear wheel (FSA RD-60) is dragging on the brake pad, and the pads aren't set that tight. Now, before anyone accuses me of dialing it up to 600 watts, I assure you, I'm more in the 60 watt department, but 6'2", 240 lbs. ! Anyway, I've realized I need to open my back brake up to stop this. A couple of rides ago, I broke a rear spoke.
[MENTION=259065]Dan333SP[/MENTION] made this comment in another thread (which I didn't want to hijack), and it got me thinking. Maybe there's more going on with my wheels than I thought.
Is this wheel just flexy or is there more going on here? (The vain side of me hopes there's more going on so I can justify a new wheelset 
)
[MENTION=259065]Dan333SP[/MENTION] made this comment in another thread (which I didn't want to hijack), and it got me thinking. Maybe there's more going on with my wheels than I thought.
)
10-03-16 | 03:59 PM
#2
Should Be More Popular
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
10-03-16 | 05:06 PM
#3
I'm doing it wrong.
Joined: Jun 2009
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Bikes: Rivendell Appaloosa, Rivendell Frank Jones Sr., Trek Fuel EX9, Kona Jake the Snake CR, Niner Sir9
Sounds to me like either some spokes have lost some tension or maybe there are some cracks around the eyelets or something to indicate fatigue. I'd say it is time for a new wheelset.
My experience is that cheaper wheels get to this point quickly, which is probably why I tend to upgrade the wheelset when I get a new bike.
My experience is that cheaper wheels get to this point quickly, which is probably why I tend to upgrade the wheelset when I get a new bike.
10-03-16 | 05:20 PM
#6
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Northwest Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
A stiffer wheel might make brake rub worse, not better.
Debunking Wheel Stiffness - Slowtwitch.com
-Tim-
Debunking Wheel Stiffness - Slowtwitch.com
-Tim-
10-03-16 | 05:41 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Southern California, USA
Bikes: 1979 Raleigh Team 753
OK, so I'll admit how much I don't know about wheelsets. Lately, I've noticed that when I'm up out of the saddle climbing, my rear wheel (FSA RD-60) is dragging on the brake pad, and the pads aren't set that tight. Now, before anyone accuses me of dialing it up to 600 watts, I assure you, I'm more in the 60 watt department, but 6'2", 240 lbs. ! Anyway, I've realized I need to open my back brake up to stop this. A couple of rides ago, I broke a rear spoke.
[MENTION=259065]Dan333SP[/MENTION] made this comment in another thread (which I didn't want to hijack), and it got me thinking. Maybe there's more going on with my wheels than I thought.
Is this wheel just flexy or is there more going on here? (The vain side of me hopes there's more going on so I can justify a new wheelset)
[MENTION=259065]Dan333SP[/MENTION] made this comment in another thread (which I didn't want to hijack), and it got me thinking. Maybe there's more going on with my wheels than I thought.
Is this wheel just flexy or is there more going on here? (The vain side of me hopes there's more going on so I can justify a new wheelset
)You should go with single gage 14g spokes. Bladed or round.
10-03-16 | 05:50 PM
#10
Thread Starter
Just Plain Slow
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,026
Likes: 5
From: Santa Clarita, CA
Bikes: Lynskey R230
10-04-16 | 08:49 AM
#11
Thread Starter
Just Plain Slow
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,026
Likes: 5
From: Santa Clarita, CA
Bikes: Lynskey R230
10-04-16 | 09:42 AM
#14
Senior Member
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From: Central PA
Bikes: 2016 Black Mountain Cycles Monster Cross v5, 2015 Ritchey Road Logic, 1998 Specialized Rockhopper, 2017 Raleigh Grand Prix
Check out November's Select Alloy wheelset too. Lots of happy customers, and they're good for Clydes, especially if you get them with the WI hubs, which have Ti freehubs, which will reduce marring issues (I chew up Aluminum freehubs in about 150 miles).
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