Lacing Patterns for Tubulars
 

I have a set of Campagnolo Record Crono tubular rims for my LF Suzue Pro Max hubs. Both are 36H.

I understand these rims are very delicate compared to the Strada's so I need the lacing pattern to be strong.

What's the strongest lacing pattern for minimal use on the street? I'd like 4x cross for the rear and radial on the front. Radial being as its bling factor since the wheels won't be for daily use anyways.

I'd build 3x on LF. I think 4x is a bit overkill for your application if you're running your gearing on the high side and you have no hub brake, and especially if you're not riding this on street.

3x

I'd avoid the radial w/ LF.

Sorry I mistakenly said "LF" when I meant "large flange".

My hubs are high flange NJS Suzue Pro Max hubs.

I still say 3x.

Another vote for 3x. With a 36 hole symmetrical build will be plenty strong.

3 cross vs. 4 cross
 

3 cross is plenty enough angle to handle the torque

What is claimed reason for four cross? Slightly softer ride due to longer spokes?

One person somewhere once claimed 4-cross made a wheel prone to taco. (Rim distorts to a Pringle's potato chip shape without provocation such as a crash.)

do not lace that front radially

+1 this.

If you want the radial front for "bling" buy some crap components to make it. You'll just destroy it anyway.

Why stay away from radial fronts on a high flange hub with the thin tubular rim?

http://www.darwin.colinhoernig.com/P.../Bikes/red.jpg

http://www.darwin.colinhoernig.com/P...4398ee70_b.jpg

http://www.darwin.colinhoernig.com/P...ikes/497_1.jpg

radial is fine (we thought you meant LF as in low-flange -- who says "large flange"?)

but I thought you wanted a strong wheel build?

I would do 3x front and rear. It will be strong and will have a classic look - which you may or may not want, but I would assume that would fit with high flange hubs and tubular rims.

i dislike the look of radial.

Radial only looks good on spoke counts below 28.

I wouldn't do radial unless the hub was designed for it. Hubs with the flange broken out don't have much bling.

But the OP said he's not using these on street; I say radial would be fine, especially for track use. Does Suzue warranty flange failures from radial lacing?

I run radial lacing on my phil/velocity wheelset bc phil warranties radial lacing should anything ever go wrong.

On the contrary, my formula/mavic wheelset is laced 3x front and rear.

All the wheels I've owned are 3x laced. I want to make it a little exotic this time with a radial front.

Wouldn't the radial front be stronger vertically because of the no flexibility on the spokes thus resulting in a stronger front wheel?

I would like to be able to ride this bike every Sunday or super nice day at least once a week or so.

Radials are stronger laterally, which will give you added stiffness in sprints etc.

"Since the spokes are directly in line with the main force vectors that shape the wheel, a radially laced wheel is stiffer and has greater lateral strength than any cross pattern."

I have a suzue radially laced on the front to a mavic and it has been true for a year now and all my riding is on the street. Now I know our rims are comparably different but I think it looks pretty sweet and has held up great.

edit: pm me if you want a pic of the wheels

Exactly. That is why many modern rear wheels use a radial spoke lacing pattern on the left non-pulling side. The only reason to cross spokes is to permit the transfer of forces from the hub to the rim. Even on road bikes with front rim brakes a radial pattern can be used, however, it's a definite no-no with hub-mounted brakes.

someone must have been talking out of their ass.
the only reason why you'd want to avoid 4x on a 36h is when the spokes cross over the spoke heads causing increased stress, which speeds up metal fatigue in the spokes.

the number of crossings possible is totally dependant on the amount of spokes and distance between flange and rim. for 700c wheels, it's generally 1x 16h, 2x 20/24/28h, 3x 28/32/36h, 4x 36/40/48h


as for exotic patterns 3-trailing/3-leading or crow's foot are also exotic.

you don't want radial if the hub isn't built for it. radial for high flange and/or forged hubs only.

Mugatu you currently in Dallas?

Come to the Fixed City Screening tonight at the cavern. Meeting in mockingbird station for a group ride at 8pm. BE THERE.

****, that doesn't look good at all. Anybody else have Suzue Pro Max hubs with radially laced fronts? I want to know how well they can stand up to the stress.