Re: [CR] mixing spoke crosses

(Example: Production Builders:Cinelli:Laser)

From: <Gjvinbikes@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Mar 2001 00:09:17 EST
Subject: Re: [CR] mixing spoke crosses
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 3/23/01 1:29:01 PM Eastern Standard Time, KCTOMMY@email.msn.com writes:


> Back when I started riding, the cognoscenti told us neophytes that 4 cross
> wheels were for tourists, because they gave a softer ride due to increased
> flex in the longer spokes. Given what has been said on the effect of cross
> patterns and tensions, was this an urban legend, or is there a difference?

Well, I used 4x spoking for my loaded touring wheels and they seemed to handle potholes under load better and feel a bit smoother over the course of a whole day in the saddle than 3x "racing" wheels. Not as efficient, though, perhaps.

I am in the process of dredging up cash to buy an older Santana Elan tandem just now. It has 5x 48 spoke 27" wheels and even my sons tell me that these wheels are the "squishy-est" riding wheels they have ever experienced. I mean, it reminds me a bit of early Proflex MTB rear swingarm suspensions, wind it up and let it fly.
> Also, since so many say the 4 cross will result in the spoke crossing the
> head of adjoining spokes, how were 4 cross wheels ever built? Do you have
> to use certain hubs only?

It seemed to work with both high or low-flange Campy and Shimano hubs of the era. You could lace the spokes into the holes before doing the actual build, and that worked. Also, it was never really impossible to replace a spoke (rarely needed with 4x anyway) since you could flex and twist the lacing a bit.
> And by the way, what effect did tieing and soldering the spoke crosses have?

None.
> Who should have it done?
> Nobody.

Glenn Jordan - Durham, NC