Re: [CR]Twisted spokes

(Example: History:Norris Lockley)

From: <DTSHIFTER@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2002 21:18:27 EDT
Subject: Re: [CR]Twisted spokes
To: mark@bulgier.net, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 7/16/02 9:11:20 PM, mark@bulgier.net writes:

<< Several people posted to the effect that wheels with twisted spokes are

stronger and/or stiffer. Just so readers won't be left with the impression

that this is universally accepted, I'd like to point out that at least some

experts feel that is utterly untrue - that it can't increase the strength or

stiffness at all.

I believe the main effect, pretty much the only effect it has, is to ensure

that one spoke breaking will effectively take out two spokes and make the

wheel unrideable - where a similar untwisted wheel would have been rideable

with a spoke broken. (On the rear wheel, twisting spokes makes the wheel

considerably more flexible in the "windup" direction, but wind-up is quite

unimportant anyway, so this isn't a serious problem)

The claims are especially unrealistic with respect to stiffness, because

even if the spoking pattern could double the stiffness (an absurd suggestion

no one is claiming), no one would notice. That's because all wheels are,

for all practical purposes, infinitely stiff vertically already. Any

vertical give they have is masked by the give in the tires, which is

probably a hundred times greater. Vertical stiffness of wheels can be

measured in the lab, but the differences are beyond the range of human

perception. By the way, tied-and-soldered was not found to have any effect

on stiffness, in the two studies I saw using precision machinist's measuring

devices. Anecdotal reports of "harshness" are easily explained by the power

of suggestion and other psychological factors.

Sorry if this takes any of the romance out of wheels for anyone.

Classic content: tied and soldered, if done well, is extremely cool whether

it makes the wheel any faster or not. It's got mojo that speaks to my

romantic side.

Mark Bulgier

Seattle, Wa

USA >>

Besides, aren't these "Twisted Spoke" wheels really hideous looking????? "Dali Wheels"??

Chuck Brooks
Malta, NY