In a message dated 11/3/07 9:32:19 AM, johnb@oxford.net writes:
> At 10:53 PM 02/11/2007 -0700, Mark Buswell wrote:
> >I'm building up a set of wheels for my 1981 Merckx and was wondering:
> >When did double-butted spokes first come into common use?
>
> They were around over 100 years ago. All high end bikes had them in 1981,
> although straight gauge spokes seem to have been the norm in the U.S. at
> that time, even on expensive bikes. Perhaps it was thought they make
> stronger wheels for heavier riders, but everything I've read in the subjec
t
> claims the opposite.
>
>
In Japan, late 60's to early 70's, EVERY light weight racing/sporting bike
was equipped D-B spokes. Stragiht spokes were used for cheap street bike and utility/delivery bike.
I have been wondering WHY many wheels here in the USA use straight 14G (very
heavy, when 36+36 total 72 piecs), in 3X pattern. It seems to me 15-16 G with 4X pattern can hold 175 lb. rider without destroying wheels?
I see late 70's to 80's. they reduced numbr of spokes 32 +32, or even 28+28. My old Englsh bikes have 32+40, yes 40 spokes for rear wheel, to me 28 is no t enough spokes for road racers but O.K. for track (keirin) guys?
I know number of spokes has relationship with strength do RIMS, as wood filled alloy rims yerars ago, later filled with plasticfoam/fibert glass(?) I see modern clincher rims has very hardened material with such shape and design, 28 (or even less )
spokes maybe enough.
So, is there any guideline, when to use DB spokes or less numbers of spokes?
Once I had a set of wheel, build with Mavic MA-40 tubler rim, Campy Record hig/large flange hub 36+36 3X pattern, and straight 14 G s/s spokes, I thought they were too strong and urgry, so I sold them.
KEN TODA, High Point, NC, beautiful dry fall day!
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