Re: [CR]Spokes question (Wheel questions?)

(Example: Racing)

From: <Gjvinbikes@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2001 19:40:15 EDT
Subject: Re: [CR]Spokes question (Wheel questions?)
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 7/18/01 3:18:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Huemax@aol.com writes:


> 1) Can you reuse spokes and nipples?

Yes. It is actually better to re-use spokes than to go through the process of stress-relieving new ones. This is true as long as the spokes are not cut up and are being used in a similar build situation - ideally this means same hub and rim type. Brass nips are easy to re-use after re-lubing them, alloy nips are best discarded (in my opinion).
>
> 2) How do you determine a "correct tention" of spokes? Some are so tight,
> and you can not squeeze even 1/4" at middle portion of (close to parallel
> pair) area, yet some you can easily squeeze 3/4" or so.
>

Tension the wheel until it starts to get a slight taco-wave as you stress relieve it (with gloves) and then back off a 1/4-turn or so. The optimum tension varies a LOT with the rim strength and dishing requirments of your hub. It should be as tight as possible, within the limits of the rim. See Jobst's book "The Bicycle Wheel" for many excruciating details - I've never read it. Note that the spoke tension in British Roadster 3-speed DynoHub type wheels seems to need to be a lot less than other wheels, not sure why, maybe has to do with the rod brakes ?
> 3) Is it all right to use 14-17 gauge and alloy nipples for restorations of
> 1960's bike, although there was not such spokes were available then??
>

Well, if you want to be "Totally Authentic", wouldn't you generally need to use glavanized spokes instead of stainless steel spokes ? Not suggesting you do.

4) About hub, some were laced more than once, but some I can see done once by
> looking at holes carefully, then should I insert spokes in the same way as
> before, or try to reverse them so load (tension) for new set pull the other
> way?

Stick with the same lacing. I never relace a hub in a different pattern than it was originally laced in, myself. Lay the spokes back into the already cut valleys.
>
> Additions to question 4), I have seen some hubs laced so many times, yet I
> have not seen holes broken(or gave) away, can anyone tell when to stop
> re-using them?

Stop now. It is not fun to have a flange break out. I have seen it numerous times at the shop I used to work at - in each case the hub had been re-laced in a different pattern. They break out along the old grooves.
> It takes a lot of time and finger labor to work on wheels, I rather be
> riding
> but someone have to fix wheels to ride!
>

I'll fix them for you. I need the work. I even have a mess of old galvanized spokes I would not otherwise ever use... :-)

Glenn Jordan - Durham, NC