I read a bunch about the various lacing patterns and different schools of thought regarding the tradeoffs between each one. I concluded that the best way to equalize spoke tension in the rear wheel is to have radial spokes on the drive side with 3-cross on the non-drive side. A hub should have no problems handling the torque from one side to the other flange. However, then there is problem of having only 8 trailing spokes to handle pedaling torque. So a better solution would be to go 3-cross on both sides, but have heavier gauge spokes on the drive side. My plan was to use XL 14 (2.0 - 1.5 - 2.0mm) spokes on the front and non-drive side, with DB 14 (2.0 - 1.7 - 2.0mm) on the drive side.
The middle section of the DB14 spokes has (1.7/1.5)^2 = 1.28 times as much cross section area, and according to Damon Rinard's spokecalc, with my hubs and rims, the drive side will have a tension ratio of 1.75 (drive/non-drive). So those two sets of different size spokes would help equalize the strain on each side of the wheel. However, even larger spokes on the drive side would be more appropriate.
Unequal tension is not the primary problem in a dished wheel. When the same size spokes are used, the consequence of unequal tension is unequal strain, so each set of spokes are loaded differently. Then one set has a disproportionally higher chance of breaking because the loading cycles will be more severe and they will fatigue faster. A wheel will be strongest and most reliable when the load is distributed most equally.
However, the XL14 spokes weren't available, so I'll do DB14 all the way around. So much for the math.
Spoke prep overnight.
Drive side half way laced.
So what are you saying is if your little brother sent you rims, spokes, and hubs you could build him a wheel?
ReplyDeleteTotally, I think you'll need a good box section rim for training, and of course, tubulars for cross.
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