Spoke tension

[ukethi]

Is there and optimum spoke tension, I seem to be breaking a lot of spokes at the moment on my MTB. It is not a specific wheel either I use 2 seperate wheels for freeriding and then yet another for XC

[shaunh]

Geez, from Hub tension to spoke tension!!

 

Who spoke badly now!!

[NotSoBigBen]

Hijack on

 

Shaun you coming tonight?

 

Hijack off

[shaunh]

Unfortunately not, Have to pick-up wife from airport.

 

Well done on winning seeing that Muxy won't be there!

[dirtrider]

I think the spoke tension will depend on what type of nipples you got on the rim . To much tention on a alu nipple and they break all the time . Since I don't care to much for weight I replaced all mine with proper steel nipples and has not had a broken spoke in ages .

[ukethi]

I think the spoke tension will depend on what type of nipples you got on the rim . To much tention on a alu nipple and they break all the time . Since I don't care to much for weight I replaced all mine with proper steel nipples and has not had a broken spoke in ages .

 

 

 

Mine are all steel, bike weight is not an issue for me. My spokes usually break at the hub.

 

 

 

 

[Dirtbreath]

Ukethi, PM Johan Bornman although I am sure he will pick up on this thread soon.

[dirtrider]

Yip Johann is the right oke . In my opinion spokes should be tentioned to make sure your wheel is true , i.e your wheel may not be true nessesary if all spokes are tentioned the same but I am a sheeet wheel builder .

[Guest Big H]

If you have a musical ear contact JB, if not buy a spoke tensiometer and do it yourself. If not find a wheelbuilding guru who can do the job for you.

[cycleq]

Nipples are typically brass, not steel. Optimum tension is determined by the rim type and the spoke type and can be obtained from the manufacturers, but in the absence of this, and assuming decent quality rims, try to get tension as high as possible without deforming the nipple. Spokes break because tension is too low. Remember to lube spokes/nipples well before tensioning and stress relieve the spokes throughout the tensioning process. Use raw linseed oil as a lube as it sets nicely when it dries and acts as a spoke freeze.

[Johan Bornman]

Cycleq is right. All that I can add is that spokes should also be stress-relieved. They do break when there is not enough tension but also when they are tensioned correctly but the wheel had not been stress relieved. Residual stresses in the spoke metal from the manufacturing process and building work with cyclical tension to break spokes.

 

The OP didn't say whether his/her spokes break at the nipples or at the bends. The cause of these two breaks are completely different. A skilled wheelbuilder can predict the weak points based on the hub's diameter, number of crossed spokes and rim depth. He would then work around those problems.

 

If you are in Gauteng, PM me. Actually, I can also recommend someone good in Cape Town.

 

 

 

[Johan Bornman]

If you have a musical ear contact JB' date=' if not buy a spoke tensiometer and do it yourself. If not find a wheelbuilding guru who can do the job for you.[/quote']

 

Hendrik, may I respectfully ask that you do not speak on my behalf or make references to how I do certain things. You do not seem to have a grasp of how I build and assess wheels, nor an understanding of my real views on other technical issues.

 

You have not attended any of my classes and passing critique is therefore baseless.

 

Allow me to speak for myself, I do not need a spokesman at this time.

 

Thank you.