Well, we've covered NIPPLES. Now lets deal with...

[Brutuskend]

SPOKES!

Most wheels use straight gage spokes, but they DO make double butted spokes.

What's the deference between straight gage and double butted spokes you ask?

Straight gage spokes are the same diameter from end to end while double butted spokes are thinner in the middle. This obviously makes for a lighter wheel, but thats not the main reason double butted spokes are better than straight gage!

With straight gage spokes every time the wheel revolves you get stress on the heads of the spokes (the end with the bend in it that goes through the hub) this is why, when a spoke breaks, it almost always breaks at the hub end. (metal fatigue) With double butted spokes, the stress happens in the middle of the spoke, relieving the stress on the ends. Therefore, double butted spokes seldom break! 🙂

This P.S.A has been brought to you by the same guy that brought you the NIPPLES thread!

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

Does having tapered spokes help with aerodynamics at all?

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: FFMCobalt
Does having tapered spokes help with aerodynamics at all?

Not much. You need bladed spokes before you see much in the way of improved aerodynamics.

Or you can get a pair of these.

The addition of a tire makes the outer edge an airfoil so they actually generate lift in the right wind conditions. I used to have a pair and it was like someone pushing you when the wind was right. 😀

 

[Brutuskend]

Originally posted by: FFMCobalt
Does having tapered spokes help with aerodynamics at all?

Some.

They also make bladed spokes. They are designed for aerodynamics more so than D/B spokes.

Edit: Damn you Fausto! 😉

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

Ah. What about those cone things that fit over the entire side of the wheel to make it look like a frisbie or something... Would you be better off with one of those on either side or bladed spokes?

 

[Kyteland]

Funny Error

The Court Jester encountered an internal error and was unable to load this funny.

JRun Funny Protocol Error.

 

[Brutuskend]

Originally posted by: FFMCobalt
Ah. What about those cone things that fit over the entire side of the wheel to make it look like a frisbie or something... Would you be better off with one of those on either side or bladed spokes?

Well, like the wheels Fausto linked to, when you get in a cross wind riding with disks over your wheels, HOLD NO, cuz you WILL get tossed around!

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: FFMCobalt
Ah. What about those cone things that fit over the entire side of the wheel to make it look like a frisbie or something... Would you be better off with one of those on either side or bladed spokes?

Discs are as aero as a wheel can get, but are a bitch to handle in crosswinds. The best overall compromise is a deep-section rim with bladed spokes like this.