Tied and Soldered spokes??

[JasonDoubleU]

I just found out about this method of stiffinging spoked wheels, but does any one ride wheels make with this process? Maybe road specific, old school, too expensive, or just doesnt really add that much more strength?

Jason

[JayT]

I've never done it, but according to Mike T. ,a mtbr.com regular, it's worth it. Seems pretty simple & inexpensive too. Probably worth a try...

Here a link to Mike T.'s FAQ page click>> FAQ (http://www.execulink.com/~dtierney/wmc/faq.htm#CQ1)

Scroll down to the wheel section, there you'll find info & directions on this subject.

[manual63]

In BMX the trend of doing things like this came and went. It used to be to zip tie each spoke intersection to stop them from making noise. Then builders came out with twisted spokes where they wrapped the spokes around eachother at each intersection. You don't see either thing done much in BMX anymore. It's not that helpful.

The problem is that if a wheel, especially a 20" BMX wheel, is making noise or flexing the spokes are too loose. If the spokes are properly tightened and maintained, then the wheel will remain very stiff.

You can zip tie or solder, why would you ever do that, the spokes to make them seem stiffer and it might help slightly, but then if they come loose or the wheel becomes out of balance, you will never really know it. Besides, a wheel is designed to have a certain degree of give a flex, I don't think this should be eliminated.

[funky-funky-chicken]

The following is from the DT Frequently Asked Questions:

Is tying and soldering really worth the effort?

Yes, it certainly is. It improves the quality of the wheel. It extends its life expectancy without influencing the spoke pre-tension. It helps to balance the wheel spider, because the spokes and the rim should form as much of a single unit as possible. And in addition, when the wheel hits a bump, the immediate spokes taking up the load are relieved by their neighbors which are soldered to it.

[manual63]

Originally posted by funky-funky-chicken
The following is from the DT Frequently Asked Questions:

Is tying and soldering really worth the effort?

Yes, it certainly is. It improves the quality of the wheel. It extends its life expectancy without influencing the spoke pre-tension. It helps to balance the wheel spider, because the spokes and the rim should form as much of a single unit as possible. And in addition, when the wheel hits a bump, the immediate spokes taking up the load are relieved by their neighbors which are soldered to it.

Sure, DT says so, but I would give it time to see if this idea sticks. It didn't stick in BMX, but maybe because mountain bike wheels are much bigger it might help more.

You see, by connecting the spokes, however you do it, you essentially make the point of strength at the spoke intersection rather than at the hub flange. This does help make the wheel stiffer and stronger. I guess I would determine whether to do it or not depending on the rim I am using and what I am riding on with the bike. A cross country ride might not benefit much, but a freeride might.

[nigel]

May I ask why you are interested in doing this? This may help out with some answers. Or maybe yer just asking I dunno. Id say the only reason to do it that I can see is if you are doing a heavy loaded down tour somewhere. Other than that you can get tons of great pre-built or hand-built wheels that will hold up great.

Douglas

[SickBoy]

Reed at QBP used to build tied and soldered wheels for thier custom wheel program pretty frequently (at least he did when I worked there).

Supposedly it also expands the "virtual diameter" of the hub flange and makes the wheel more stable as well.

Personally since I am trying NOT to do things that make my bike heavier... I don't do this.