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- CommentAuthorterrible_one49
- CommentTimeJul 16th 2009
In all seriousness, does it really make a difference riding? Having a wheel built with normal round spokes compared to flat bladed. -
- CommentAuthorRuffinit
- CommentTimeJul 16th 2009
The purpose behind the flat spokes is aero. They are normally used in radial spoke situations as you would see in time trials and now tri bikes. Round spokes work better for crossed spokes as most wheels are made and it's the way the spokes are crossed that will give some "suspension" to the bike, a bit more forgiving on road vibration. And because of the mechanics of the round spoke, it will sustain flexing for a greater period of time.
So... in answer to your question; given a radial flat spoke wheel or a crossed round spoke wheel, the flat spoked wheel will be a harsher ride. -
- CommentAuthorthe rabbi
- CommentTimeJul 16th 2009
double butted spokes for the win -
- CommentAuthorRuffinit
- CommentTimeJul 16th 2009
Posted By: the rabbidouble butted spokes for the win
Agreed. Dbl butted spokes give a very nice ride. -
- CommentAuthorewurl
- CommentTimeJul 16th 2009
+1 everyone knows two butts are better than one. -
- CommentAuthoriron jaiden
- CommentTimeJul 16th 2009
Posted By: the rabbidouble butted spokes for the win
+2
The one nice thing about a bladed spoke is how easy it is to adjust tension without accidentally turning the spoke itself as you can very clearly see (and prevent) a bladed spoke from twisting.
Not the kind of advantage that should ever influence a buying or performance based decision but when I was a mechanic full time I always liked truing and building wheels with bladed spokes. -
- CommentAuthorJoshua A.C. Newman
- CommentTimeJul 17th 2009
According to Sheldon (and my much more limited experience) the difference in "suspension effect" from crossed spokes is almost immeasurably small, and inconsequential compared to the effect of tires.
Crossing spokes gives you torsional strength between the hub and rim and greater durability under heavy load. That's not important on a front wheel, where there's no torsional load (if you're not running discs) and low weight load, since your body weight is over the rear wheel.
As for aerodynamics, they're obviously important, but fluid dynamics are complex. See this chart to see how many seconds you shave off a 65 minute race with a variety of aerodynamic features. Bladed spokes save you 44 seconds over those 65 minutes.
So, if you find yourself losing by 44 or fewer seconds in time trial races of over an hour, it might be a good idea. Otherwise, they're just holy crap expensive. -
- CommentAuthorLyKqiD
- CommentTimeJul 17th 2009
Posted By: Joshua A.C. NewmanOtherwise, they're just holy crap expensive.
You should only be buying them if you need to shave 44 second off your race time. Not so you can brag next time you get to the coffee shop (which is the only case in which I have seen them thus far). -
- CommentAuthorRuffinit
- CommentTimeJul 17th 2009
Posted By: Joshua A.C. NewmanAccording to Sheldon (and my much more limited experience) the difference in "suspension effect" from crossed spokes is almost immeasurably small, and inconsequential compared to the effect of tires.
Josh, while you are correct in saying that "the amount is inconsequential compared to the tires"; given the same tires with the same pressure on a long distance ride, you WILL find that they are different especially if you are talking about high pressure clinchers which are less forgiving than tubulars at even higher pressure. Longivity of a round spoked wheel is also greater because they are better able to withstand the flexing under load better.. So.... your money goes further with a round spoke than a flat spoke in all contexts; it's a better all "round" wheel.. -
- CommentAuthorJoshua A.C. Newman
- CommentTimeJul 18th 2009
I was talking about the differences between lacing types. The difference is tiny and much of the difference is absorbed into the tires. I don't have any actual experience with bladed spokes, other than to oggle their beauty and then boggle at their price. -
- CommentAuthormysizebarbie
- CommentTimeJul 18th 2009 edited
Posted By: ewurl+1 everyone knows two butts are better than one.
count it
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