Another Big Strong Wheel Set-up suggestion

I'm always on the lookout for wheel set-ups for us big honking knuckle draggers who have a history of destroying wheels built for mere mortals. ;-) Here is a good suggestion from ergott (of the Serotta Forum) that I'm going to try out. I've already heard good things from some other big folks about the Velocity Deep V rims. I'll post a review at a later date as to who built them and how I like the set up.

William

PS: ergott's (Eric) suggestion is in response to a quote from the "Big Strong Wheel" thread below (also found on this blog). CROM!!! :-)

"I would also suggest a straight 14g driveside spoke 3x lacing -- a very good friend of mine similar in size and fitness to you(he recently retired from NFL as TE) used DT's butted 13/14g spokes on driveside and his wheels are absolutely bombproof. For leftside (non-drive) rear use a butted 14/15g spoke with 2x lacing, the spoke length and tension left-right will be almost completely equal which results in a VERY strong, durable and torsionally stiff rear wheel. Best of luck."

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While the above does make for a strong, durable wheel I must clarify that the differences in spoke length and gauge do not change the tension difference between the sides. It just makes the best of the situation. By the way, the 2X on the non-drive has no positive effect on the wheel. It might save 7-8 grams at the most.

Eric

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All very good information. I still stand by the fact that gauge and spoke length do not effect tension differences between the flanges. The flange geometry effects tension differences. The two different gauge spokes makes for a stronger wheel. By using a lighter gauge spoke where the tension is low, the spoke is closer to its elastic limit and therefore compliments the heavier gauge on the drive side. There is less of a chance of slack spokes during impact. 13/14 gauge double butted spokes (2.3/2.0/2.3mm) are far better than straight gauge spokes because the stresses of impact and load are transferred to the narrower gauge in the middle of the spoke rather than the ends which are prone to fatigue. You want a big boy wheelset:

front
32 or 36 holes
3 cross (4 cross for 36)
2.0/1.8/2.0mm double butted spokes.
Velocity Deep or comparable rim.

rear
36 holes
4 cross for 36
2.0/1.8/2.0mm non drive double butted spokes
2.3/2.0/2.3mm drive side double butted spokes
same rim

hubs:
DT 240s/Phil Wood/Shimano

All is lost if not built by a master wheel builder. If you ever have a problem with this setup I promise to buy them from you!

Other hubs don't have ideal flange geometry (including Campy, trust me I have a set myself, but I don't weigh that much).
Since all current drivetrains are 10 speed you can run Shimano 10 hubs with either drivetrain with no problems. I have used Dura Ace cassettes with my Record bike since there was D-10. Shifts fine.

Eric