Ok to mix CX-Rays with a few CX-Sprints?
08-08-19, 12:21 AM
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Ok to mix CX-Rays with a few CX-Sprints?
Zipp 404 Firecrest front wheel.
According to the "Specs" tab at: https://zipp.com/wheels/404-firecres...rbon-clincher/ ,
404 front wheels should have 248mm Sapim CX-Sprint spokes. However, the spokes in my wheel (really a friend's) are only 245mm in length, and are of a noticeably and measurably lighter "gauge" than the Sprints I just bought. (Measurements included at end.)
On the length, the factory spokes clearly do not reach the bottom of the slot in the spoke nipple (by about 1mm). And, a couple of years ago, after the third nipple head popped, I replaced the factory aluminum nipples with brass nipples. No heads have popped since (knock on wood...).
(Also, my wheel only has 16 spokes, not the 18 spec'd on that page.)
Anyway, my main question for now is:
On a wheel built with CX-Rays, is it ok to use CX-Sprints to replace a few (3) damaged spokes?
(Damage caused by a brief, glancing collision with the rear derailleur of another cyclist. Remaining spokes and wheel carefully examined and appear ok.)
I sent an email to Zipp after 5pm today (Wed), so no respones yet, of course. In the meantime, I would like to hear of any potential issues/considerations others may have to offer.
So, thanks for any input!
According to the "Specs" tab at: https://zipp.com/wheels/404-firecres...rbon-clincher/ ,
404 front wheels should have 248mm Sapim CX-Sprint spokes. However, the spokes in my wheel (really a friend's) are only 245mm in length, and are of a noticeably and measurably lighter "gauge" than the Sprints I just bought. (Measurements included at end.)
On the length, the factory spokes clearly do not reach the bottom of the slot in the spoke nipple (by about 1mm). And, a couple of years ago, after the third nipple head popped, I replaced the factory aluminum nipples with brass nipples. No heads have popped since (knock on wood...).
(Also, my wheel only has 16 spokes, not the 18 spec'd on that page.)
Anyway, my main question for now is:
On a wheel built with CX-Rays, is it ok to use CX-Sprints to replace a few (3) damaged spokes?
(Damage caused by a brief, glancing collision with the rear derailleur of another cyclist. Remaining spokes and wheel carefully examined and appear ok.)
I sent an email to Zipp after 5pm today (Wed), so no respones yet, of course. In the meantime, I would like to hear of any potential issues/considerations others may have to offer.
So, thanks for any input!
Code:
Spoke Data: Stock spokes (cx-rays?) measured: .037" x .086" (~ .94mm x ~2.18mm); mfg specs: .9 x 2.2 CX-Sprints measured: .047" x .087" (~1.19mm x ~2.21mm); mfg specs: 1.25 x 2.25
08-08-19, 08:15 AM
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It seems that your wheel is a different version then that in the spec sheet. So I wouldn't spend too much time comparing the specs.
Many wheels end up with replacement spokes of differing shape and/or gauge then the origonals. What the shop has on hand when the wheel comes in is the big reason. Sometimes the different spokes are more robust and last longer then the origonals. The rim or hub don't care as long as the replacement spokes are of the correct length and fit in the hub/rim. Andy
Many wheels end up with replacement spokes of differing shape and/or gauge then the origonals. What the shop has on hand when the wheel comes in is the big reason. Sometimes the different spokes are more robust and last longer then the origonals. The rim or hub don't care as long as the replacement spokes are of the correct length and fit in the hub/rim. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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08-08-19, 11:26 AM
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I'd order a few CX-Rays in the same length from a shop like wheelbuilder.com that sells individual spokes.
Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 08-08-19 at 11:35 AM.
08-08-19, 02:33 PM
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Well, Zipp was prompt to respond this morning. I'd given them the serial number, and sure enough, the wheel was built with CX-Rays. However, this is all moot, as the wheel is also under a recall, as per this PDF.
As a side note, after noticing the difference, I was inclined to order some Rays anyway, if only for the uniformity of it all - tone, tension meter values, etc. I was also annoyed that I didn't measure them in the first place. Plus, I was also annoyed because I had to order the spokes twice - first time I didn't pay attention to the fact that they are straight-pull. Oh well...
Anyway, hopefully the recall deal will be a simple process.
As a side note, after noticing the difference, I was inclined to order some Rays anyway, if only for the uniformity of it all - tone, tension meter values, etc. I was also annoyed that I didn't measure them in the first place. Plus, I was also annoyed because I had to order the spokes twice - first time I didn't pay attention to the fact that they are straight-pull. Oh well...
Anyway, hopefully the recall deal will be a simple process.
