Wheel and bearing questions
#1
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Wheel and bearing questions
I have a set of 36 hole aeroheads that i was given and some Formula hubs. My questions are what sort of bearing upgrade should i look at for the hubs and i was also thinking about a radial pattern for the front. Other than looks on the front is there any advantages of radial spoke pattern over cross? They are for my first build which is a late 70s (i think) Pogliaghi Track.
Thanks!
Thanks!
#2
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There is a lot of debate about radial lacing. For you, the only difference will probably be appearance. I say go for 3-cross on both wheels.
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radial is fine on the front for modern hubs and spokes. Radial pattern puts more stress on the outer edge of the hub flange than a cross pattern, thus it makes a bit weaker. radial pattern on the rear is not a good choice because of the torsion force you place on the wheel as you accelerate. The benefit of radial pattern in the front is shorter spokes, thus a lighter wheel (we're not talking much here).
go with 3 cross.
go with 3 cross.
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I much prefer the look of crossin' spokes.
#8
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Phil Wood. As you live in a wet climate you'll find that Phil Wood bearings not only roll extremely well, but also have top notch seals and are filled 100% with waterproof grease, not the 30% which you find in commercial bearings.
They are about USD5 apiece, and you'll need four for a complete wheelset.
Phil Wood ships internationally for very reasonable rates. https://www.philwood.com/Phil%20Spec'd%20Bearings.htm
They are about USD5 apiece, and you'll need four for a complete wheelset.
Phil Wood ships internationally for very reasonable rates. https://www.philwood.com/Phil%20Spec'd%20Bearings.htm
#9
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Yeah, most peole upgrade their Formula bearings to something like Phil when they're shot from what I understand. Not a bad upgrade really, you'll make your bearings spin as smooth as Phils and not drop all that $$$. I'm about to throw some Phils in my crunchy rear Formula just about now as a matter of fact...
There's ceramic bearings too, but unless you're racing they're overkill, and some would argue still overkill if you are racing.
There's ceramic bearings too, but unless you're racing they're overkill, and some would argue still overkill if you are racing.
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Are the bearings in the formulas bad?
If they are new, you probably won't notice any difference with nicer bearings (with the exception possibly of ceramics). My phil feels a lot like most new formulas I've spun.
As for the radial/cross debate, some people feel that radial lacing is more aerodynamic than cross. It also creates a wheel that has different stiffness properties. For the details, Get Jobst Brant's "The bicycle wheel". It's an overall good read.
If they are new, you probably won't notice any difference with nicer bearings (with the exception possibly of ceramics). My phil feels a lot like most new formulas I've spun.
As for the radial/cross debate, some people feel that radial lacing is more aerodynamic than cross. It also creates a wheel that has different stiffness properties. For the details, Get Jobst Brant's "The bicycle wheel". It's an overall good read.
Last edited by TimArchy; 04-08-08 at 04:47 AM.
#11
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Are the bearings in the formulas bad?
If they are new, you probably won't notice any difference with nicer bearings (with the exception possibly of ceramics). My phil feels a lot like most new formulas I've spun.
As for the radial/cross debate, some people feel that radial lacing is more aerodynamic than cross. It also creates a wheel that has different stiffness properties. For the details, Get Jobst Brant's "The bicycle wheel". It's an overall good read.
If they are new, you probably won't notice any difference with nicer bearings (with the exception possibly of ceramics). My phil feels a lot like most new formulas I've spun.
As for the radial/cross debate, some people feel that radial lacing is more aerodynamic than cross. It also creates a wheel that has different stiffness properties. For the details, Get Jobst Brant's "The bicycle wheel". It's an overall good read.
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#13
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Are the bearings in the formulas bad?
If they are new, you probably won't notice any difference with nicer bearings (with the exception possibly of ceramics). My phil feels a lot like most new formulas I've spun.
As for the radial/cross debate, some people feel that radial lacing is more aerodynamic than cross. It also creates a wheel that has different stiffness properties. For the details, Get Jobst Brant's "The bicycle wheel". It's an overall good read.
If they are new, you probably won't notice any difference with nicer bearings (with the exception possibly of ceramics). My phil feels a lot like most new formulas I've spun.
As for the radial/cross debate, some people feel that radial lacing is more aerodynamic than cross. It also creates a wheel that has different stiffness properties. For the details, Get Jobst Brant's "The bicycle wheel". It's an overall good read.
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Are the bearings in the formulas bad?
If they are new, you probably won't notice any difference with nicer bearings (with the exception possibly of ceramics). My phil feels a lot like most new formulas I've spun.
As for the radial/cross debate, some people feel that radial lacing is more aerodynamic than cross. It also creates a wheel that has different stiffness properties. For the details, Get Jobst Brant's "The bicycle wheel". It's an overall good read.
If they are new, you probably won't notice any difference with nicer bearings (with the exception possibly of ceramics). My phil feels a lot like most new formulas I've spun.
As for the radial/cross debate, some people feel that radial lacing is more aerodynamic than cross. It also creates a wheel that has different stiffness properties. For the details, Get Jobst Brant's "The bicycle wheel". It's an overall good read.
Seeing as Phils "have a lot of drag out of the box", do they improve with use or what?
#15
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PW bearings improve as some of the grease seeps out of the bearing, creating a very nice watertight seal. PW bearings are packed 100% with waterproof grease, while standard bearings are packed about 30% with non-waterproof grease.
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![Smilie](images/smilies/smile.gif)
#20
i've not had any problems with stock formula bearings, they lasted me a long time. cheapo replacement bearings ordered from the bike shop, however, lasted less than a year for me. i'd get some phils, or if you don't want to send away pop into your local skate shop and ask for some quality 6000 bearings (inner diameter: 10mm outer: 26mm width 8mm)
shameless plug for my howto thread
shameless plug for my howto thread
#21
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radial is fine on the front for modern hubs and spokes. Radial pattern puts more stress on the outer edge of the hub flange than a cross pattern, thus it makes a bit weaker. radial pattern on the rear is not a good choice because of the torsion force you place on the wheel as you accelerate. The benefit of radial pattern in the front is shorter spokes, thus a lighter wheel (we're not talking much here).
go with 3 cross.
go with 3 cross.
Buying high flange hubs also adds lateral rigidity, but it costs you more in weight.
edit: mixed up heads and nipples. All corrected
Last edited by Peedtm; 04-08-08 at 04:34 PM.
#25
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Waterproof grease means that it doesn't wash out when you wipe the excess on your pants.