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Wheel Flex - Normal for Cheap or Imminent Failure?

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Wheel Flex - Normal for Cheap or Imminent Failure?

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Old 10-03-16, 03:31 PM
  #1  
PhotoJoe 
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Wheel Flex - Normal for Cheap or Imminent Failure?

OK, so I'll admit how much I don't know about wheelsets. Lately, I've noticed that when I'm up out of the saddle climbing, my rear wheel (FSA RD-60) is dragging on the brake pad, and the pads aren't set that tight. Now, before anyone accuses me of dialing it up to 600 watts, I assure you, I'm more in the 60 watt department, but 6'2", 240 lbs. ! Anyway, I've realized I need to open my back brake up to stop this. A couple of rides ago, I broke a rear spoke.
@Dan333SP made this comment in another thread (which I didn't want to hijack), and it got me thinking. Maybe there's more going on with my wheels than I thought.

Originally Posted by Dan333SP
Personally I'd ride the RS11s until they wear out, unless there's some specific issue with them like rubbing the brakes under load or popping spokes regularly etc.
Is this wheel just flexy or is there more going on here? (The vain side of me hopes there's more going on so I can justify a new wheelset )
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Old 10-03-16, 03:59 PM
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You definitely need a new wheelset.

/thread.
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Old 10-03-16, 05:06 PM
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Sounds to me like either some spokes have lost some tension or maybe there are some cracks around the eyelets or something to indicate fatigue. I'd say it is time for a new wheelset.

My experience is that cheaper wheels get to this point quickly, which is probably why I tend to upgrade the wheelset when I get a new bike.
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Old 10-03-16, 05:11 PM
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Get it checked out.
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Old 10-03-16, 05:13 PM
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Upgrade those 2200g heifers.
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Old 10-03-16, 05:20 PM
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A stiffer wheel might make brake rub worse, not better.

Debunking Wheel Stiffness - Slowtwitch.com


-Tim-
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Old 10-03-16, 05:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Wested
Upgrade those 2200g heifers.
Dang. I never looked up their weight. They just came on the bike. Now I know why I'm so slow!!!
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Old 10-03-16, 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by PhotoJoe
OK, so I'll admit how much I don't know about wheelsets. Lately, I've noticed that when I'm up out of the saddle climbing, my rear wheel (FSA RD-60) is dragging on the brake pad, and the pads aren't set that tight. Now, before anyone accuses me of dialing it up to 600 watts, I assure you, I'm more in the 60 watt department, but 6'2", 240 lbs. ! Anyway, I've realized I need to open my back brake up to stop this. A couple of rides ago, I broke a rear spoke.
@Dan333SP made this comment in another thread (which I didn't want to hijack), and it got me thinking. Maybe there's more going on with my wheels than I thought.



Is this wheel just flexy or is there more going on here? (The vain side of me hopes there's more going on so I can justify a new wheelset )
I'm your size, borrow my kids (my) 24hole Zipp 404 Power Tap and at 1400W - no issues.

You should go with single gage 14g spokes. Bladed or round.
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Old 10-03-16, 05:45 PM
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Before someone else suggests it, Boyd wheels. High quality, cost effective great customer service. Any questions (no shill here - just satisfied customer)? Also look at our friend psimet on the 41.
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Old 10-03-16, 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by t595
Before someone else suggests it, Boyd wheels. High quality, cost effective great customer service. Any questions (no shill here - just satisfied customer)?
I've been eyeing the Altamonts. :drool.
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Old 10-04-16, 08:49 AM
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Originally Posted by RJM
.... or maybe there are some cracks around the eyelets or something to indicate fatigue.
Took a look last night. Not seeing any cracks. And the shop checked tension when they replaced the spoke. Starting to lean toward a new wheelset.
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Old 10-04-16, 09:11 AM
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Any play in the hub? Check with your hand.
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Old 10-04-16, 09:42 AM
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New wheels will make you more manly, they will save you money, and elevate your status among the opposite sex. you obviously need them.
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Old 10-04-16, 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by PhotoJoe
I've been eyeing the Altamonts. :drool.
Check out November's Select Alloy wheelset too. Lots of happy customers, and they're good for Clydes, especially if you get them with the WI hubs, which have Ti freehubs, which will reduce marring issues (I chew up Aluminum freehubs in about 150 miles).
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