Recommended Galvanized Spoke Tension?
03-18-22, 09:24 PM
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Recommended Galvanized Spoke Tension?
My 78 Grand Jubile came with galvanized spokes, Normandy Sport hubs, and alloy Rigida eyeleted rims. My Park Tool tension meter on the galvanized spokes reads about 10. I'm wondering if I can increase the tension closer to my other builds with DT Comps: 15-16. Anyone with experience riding hard on old galvanized spokes? I'm considering crashing a "Gravel Ride" with this Motobecane and its 27" wheel set. Other than needing more frequent truing, is there any harm in leaving them loose like that?
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03-19-22, 10:25 AM
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Looser spokes tend to break much more frequently, and tend to insuffiently support the rim against higher loadings in use in all directions.
But older rims having 36 spoke holes hold up well with much less than the 100+kg tension levels that modern rims often need.
I see a lot of little-used original wheels from the 70's and 80's that apparently left the factory with around 40kg tension, so merely increasing the tension to an even 60kg driveside is a huge improvement and won't damage even lightweight rims.
But older rims having 36 spoke holes hold up well with much less than the 100+kg tension levels that modern rims often need.
I see a lot of little-used original wheels from the 70's and 80's that apparently left the factory with around 40kg tension, so merely increasing the tension to an even 60kg driveside is a huge improvement and won't damage even lightweight rims.
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03-19-22, 11:01 AM
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Thanks DDDD. I was lucky enough that all nipples backed off nicely and I re-tensioned the 36 1.8mm spokes to 54kgf and all seems well.
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