Two questions re spokes (one specific and one general)

[KirstinS]

Afternoon all

I lost a brass nipple on my spoke inside the tyre (8fun motor)

The LBS retrieved it and were going to true the wheel for me. However, it seems other spoke is broken at the hub. So new spokes required and, being specialist gauge, the LBS dont have them. BMS battery seems my only option ? Is that right ? Any UK options ? No anwer from 8fun uk as yet

And, generally my LBS said they didnt undertand why the gauge was used. They said it made it weaker not stronger as the thick metal fatigues and breaks much faster. For a strong wheel you should use thinner but with high tension

I said perhaps it was due to the torque but he said no, not really as a strong rider can easily put that amount of torque though a wheel.

SO whats the deal ?? why do we have these thick ole spokes on 250w motors ?

Confused as, having tried about 6 different LBS, I have settled on this one as they are good, honest and knowledgable bunch (maybe not in ebiking but bikeing generally). Been there for 20 years and have an excellent rep - I'd tend to believe them

 

[Deleted member 4366]

The motor is designed for 12g and 13g spokes. You can use thinner spokes with washers, but they can bring their own problems, so best to stick with 13g. I use the ones from BMSBattery on nearly all my bikes with no problems, so I just stick to my winning formula. It's also a good chance to buy that other stuff you wanted too.

 

[103Alex1]

Catsnapper can likely do you some spokes locally ?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I think he said that he's away in Spain for a while.

 

[KirstinS]

Thanks both

I've pm him anyway as this would solve the problem much faster than a delivery from china

 

[flecc]

So whats the deal ?? why do we have these thick ole spokes on 250w motors ?

Confused as, having tried about 6 different LBS, I have settled on this one as they are good, honest and knowledgable bunch (maybe not in ebiking but bikeing generally). Been there for 20 years and have an excellent rep - I'd tend to believe them

They're right, there's no need for the thicker spokes and 14 gauge ones can work just as well. Indeed some spokes are waisted, most of their central section being much thinner to save weight. But as Dave says, the motor flange holes are made for the thicker spokes, seemingly by custom, so it's best to stick to them to avoid end breakage problems.

 

[catsnapper]

Currently enjoying the cooling breeze coming off the hills behind Barcelona Also trying to figure what e-bike setup would conquer the many very steep, albeit fairly short slopes
Walking isn't too bad, the pavements have escalators to get you up the worst bits....

Lots of mopeds, scooters, small motor bikes zooming around. Not so many cars, the streets are narrow and windy, so hardly surprising.

It's a traditional Catalan neighbourhood, with a very languid lifestyle. With a bus stop outside the front door, a Metro station entrance opposite and the Parc Guell (Gaudi) next to us and shops and bars all around it's hard to figure the next move

Spoke cutting and wheelbuilding resumes on 20th Sept.


Alan(Catsnapper)

 

[catsnapper]

Single butted spokes such as Sapim Strong are a good solution as they combine a 13g head and elbow with a slimmer 14g main section, giving a better fit on most normal bike rims. Also a high grade stainless steel unlike most Chinese spokes. Not a cheap option though at around 75p each.

I have a colleague in the UK with a similar cutting set up who can supply them if there is an urgent need.

Alan