I just noticed that I have a single broken spoke on the rear wheel of my
trike. The wheels were rebuilt by British Wire Wheel about three years ago and
are "tight". The spoke is sheared about an inch out of the hub.
The wheels take a lot of punishment when racing, especially the rear. I
corner in "drifts" which is really enjoyable and very controllable. However,
it is rough on the rear wheel. Not many spokes (40?) to take the load.
Stainless "work hardness" and I am wondering if this is a know problem with
stainless spokes in a racing application or just a fluke.
I will call British Wire this PM for advice. I can't imagine this being
a
problem with a 72 spoke wheel, but still I was wondering if anyone has had any
negative experiences with stainless spokes.
I must admit that I have never checked the spokes for
tightness/adjustment-
but I am going to!
I have also noticed that stainless bolts feel quite different when you
tighten them. Stainless is known to gaul and antiseize is recommended when
using stainless nuts and bolts. I have stainless bolts threading into mild
steel for fender mounts and notice that they have a tendency to be either
tight or loose- no in-between. It is like tightening against a rock.
Stainless looks good but is not recommended for high stress
applications-
which would seem to include spokes, at least mine.
Fred Sisson
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