3-5 Spoke Wheels

WhiteLycra

Dear All,

I don't really know a lot about the mechanics of a bike, but I am looking to get a 3-5 spoke rear wheel for my road bike (because they look cool). The only trouble is my bike only has 8 rows on the cassette. Do they make them with 8 or only with 10?

If it is possible to get hold of one, do you know where I can get a cheap one?

Any advice is much appreciated.

Monty Dog

If using a Shimano drivetrain, it will work with 8, 9 or 10. The term you are looking for is 'sprockets' rather than 'rows'. Suggest looking on a timetrialling forum if looking for a 'cheap' one.

blackhands

Any Shimano fit will take an 8 speed cassette. But, even a 2nd had one won't be cheap. Also they tend to give a harsher ride than a normal spoked wheel.

amaferanga

Why not get a full disc wheel instead? They look even cooler

gregster10217

They may look cool, but why do you want it - other than the looks? Lots of disadvantages to them, harsher ride and cost to replace if you damage it. They are mainly used for time trials, so if you're going into that all well and good, but £400+ for a wheel cos it looks cool? Seems like a waste to me, much better things to be spending my money on anyway.

balthazar

blackhands wrote:

Also they tend to give a harsher ride than a normal spoked wheel.

Not that this has much bearing on the query, but – no they don't. Practically, ordinary spoked wheels are completely rigid, vertically: deflection in use is within the range of a tenth of a millimetre. That's similar to the step created by riding over a sheet of copy paper.

dennisn

balthazar wrote:

blackhands wrote:

Also they tend to give a harsher ride than a normal spoked wheel.

Not that this has much bearing on the query, but – no they don't. Practically, ordinary spoked wheels are completely rigid, vertically: deflection in use is within the range of a tenth of a millimetre. That's similar to the step created by riding over a sheet of copy paper.

+1...... I agree. If you want a smooth ride get big wide tires, use lower pressure in them.
Get a suspension seatpost. For that matter get a suspension bike. I've got HED 3 spoke
wheels and, other than being more aero than most wheels, their ride is no different than any other wheel I own. It's all about tire pressure, at least on a standard equipped road bike.

bike junkie

gregster10217 wrote:

They may look cool, but why do you want it

Cos they look cool!!!! fair play mate. we all wanna look cool

WhiteLycra

Thanks everyone for the info, but I do agree. £400 to look cool is a bit excessive!
Sprockets instead of Rows many thanks :P

father_jack

Wheels with no spokes at all are cool