Anything actually wrong with straight-pull spokes?

buckles

Apart from the fact you can't get them from any old bike shop and they're expensive, is there any actual downside to straight pull spokes (and I mean the spokes themselves, not any poorly designed flanges that allow de-tensioned spokes to pop out)?

cycleclinic

No straight pulls work as spokes but do not use less of them just because they are stright pulls.

majormantra

Round straight pulls are stupid because if the nipples start to seize, the wheel can become untrueable. Bladed ones are ok.

smidsy

Buckles wrote:

(and I mean the spokes themselves, not any poorly designed flanges that allow de-tensioned spokes to pop out)?

When you phrase it like that all that is left is the metal rod - so no is the answer

If you add in the nipple then the answer is different.

If you add in the ride quality the answer can be different.

So the real answer is maybe :?

If you add in availabilty and the ability to actually carry on riding the wheel after failure then probably the answer is yes.

buckles

You could carry on riding a 36 or 32 with straight pull spokes though surely?

Velonutter

I've just built a pair of wheels with Straight pull spokes and also rebuilt a set of Neutron Ultras as the previous owner had butchered them in ignorance (They are now perfect).

Couple of observations: -

1. You must use a medium Thread lock, not a permanent one.

2. Bladed spokes have a tendency to rotate, so can play havoc with your speed sensor.

3, I found using 2x on the drive side and radial on the NDS that I had to use a shite load of tension to get the wheel dished whereas on the NDS gentle tweaks moved the dishing considerably.

Probably Ugo will tell me that I was doing something wrong, but the wheels are perfect now

Kittermaster

I'm interested in your mention of rebuilding Neutron Ultras. I have a mate with a set of (old) Neutrons (not the Ultras) with reasonable rims and hubs but one broken and some loose spokes in the rear. Front is OK but spokes look a bit corroded on both.
Can I ask what spokes you used and what they cost? I've heard of someone using Sapim ones?

ugo.santalucia

Kittermaster wrote:

I'm interested in your mention of rebuilding Neutron Ultras. I have a mate with a set of (old) Neutrons (not the Ultras) with reasonable rims and hubs but one broken and some loose spokes in the rear. Front is OK but spokes look a bit corroded on both.
Can I ask what spokes you used and what they cost? I've heard of someone using Sapim ones?

Sapim CX ray straight pull are the closest. You need to recycle the barrel type nipples or find them somewhere, they are not easy to source

Velonutter

Kittermaster wrote:

I'm interested in your mention of rebuilding Neutron Ultras. I have a mate with a set of (old) Neutrons (not the Ultras) with reasonable rims and hubs but one broken and some loose spokes in the rear. Front is OK but spokes look a bit corroded on both.
Can I ask what spokes you used and what they cost? I've heard of someone using Sapim ones?

I bought the kosher replacement campag spokes that come with the washer and the nipples already have a thread lock on.

ugo.santalucia

Velonutter wrote:

I bought the kosher replacement campag spokes that come with the washer and the nipples already have a thread lock on.

Are these the eye-wateringly expensive kits to the point that the shop takes pity of you and gives you a discount?

rolf_f

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Velonutter wrote:

I bought the kosher replacement campag spokes that come with the washer and the nipples already have a thread lock on.

Are these the eye-wateringly expensive kits to the point that the shop takes pity of you and gives you a discount?

Oh come now - £40 for six spokes is less than £7 a spoke

Velonutter

Nope £22 for 6 Bladed spokes works out at £3.66 incl postage

buckles

Velonutter wrote:

Nope £22 for 6 Bladed spokes works out at £3.66 incl postage

Jesus christ I bought 70 x Alpina ACI spokes for less

Kittermaster

On eBay UK from US Seller - USD 175 including shipping for a rear wheel set.

I think I'll look into the Sapims....