Re: Open Pro Ceramic - what's the benefit?

On 2007-06-29, Simon Brooke <simon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
in message <slrnf88cs6.8cn.spamspam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Ben C
('spamspam@xxxxxxxxx') wrote:

You could also consider the slightly "aero" ones like CXP-23 or CXP-33.
I think I've heard rumours that they are less prone to cracking around
the spoke holes since being V-shaped they're kind of thicker down there.

They probably weigh a tiny bit more but are also a tiny bit more aero,
which probably counts for more anyway.

Recent Mavic rims seem to be quite unpopular with some of the folks on
RBT who report a tendency for them to crack especially when built with
the high spoke tensions to which users of the older Mavic MA-2 rims are
accustomed.

I've had no problems with them though using reasonable tension and
linseed oil, but I think it depends on a lot of other factors-- how much
weight you're carrying on the bike I suspect is a big one.

Why linseed oil, rather than a mineral oil? Is it because it will gum as
the volatiles evaporate, and thus tend to 'glue' the nipples in place?

Something like that; whatever the exact mechanism (polymerization?)
linseed goes sticky after a day or two and acts as a mild threadlock, as
well as giving you the corrosion barrier that any oil should do.

In theory you shouldn't need a threadlock because if the tension is high
enough spokes shouldn't go slack enough to work loose. But in practice
that can happen occasionally especially on the non-drive side of rear
wheels what with the high dish needed for 9/10 speed. Add to that the
fact that high tension does seem to lead to premature rim cracking with
modern rims.

Jobst Brandt will tell you you don't need threadlock, but bear in mind
he uses a lot of tension, has a stockpile of MA-2 rims that can take
that amount of tension, and is a guru-level wheelbuilder. He might also
still be riding around on a 6 or 7 speed with therefore less dish
although I'm not sure of that.

You can buy expensive threadlock in little bottles but linseed is the
stuff if you don't mind the smell.

Yes build your wheels though. Unless perhaps you spend a _lot_ of GBP,
prebuilt wheels are poor value. Even Mavic Ksyriums, which seem like
they should be expensive enough, cost more and weigh more than a set of
32H steel-spoked wheels built with lightweight rims and Record or DA
hubs and I would much rather have a Record or DA hub than a Mavic one.

I currently run Ksyrium SSC SEs on my 'good' bike, and I love them. Light,
strong, roll well, look good.

All the same if you go to weight weenies and do the math you will find
that they weigh more than handbuilt steel spoked wheels that cost a lot
less.

However, I want a SON hub

What's a SON hub? Some kind of dynamo thing? That is a desirable item.

- and I'd also
like a pair of 'my own' wheels, because although I've repaired a lot of
wheels lately it's years since I built a pair from scratch.

I'm thinking Record rear hub, SON front, some nice rims, DT Swiss double
butted spokes. All black of course, but perhaps with red spoke nipples.

You can also get aero spokes for some extra bling, although I think red
nipples is probably quite enough. Once you get your hands on that Record
hub hopefully you will see the light and put your Ksyriums where they
belong: on e-bay.
.