BionX wheel re-build

[Steveu]

I had to have my BionX hub rebuilt into a new (26 inch) rim when the original rim wore out. Since then I have been plagued by broken spokes - despite returning to the wheel builder several times. As the spokes are quite short it is noticeable that they enter the nipple at an angle - and this is where they all break off.

All the bike shops I have spoken to are reluctant to take this on as the spokes are so short (and difficult to source). Does anyone have any suggestions? As many electric hubs are quite large, this must be a relatively common problem.

Thanks

Steve

 

[jonathan75]

It sounds like a bad build. There is no such thing as a standard spoke for a brand of motor, because the correct spoke depends completely on the geometry created by what can be a practically unique relationship between the specific motor and rim. Anyone saying spokes are difficult to source, either hasn't done proper measurements on your rim and motor, isn't a serious wheelbuilder, or both most likely. If you're near Cheshunt I strongly recommend Stanley Bridge Cycles who take amazing pride in their builds - or ring and ask them if they could recommend a good wheelbuilder in your area. Sorry if I sound strident, I might be wrong but this is just my sense of things.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I think that there's a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about wheel-building. People often think that a high specification expensive rim will be better; however, they often have eyelets in the spoke holes, which mean that you can't use 13g spokes in anything other than a one-cross pattern. Can you tell us what type of rim and spokes you have, and how many crosses in the pattern?

The another misconception is that stainless steel spokes are stronger, but SS has very low fatigue resistance, so it will break if subjected to repeated bending.

Lastly, is the idea that you need 13g or even 12g spokes for a hub-motor. You get a much better angle on 14g spokes, and they're more elastic, so less prone to loosening. 13g spokes can be difficult to find, but you can get 14g anywhere.