Tongxin hub motor wheel build

[jrvk1]

Hi there, I have a Tongxin goldant hub motor (ordered from China) and am putting this into a 700c wheel to use on my hybrid commuter bike. I ordered the motor with 32 holes drilled and bought a mavic open sport 32 hole rim. I am getting a bike shop to build the wheel as I have no experience doing this. They have called me up to say that the hub holes are drilled for 3mm spokes, while the rim has 2mm holes. They said they could build the wheel with 2mm spokes, but it would not be as strong. Do anyone know if this will be a problem? I could buy another rim with 3mm holes or alternatively just press on with 2mm spokes. Grateful for any advice.

 

[amigafan2003]

It'll be fine with 2mm spokes

 

[jerrysimon]

Have you seen my post on these motors and my builds. I have now used 2mm spokes and radially laced them :

Here and here

That said my wheels are smaller 16" wheels. As stated though I see not problem with building a larger wheel probably with x1 (one cross not radial) lacing minimum.


Regards

Jerry.

 

[amigafan2003]

My Tongxin is laced into a 700cc rim with 14g/16g db spokes (2nn/1.6mm) in a 3 cross pattern and it's fine - 3k miles and not seen a spoke wrench since the build.

But remember, a wheel is only as strong as the wheel builder is skillful

 

[neptune]

if it was me, and was anal about spoke size, I would buy a 3mm drill bit and drill out the rim. Five minute job.

 

[jerrysimon]

Just to correct my post x2 (two cross lace) minimum. Here is a picture of my old Cytronex wheel I had a while back. X2 weaved under the second cross. They use Tongxins successfully and as far as I recall use 2mm spokes without any problems.

Remember these motors are pretty low power by all accounts, so these type of builds should be more than strong enough. As stated as long as they are built well, they should be good for thousands of miles without adjustment.

Regards

Jerry

 

[jrvk1]

Thanks for all the advice. This is a great forum. I think I will carry on with 2mm spokes as others have had no problems. In answer to Jerry's post, I have seen those very helpful threads regarding these kits, which were, in fact, my inspiration for giving this a go. Hoping to have all the bits together by the weekend so I can put it together.