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Nipple to nipple
Strolling around the bike-stuff websites, I came upon these
wheels: http://tinyurl.com/6e5hq The significant feature is that the spokes go from one nipple, through the hub, to a nipple on the other side of the rim. At least, that's what the text says. The pictures aren't saying that. The claim is that it increases stiffness. Now, I have two problems with this design. 1. The spoke starts out bent due to the dishing on either side of the hub. 2. If the spoke really is a single unit from nipple to nipple, doesn't acceleration bend it? I don't see if there's anything pinning the center of the spoke to the hub, so it's possible the hub is floating in the star between all the spokes, and free to slide around, which you would think would be a major reduction in stiffness, so maybe there's something pinning it. And maybe it's actually split and the two halves of a spoke are merely pinned at the same point, which would give the same tensional balance, but kind of blow the concept. Anyone seen these and evaluated their performance? --Blair "Yeah. Those hubs will still be around in 12 years. Not." |
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#2
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Blair P. Houghton wrote:
Strolling around the bike-stuff websites, I came upon these wheels: http://tinyurl.com/6e5hq The significant feature is that the spokes go from one nipple, through the hub, to a nipple on the other side of the rim. At least, that's what the text says. The pictures aren't saying that. Ah yes, the "Mickey Mouse" wheels. These have been discussed before on this newsgroup, you can do a Google Groups search to find some old threads. The claim is that it increases stiffness. Now, I have two problems with this design. Only two? How about: - Price $849.98 - "WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK A SPOKE ? The Kevlar / carbon fiber combination produces an incredibly strong and tough spoke. Under normal use, it is virtually impossible to break the fibers in a Topolino spoke. Topolino spokes are not subject to flex fatigue like steel spokes, because they cannot move where they join the hub and do not experience the bend and squirm associated with conventional steel spokes. A small nick in the spoke should normally be no problem. If a spoke ever does somehow fail, half of the spokes and one side of the hub are removed and replaced as one modular piece. Although not as inexpensive as a traditional steel spoke, the process is relatively straightforward (no special tools) and these "halves" are provided at a very reasonable cost." - "CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR RIMS ? Our clincher rims are made to our exacting specifications, which include unusually high standards for roundness. The material is an enhanced, heat-treated 6000 series aluminum. The rim seam is welded, not sleeved and the brake track is machined smooth for seamless braking performance right out of the box." -- Benjamin Lewis I regret to say that we of the FBI are powerless to act in cases of oral-genital intimacy, unless it has in some way obstructed interstate commerce. -- J. Edgar Hoover |
#3
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Blair P. Houghton wrote:
Strolling around the bike-stuff websites, I came upon these wheels: http://tinyurl.com/6e5hq The significant feature is that the spokes go from one nipple, through the hub, to a nipple on the other side of the rim. At least, that's what the text says. The pictures aren't saying that. Ah yes, the "Mickey Mouse" wheels. These have been discussed before on this newsgroup, you can do a Google Groups search to find some old threads. The claim is that it increases stiffness. Now, I have two problems with this design. Only two? How about: - Price $849.98 - "WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK A SPOKE ? The Kevlar / carbon fiber combination produces an incredibly strong and tough spoke. Under normal use, it is virtually impossible to break the fibers in a Topolino spoke. Topolino spokes are not subject to flex fatigue like steel spokes, because they cannot move where they join the hub and do not experience the bend and squirm associated with conventional steel spokes. A small nick in the spoke should normally be no problem. If a spoke ever does somehow fail, half of the spokes and one side of the hub are removed and replaced as one modular piece. Although not as inexpensive as a traditional steel spoke, the process is relatively straightforward (no special tools) and these "halves" are provided at a very reasonable cost." - "CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR RIMS ? Our clincher rims are made to our exacting specifications, which include unusually high standards for roundness. The material is an enhanced, heat-treated 6000 series aluminum. The rim seam is welded, not sleeved and the brake track is machined smooth for seamless braking performance right out of the box." -- Benjamin Lewis I regret to say that we of the FBI are powerless to act in cases of oral-genital intimacy, unless it has in some way obstructed interstate commerce. -- J. Edgar Hoover |
#4
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Blair P. Houghton wrote:
Strolling around the bike-stuff websites, I came upon these wheels: http://tinyurl.com/6e5hq The significant feature is that the spokes go from one nipple, through the hub, to a nipple on the other side of the rim. At least, that's what the text says. The pictures aren't saying that. Ah yes, the "Mickey Mouse" wheels. These have been discussed before on this newsgroup, you can do a Google Groups search to find some old threads. The claim is that it increases stiffness. Now, I have two problems with this design. Only two? How about: - Price $849.98 - "WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK A SPOKE ? The Kevlar / carbon fiber combination produces an incredibly strong and tough spoke. Under normal use, it is virtually impossible to break the fibers in a Topolino spoke. Topolino spokes are not subject to flex fatigue like steel spokes, because they cannot move where they join the hub and do not experience the bend and squirm associated with conventional steel spokes. A small nick in the spoke should normally be no problem. If a spoke ever does somehow fail, half of the spokes and one side of the hub are removed and replaced as one modular piece. Although not as inexpensive as a traditional steel spoke, the process is relatively straightforward (no special tools) and these "halves" are provided at a very reasonable cost." - "CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR RIMS ? Our clincher rims are made to our exacting specifications, which include unusually high standards for roundness. The material is an enhanced, heat-treated 6000 series aluminum. The rim seam is welded, not sleeved and the brake track is machined smooth for seamless braking performance right out of the box." -- Benjamin Lewis I regret to say that we of the FBI are powerless to act in cases of oral-genital intimacy, unless it has in some way obstructed interstate commerce. -- J. Edgar Hoover |
#5
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Blair P. Houghton wrote:
The significant feature is that the spokes go from one nipple, through the hub, to a nipple on the other side of the rim. At least, that's what the text says. The pictures aren't saying that. Pictures: http://www.topolinotech.com/wheel-technology.shtml |
#6
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Blair P. Houghton wrote:
The significant feature is that the spokes go from one nipple, through the hub, to a nipple on the other side of the rim. At least, that's what the text says. The pictures aren't saying that. Pictures: http://www.topolinotech.com/wheel-technology.shtml |
#7
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Blair P. Houghton wrote:
The significant feature is that the spokes go from one nipple, through the hub, to a nipple on the other side of the rim. At least, that's what the text says. The pictures aren't saying that. Pictures: http://www.topolinotech.com/wheel-technology.shtml |
#8
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"Blair P. Houghton" wrote in message
... Strolling around the bike-stuff websites, I came upon these wheels: http://tinyurl.com/6e5hq The significant feature is that the spokes go from one nipple, through the hub, to a nipple on the other side of the rim. At least, that's what the text says. The pictures aren't saying that. The claim is that it increases stiffness. Now, I have two problems with this design. 1. The spoke starts out bent due to the dishing on either side of the hub. 2. If the spoke really is a single unit from nipple to nipple, doesn't acceleration bend it? I don't see if there's anything pinning the center of the spoke to the hub, so it's possible the hub is floating in the star between all the spokes, and free to slide around, which you would think would be a major reduction in stiffness, so maybe there's something pinning it. And maybe it's actually split and the two halves of a spoke are merely pinned at the same point, which would give the same tensional balance, but kind of blow the concept. Anyone seen these and evaluated their performance? I have a pair and have put about 1600 miles on them in 2 1/2 months, so here are my initial impressions. I got them because they seemed like the best "light" wheel for a heavy rider. Their website makes note of the fact that big riders should like them because the spokes are so light they can use more of them. They also claim they are not just a "race" wheel but an "everyday" wheel. And I also spoke with a big, heavy, powerful guy that loved his. It should be noted I'm very rough on wheels. Besides my weight, the roads I ride are rough, and I like taking short cuts. By comparison, my wheels before this were a pair of hand-built Mavic Open Pros 32 spoke on Ultegra hubs with DT spokes. These were always going out of true. When asked, the builder (who has a good reputation nationally) told me he thought that was pretty standard wear considering my size. Now... about the Topolinos... They are very light and so far very strong (so far). My pair weighed 1420 grams... a little above the claimed weight of 1390, but not bad. They have all the advantages of light wheels... fast acceleration, easy climbing, etc. that made me want a light pair. Now the strong part. I weigh 265lbs. I have ridden them on every ride since I put them on. Over mostly rural roads (with all the accompanying potholes, train tracks, rednecks forcing me off the road, etc.) they have stayed true, and there is no sign of weakening (cracks near the nipples, things like that). Here's hoping the good luck continues in that area. They haven't required a single touch of the spoke wrench. The ride is much smoother than any other wheel I've ridden. They do a wonderful job of smoothing out the road. Because the spokes pass through the hubs (yes, they do that, well... actually the hub flanges) I heard others describe the it like a hammock for the hub. They feel a little bouncy to me if that makes sense, and I could see how someone who wants things very stiff and tight might not like them. Any negatives you ask? Well, yes. Topolino uses Loc-Tight on the nipples to keep them from moving. If you do have to true the wheel, the company recommends using a torch to heat up the nipple to loosen the goo. I would guess the alloy nipples are sure to strip if you don't. If you do break a spoke ( and I have to admit that short of catastrophe I don't see how you could), you have to send it back and get half the wheel replaced. But all boutique wheels going to have some problems like that. As far as the price... they're completive with others in their category. If you are a die-hard 32-36 spoke bomb-proof wheel fan, you'll think they're over priced, but then you'd have to think that about all the boutique wheels. Just don't test ride a pair... especially uphill! In summary, so far so good. They have been light and strong for me, and I enjoy the ride. We'll see how the next few thousand miles go. As always, YMMV. |
#9
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"Blair P. Houghton" wrote in message
... Strolling around the bike-stuff websites, I came upon these wheels: http://tinyurl.com/6e5hq The significant feature is that the spokes go from one nipple, through the hub, to a nipple on the other side of the rim. At least, that's what the text says. The pictures aren't saying that. The claim is that it increases stiffness. Now, I have two problems with this design. 1. The spoke starts out bent due to the dishing on either side of the hub. 2. If the spoke really is a single unit from nipple to nipple, doesn't acceleration bend it? I don't see if there's anything pinning the center of the spoke to the hub, so it's possible the hub is floating in the star between all the spokes, and free to slide around, which you would think would be a major reduction in stiffness, so maybe there's something pinning it. And maybe it's actually split and the two halves of a spoke are merely pinned at the same point, which would give the same tensional balance, but kind of blow the concept. Anyone seen these and evaluated their performance? I have a pair and have put about 1600 miles on them in 2 1/2 months, so here are my initial impressions. I got them because they seemed like the best "light" wheel for a heavy rider. Their website makes note of the fact that big riders should like them because the spokes are so light they can use more of them. They also claim they are not just a "race" wheel but an "everyday" wheel. And I also spoke with a big, heavy, powerful guy that loved his. It should be noted I'm very rough on wheels. Besides my weight, the roads I ride are rough, and I like taking short cuts. By comparison, my wheels before this were a pair of hand-built Mavic Open Pros 32 spoke on Ultegra hubs with DT spokes. These were always going out of true. When asked, the builder (who has a good reputation nationally) told me he thought that was pretty standard wear considering my size. Now... about the Topolinos... They are very light and so far very strong (so far). My pair weighed 1420 grams... a little above the claimed weight of 1390, but not bad. They have all the advantages of light wheels... fast acceleration, easy climbing, etc. that made me want a light pair. Now the strong part. I weigh 265lbs. I have ridden them on every ride since I put them on. Over mostly rural roads (with all the accompanying potholes, train tracks, rednecks forcing me off the road, etc.) they have stayed true, and there is no sign of weakening (cracks near the nipples, things like that). Here's hoping the good luck continues in that area. They haven't required a single touch of the spoke wrench. The ride is much smoother than any other wheel I've ridden. They do a wonderful job of smoothing out the road. Because the spokes pass through the hubs (yes, they do that, well... actually the hub flanges) I heard others describe the it like a hammock for the hub. They feel a little bouncy to me if that makes sense, and I could see how someone who wants things very stiff and tight might not like them. Any negatives you ask? Well, yes. Topolino uses Loc-Tight on the nipples to keep them from moving. If you do have to true the wheel, the company recommends using a torch to heat up the nipple to loosen the goo. I would guess the alloy nipples are sure to strip if you don't. If you do break a spoke ( and I have to admit that short of catastrophe I don't see how you could), you have to send it back and get half the wheel replaced. But all boutique wheels going to have some problems like that. As far as the price... they're completive with others in their category. If you are a die-hard 32-36 spoke bomb-proof wheel fan, you'll think they're over priced, but then you'd have to think that about all the boutique wheels. Just don't test ride a pair... especially uphill! In summary, so far so good. They have been light and strong for me, and I enjoy the ride. We'll see how the next few thousand miles go. As always, YMMV. |
#10
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"Blair P. Houghton" wrote in message
... Strolling around the bike-stuff websites, I came upon these wheels: http://tinyurl.com/6e5hq The significant feature is that the spokes go from one nipple, through the hub, to a nipple on the other side of the rim. At least, that's what the text says. The pictures aren't saying that. The claim is that it increases stiffness. Now, I have two problems with this design. 1. The spoke starts out bent due to the dishing on either side of the hub. 2. If the spoke really is a single unit from nipple to nipple, doesn't acceleration bend it? I don't see if there's anything pinning the center of the spoke to the hub, so it's possible the hub is floating in the star between all the spokes, and free to slide around, which you would think would be a major reduction in stiffness, so maybe there's something pinning it. And maybe it's actually split and the two halves of a spoke are merely pinned at the same point, which would give the same tensional balance, but kind of blow the concept. Anyone seen these and evaluated their performance? I have a pair and have put about 1600 miles on them in 2 1/2 months, so here are my initial impressions. I got them because they seemed like the best "light" wheel for a heavy rider. Their website makes note of the fact that big riders should like them because the spokes are so light they can use more of them. They also claim they are not just a "race" wheel but an "everyday" wheel. And I also spoke with a big, heavy, powerful guy that loved his. It should be noted I'm very rough on wheels. Besides my weight, the roads I ride are rough, and I like taking short cuts. By comparison, my wheels before this were a pair of hand-built Mavic Open Pros 32 spoke on Ultegra hubs with DT spokes. These were always going out of true. When asked, the builder (who has a good reputation nationally) told me he thought that was pretty standard wear considering my size. Now... about the Topolinos... They are very light and so far very strong (so far). My pair weighed 1420 grams... a little above the claimed weight of 1390, but not bad. They have all the advantages of light wheels... fast acceleration, easy climbing, etc. that made me want a light pair. Now the strong part. I weigh 265lbs. I have ridden them on every ride since I put them on. Over mostly rural roads (with all the accompanying potholes, train tracks, rednecks forcing me off the road, etc.) they have stayed true, and there is no sign of weakening (cracks near the nipples, things like that). Here's hoping the good luck continues in that area. They haven't required a single touch of the spoke wrench. The ride is much smoother than any other wheel I've ridden. They do a wonderful job of smoothing out the road. Because the spokes pass through the hubs (yes, they do that, well... actually the hub flanges) I heard others describe the it like a hammock for the hub. They feel a little bouncy to me if that makes sense, and I could see how someone who wants things very stiff and tight might not like them. Any negatives you ask? Well, yes. Topolino uses Loc-Tight on the nipples to keep them from moving. If you do have to true the wheel, the company recommends using a torch to heat up the nipple to loosen the goo. I would guess the alloy nipples are sure to strip if you don't. If you do break a spoke ( and I have to admit that short of catastrophe I don't see how you could), you have to send it back and get half the wheel replaced. But all boutique wheels going to have some problems like that. As far as the price... they're completive with others in their category. If you are a die-hard 32-36 spoke bomb-proof wheel fan, you'll think they're over priced, but then you'd have to think that about all the boutique wheels. Just don't test ride a pair... especially uphill! In summary, so far so good. They have been light and strong for me, and I enjoy the ride. We'll see how the next few thousand miles go. As always, YMMV. |
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