fully loaded on 32 spoke front wheel

[Ferdie]

Arrghh!!!

I was well happy with my brand spanking pimped up new Long Haul Trucker. Looks great, but the front wheel I ordered to be built on a son28 hub didn't look quite right. At first I was dismayed that the lbs used an old classic model even though I paid for the new 2012 model but instead of the 36 spoke wheel I counted 32. I'm off on my tour next Monday so it looks like even if I point out the problem, I may have to pay all over again for a new wheelbuild as I don't have an itemised bill saying that I paid for a 36h build and even then it is cutting it fine.

I'm traveling pretty heavy loaded and I'm wondering if I have to rethink the load on the front rack (2 panniers carrying laptop, cables, rucksack day bag, stove, cookware). Does 32 holes make a difference?

Thanks!

 

[betty swollocks]

I would say that it's more about the quality of the wheelbuilding, than the amount of holes.
If the wheel is built properly and with care, you'll be fine.
I've always used 32 hole wheels on the front and carry quite a weight in my low-rider front panniers: there's never been an issue.
Have fun.

 

[avsd]

I would talk to the shop but 32 should be fine for a front wheel if it is well built.

 

[Ferdie]

Thanks that reassured me a bit.

I will call on monday and see if they can rectify the mistake or at least refund me some of my money back. I just hope I get the really friendly guy who helped me a lot and gave me all these discounts and freebies and not the grumpy one who charged me for all the freebies and removed all the discounts I was promised when I picked up the bike!

If not hopefully a hand built wheel will hold better than the hybrid I used to run that would break a spoke every few months!

 

[Crankarm]

Sounds like a crap LBS. They can't provide what you asked and then you paid them for it which was substantially different to what was previously agreed!?? I would have told them thanks, but no thanks and gone else where. You don't need an itemised bill to sunstantiate what you wanted. Just stick it to them that they haven't provided what had been previously agreed. A written estimate or quote is what you really need to show what was agreed prior to them doing any work or supplying goods to you. But you can still go on verbals but it is essentially your word against theirs. If they are a half decent bike shop then they should be able to put things right for you.

32 spokes in the front will be fine if the wheel build is good. 36 would be preferred on the back as the back wheel carries your weight and your luggage which on rough roads you will need. Where are you intending to ride and for how long?

 

[Ferdie]

The back is 36 spokes and has the stock wheel. The front is a wheelbuild because I got the dynamo and they used a 32h son hub (old one).

It is a very good lbs and was recommended here. The guy that worked with me for 2 weeks was amazing in his advice. It seems to be a case of miscommunication when work was handed over to others when he wasn't in the shop. The other guy who worked on my bike was less friendly (he would only speak to me through someone else and rolled his eyes whenever I addressed him directly). He actually flatly said some of the mods were not possible in the most condescending tone possible but did still charge me for the non existent components because he couldn't be bothered to go through the estimate and adjust the estimate.

I'll phone on monday and hopefully a nice person will answer.

But even if they see things my way a week is probably not enough time so here's hoping for a durable wheel!!.

I'm cycling to Barcelona next week, and the reason I can't delay to sort this out is because I have a deadline (a festival)!

 

[Crankarm]

Does the stroppy shop assistant own the bike shop? If not then complain to the owner/manager. Stick up for yourself. If you are happy paying more than you were told for stuff you don't need or want then fine, live with it, move on, go on your trip.

Barelona is hardly rough riding. I am sure there are lots of smooth tarmac roads that you and your bike can coast along therefore 32h wheels will be fine, even for the rear. For a moment I thought you were going on a world tour to destinations remote and challenging such as South America, Mongolia or Africa.

 

[CopperCyclist]

Sounds like that assistant will be losing the LBS custom. I left my last car garage because of a mechanic with exactly the same attitude. They were excellently priced, they did good work - but the one bloke was grumpy and condescending. Unfortunately he was the owners father. I never bothered complaining, just 'voted with my feet'.

 

[Ferdie]

Does the stroppy shop assistant own the bike shop? If not then complain to the owner/manager. Stick up for yourself. If you are happy paying more than you were told for stuff you don't need or want then fine, live with it, move on, go on your trip.

Barelona is hardly rough riding. I am sure there are lots of smooth tarmac roads that you and your bike can coast along therefore 32h wheels will be fine, even for the rear. For a moment I thought you were going on a world tour to destinations remote and challenging such as South America, Mongolia or Africa.

[/quote]

Ha, well I have just left my job at the moment and just sublet my flat so who knows!

Anyway I called the shop and the nice chap is sourcing a hub for the a new wheel in time for my trip. It was a little niggle and mistakes happen and the shop is on the case so hopefully I won't have to find out if 32 spokes can take the kitchen sink after all.

 

[willem]

Even a 28 spoke front wheel would probably still be stronger than a 36 spoke rear wheel. The biggest advantage of 36 spokes is that if your rear rim packs up without a decent shop in sight, you can use the front rim to build a strong new rear wheel and buy a cheap front wheel. On the other hand, fewer spokes makes for a just marginally faster because lighter and more aerodynamic wheel. The new model vs the old is perhaps more interesting as the new models are quite a bit lighter and a little bit more efficient. Did you have reason to go for the 28 instead of the 20/sondelux? With modern led lights if it is just for lighting the hubs for 20 inch wheels produce enough juice. You only need the 28 models if you also want to charge electronic gadgets at the same time. The 20 inch models have quite a bit less resistance.
Willem

 

[srw]

I did some counting at the weekend. Our tandem front wheel is built (by Thorn) around an SON dynamo hub with 32 holes. It has run absolutely true for the last 2000 or so miles, including 1000 miles of laden touring.

Thorn are not known for their under-engineering. If a laden touring tandem with two riders on it (neither of whom is a whippet) can't destroy a 32-hole front wheel, a solo touring bike certainly can't.

 

[Ferdie]

Did you have reason to go for the 28 instead of the 20/sondelux? With modern led lights if it is just for lighting the hubs for 20 inch wheels produce enough juice. You only need the 28 models if you also want to charge electronic gadgets at the same time.

I have a en ewerk charger powering a a phone and gps, as well as the cache for my gameboy . I make music on my gameboy and for this trip I am making a song every rest day and uploading it so people can download a track and donate some money to charity for each download .

You guys are are probably right. If the shop get back to me and are busting a gut trying to find the new hub I'll probably just leave it and hit the road.

At this time I'm more concerned with this new tent that I can't pitch!

Thanks for the advice guys!