I think the first wheels I ever built were 36 spoke 3-cross. My current bike has 20 spoke rear and 18 spoke front. They seem quite strong, despite.40 vs 36 vs 32 vs 28 vs 24 vs 20 spoke counts in wheels
I think the first wheels I ever built were 36 spoke 3-cross. My current bike has 20 spoke rear and 18 spoke front. They seem quite strong, despite.
You make a good point. I used “dinosaur” shifters for years and never found them to be problem. My mid-90s mountain bike came with indexed grip shifters, and I was completely charmed by the improvement.Now into discussion
I really like friction shifters. I have the Dura Ace 9 speed ones on my recumbent.
Advantages
Far lighter to have bar end shifters and pure brakes than STI
Far cheaper
Simple to replace cables
They don’t chew cables to start with so replacing cables is a rare thing.
Shifting 1,2,3,4,5,6 gears at a time is simple with a single lever throw and muscle memory gets you there every time.
You can put in a 10 speed wheel or 8 speed or 9 speed and just get riding. No gear adjustment required. You are not locked into speeds
On long distance rides you don’t get numb hands (applies more to upright bikes as you don’t get numb hands on recumbents anyway)
You can see roughly what gear you are in and whether you have more cogs for shifting up and down
Disadvantages
You get called a dinosaur 🦖
Pretty sure it’d “Pringle” (great image!). Knock on wood, I’ve never had a spoke break in many, many years of riding. May have to do with weight: 155 lbs/11 stone. Doesn’t acceleration also factor in? I’m no jackrabbit in that regard.I just wonder how well a 18 spoke wheel would hold up if one or two spokes went. Would it still be rideable or a complete Pringle?
westwood to westrick rims ?Have we had rod brakes?
You can do that but it's not as good as real friction shifters are. Ask me how I know lol.with most Shimano DT shifters the indexing can be switched off leaving them as friction.
my set are fine,You can do that but it's not as good as real friction shifters are. Ask me how I know lol.
Is the “rod brake” implemented by sticking a rod through the spokes? Inquiring minds want to know! ;-)Have we had rod brakes?
a series of steel rods and 'Bell cranks' operate the brakes, still available I believe on 'Traditional' bikes, none of this sticky cable malakeyIs the “rod brake” implemented by sticking a rod through the spokes? Inquiring minds want to know! ;-)
a series of steel rods and 'Bell cranks' operate the brakes, still available I believe on 'Traditional' bikes, none of this sticky cable malakeyIs the “rod brake” implemented by sticking a rod through the spokes? Inquiring minds want to know! ;-)
My modern trike has drum brakes but not seen any on a two wheeler for a long time.drum brakes ?? years since I saw one roll by