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to quote some random guy of tinterweb:
"Radial spoked (cross 0) wheels have the spokes going straight out from the hub. This pattern is only suitable for front wheels that don't use hub brakes. They are very cool-looking, and are often a good choice for the ultimate in performance, because they are slightly lighter and, in theory, may have a very slight aerodynamic edge.
There are two things to watch out for with radial wheels. Because the nipples point straight inward from the rim, they can turn more easily in most rims than when they are bent to a slight angle by a semi-tangent spoke pattern. This ease of turning increases the risk of them unscrewing themselves on the road. To prevent this, nipples on radial wheels should not be lubricated, and it is a good idea to use a spoke adhesive such as Wheelsmith Spoke Prep or one of the milder flavors of Loctite ® on them.The other potential problem with radial wheels is that since the spokes are trailing straight outward on the hub flange, they can possibly rip the outer edge of the flange right off along the line of the spoke holes. This is most likely to happen with small flange 36 hole hubs, because there is less metal between the spoke holes. If a used hub is re-laced radially, the notches left by the old spokes can act as stress risers, further weakening the flange.
Many hub manufacturers specifically recommend against radial spoking for this reason, and will not honor warrantys on hubs that have been spoked radially.
Some folks will say that no bicycle wheels should be radially spoked for this reason, so do this at your own risk. In my experience, it's generally OK with good quality hubs that have forged shells.
If you want to take your chances and try a radial spoked front wheel, I would advise avoiding using thick spokes and very high tension. Since front wheels are generally pretty trouble-free compared with rears, you don't need super-high tension on a front wheel that uses a reasonable number of spokes.
Bicycle folklore has it that radial-spoked wheels give a "harsh" ride, because the shorter spokes are less "stretchy" than the longer spokes used in semi-tangent wheels. This is hooey!
Wheels with hub brakes and drive wheels should never be radially spoked. Due to the near perpendicular angle of the spoke to the hub's tangent, any torque applied at the hub of a radial spoked wheel will result in a very great increase in spoke tension, almost certainly causing hub or spoke failure."
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Funnily I weigh more than 15 stone lol....I wouldn't touch radial for shit personally, I think its purely an aesthetic thing.
to be honest you're right. the weight saving is unnoticeable for regular riding whereas the lack of strength will make itself known at the drop of a hat. its not worth it as its way more expensive for what is ultimately "just for the look of it"
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Has anyone heard of one of these Abus locks being defeated?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Abus_Granit_Steel_O_Flex_1000_100cm_Cable_Lock/5220000043/
I use one as a courier and mine has been attacked with cutters - only went through the plastic cover and left a puny scratch. I'm about to start using a nicer bike and wondered if I was using a good enough lock..? Experiences? Rumours? Ta.
i've had this lock for over 10 years of couriering and domestic use and it still works fine. its got all sorts of nibble marks on it from skidders trying to steal my bike but no one has had any luck. i recommend this lock to everyone.
Also, one time some guys broke into our back yard and stole all the bikes there except my one... although to be fair it didn't stop them stealing everything off the frame. nothing worse than seeing your bike looking like a picked over chicken carcass.
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better quality vid here: clicky (its a download). looks like Bos hit the wonky barrier and grabbed hold of impey to try and stay upright. that didn't work out too well though. he really should have kept his hands on the bars, you're not riding keirin anymore dwag
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not content with being just an internet troll, you will probably enjoy knowing that i set up the current stock system at cycle surgery about 7 years ago. had i known its mind crushing inaccuracies would cause problems further down the line i would have enjoyed my lack of diligence even more.