Wheels

[dachshund]

It's quite possible that I've just been riding in more windy conditions lately, now that I think about it. Also, I'm on a bike that's several pounds lighter than my Bianchi. MY weight hasn't changed much, so that can't be part of the equation.

I'm glad to hear that the Sapims might not be an issue after all. Good, I can check that off my Mystery List.

[Eden]

We're talking about Sapim CX-ray spokes which are not what most people think of as "bladed" spokes. I've ridden this type of bladed spoke on wheels for 20+ years with no problems. It is the wider one in Mavics, etc., that are funky.

http://www.sapim.be/index.php?st=pro...40&detail=aero

To tell the truth I've never really taken that good a look at the spokes on my race bike.... They aren't as funky wide as something like a Ksyrium, but they are quite different... Shimano wheels have the spoke nipples on the hub rather than at the rim. I think that they can use fewer spokes if its done that way?? Love the wheels, but I definitely wouldn't use something so proprietary where there would be any problems with getting them fixed.

[SadieKate]

The CX-rays don't look bladed at all. You can feel the blade and they're a bit more sparkly than round silver spokes.

You can tell they're bladed when pulling the pump head off the valve.

No matter what wheel one chooses, I'd think a couple extra spokes and nipples for a cross country ride would just be commonsense.

[Eden]

You can tell they're bladed when pulling the pump head off the valve.

ah yes - slit knuckles from slipping while removing a tire from the rim..... done that one... ouch

[jobob]

I will force you to go running with me.

Oh good luck with that.

[SadieKate]

Piece o' cake. I hide the libations and the car keys.

[mauisher]

Thanks, everyone for the advice. I live in a place with lots of wind and find that bladed spokes are bad for me in gusty crosswinds, so they're out of the running for me. When peddling in 20 mi plus cross winds I can really feel them push me around. I have better luck with the round spokes on my present Easton rims.

I'll explore all the options you've suggested. Mahalo (thanks in Hawaiian!)

[aicabsolut]

I've got bladed Sapim CX-rays but the blading is so small you have to squint to see it.

I don't notice it at all. Now the blade on my Ritcheys . . . you betcha.

I have cut myself on some bladed Ritchey spokes trying to mount a difficult tire. They don't mess around.

[indysteel]

Good luck on your tour. Be sure to post a report(s)!

[ridebikeme]

Ahhh Velocity does indeed have some great color choices! I too, have a ti bike that I tend to give some color. For the past three years, I have used orange... so this year I built a set of wheels with the Aerohead rims in orange... definitely gives the bike some pizazz HA!]