Q: Bill, When using my tensiometer, where on the spoke do I place it? It seems like I get different readings depending on how I use it. - Phil
A: Phil, It sounds like you are probably measuring the tension of double butted spokes. With straight gauge spokes, it doesn't matter where you put the tensiometer because the diameter of the spoke doesn't change. But, with double butted spokes, you have to put the tensiometer on a section of the narrowest part of the spoke. If you measure near a crossing spoke, you should be okay. Make sure that one end of the tensiometer is not on a fatter part of spoke, or you will get an inaccurate deflection.
Q: Bill, Can you provide any feedback from riders about about tubeless tires? I've heard some guys say they like them, but I don't know any details. Thanks, Brad
A: Brad, Below is some feedback from a rider, and it may help you get an idea of what riding with a tubeless setup is like. The wheels are made from Alchemy hubs, Stans Alpha 340 rims, and Sapim CX-ray bladed spokes. They were unbelievably light, not much over 1300 grams, and that is with Sapim nickel-plated brass Polyax SILS nipples, which I prefer over aluminum alloy. The tires are Hutchinson Fusion tubeless tires, and they are installed on the wheels with Stans tubeless valve stems, yellow tape, and sealant. He seems pretty happy:
"Thanks for building a new set of wheels for my bike. I rode about 36 miles today with a couple of training buddies. We took it easy for the most part, but the ride did include some reasonable hill climbs and quick descents. A few initial observations:
- Ride: the wheels soaked up vibration from chip seal surfaces better then my Ksyrium SL's. I am guessing that this is due to the higher spoke count with 2 cross lacing pattern on your new wheels versus the radial lacing in the front from of the Mavic's. I believe that your new wheels will create less fatigue during long rides where road surfaces are questionable.
- Acceleration: The wheels spooled up quickly on flat attacks and on uphill work. As we verified on the scale today, your wheels are a smidge lighter than the Mavic's in spite of the higher spoke count. I would also guess that the wheel is lighter out at the rim/tire area due to the lack of tubes, which would also help acceleration.
- Handling: no issues that I could detect. I felt confident riding the Hutchinson Fusion 3 tubeless tires. They may be just a little less grippy than the Vittoria 320 tpi tires on the Mavics as they did want to skid just a little easier when I touched the brakes to scrub off some speed. That is only an impression and I will have to adjust to modulating the brakes appropriately for this set up. I didn't ride any long descents where braking was needed, so I don't have a fully formed opinion on this.
- Stability: the wheels were confidence inspiring and stable. The ride was mostly mellow, but my computer said I hit 41 mph on one of the descents, and I wasn't the least bit concerned about the stability of the bike. I will probably try to take these wheels out to Skyline Drive soon. Certainly no issues with the Stan's rims, the Alchemy hubs or the assembly work.
Speed: I found that I could easily overtake my training friends on the downhills with these wheels - with their stable configuration and free running bearings. Even on the flats I felt I was pedaling less than my training partners."
- Randy Smith
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