DTSwiss R23/24 rebuild, spoke tension

Back by popular demand, the general all-things Road forum!

Moderator: robbosmans

Post Reply
rainerhq
Posts: 898
Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 10:32 am
Location: Estonia

by rainerhq

I had DTSwiss R23 rear wheel and R24 front wheel. Disc brake, 24 spokes. Rear has DT aero comp spokes 2.0/1.2/2.0. For front, I´m not sure.
I decided to replace the rims with tubular carbon rims, for CX use. So I found/bought rims and let LBS first replace the rear wheel rim. I was not 100% sure, will the existing spokes fit, but they did.
I measured spoke tension before rebuilding and after. Here comes my question.
With Alu rim it was NDS 97-107; DS 146-163.
Now with carbon rim its NDS 50-56; DS 81-107. Is it to low? I think it should be at least the same level as it was with alu rim.

Weight saving wasn´t the goal, but rear wheel is 120g lighter now :thumbup:

Image
Image
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride"

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



User avatar
Beaver
Posts: 796
Joined: Wed Aug 18, 2004 6:06 pm

by Beaver

Usually carbon rims should take the same tension as aluminium rims. What does the manufacturer of your carbon rims recommend?

alcatraz
Posts: 4064
Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2016 11:19 am

by alcatraz

That is quite a lot lower.

What strikes me as odd is that the tension distribution seems different. You had 2/3 DS on NDS and now you have 1/2 DS on NDS. Is it possible your measurement is off? How is the dishing?

/a

rainerhq
Posts: 898
Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 10:32 am
Location: Estonia

by rainerhq

The tensionmeter is bit off yes. It gives two different readings on the same spoke. Dishing is correct.
I went back to LBS and he put more tension. Its now almost the same as it was with alu rims. I´m not worried anymore.
The mechanic there has always used his hand and ear as a tensionmeter and its very hard to convince him, that he can trust this cadget. He has it also.
These are chinese rims from carbonal.
Front wheel is now 208g lighter.
Carbon rims are 318+322g. DT rims are 434+522g.
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride"

alcatraz
Posts: 4064
Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2016 11:19 am

by alcatraz

I'm thinking of buying one of those tensionometers. How do you use it on bladed spokes? Won't the angle you hold it at cause the reading to vary a lot?

How safe is it to assume that the reading is correct? We all like stiff wheels but going close to the max tension will be a bit nervracking if the tensionometer's readings are doubtful. :)

User avatar
kavitator
Posts: 1167
Joined: Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:07 pm
Location: Slovenia---that forest land

by kavitator

What tensiometer did you use?

Good is to have calibration tool for tensiometer - otherwise you dont know what is max tension (new PK were no use i have 2 and calibrated them)

rainerhq
Posts: 898
Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 10:32 am
Location: Estonia

by rainerhq

Park Tool TM-1
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride"

rainerhq
Posts: 898
Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 10:32 am
Location: Estonia

by rainerhq

alcatraz wrote:
Wed May 23, 2018 1:47 am
How do you use it on bladed spokes? Won't the angle you hold it at cause the reading to vary a lot?
I measurued from the flat/wide side.
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride"

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



User avatar
WinterRider
Posts: 564
Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2013 2:46 pm

by WinterRider

"Alu rim it was NDS 97-107; DS 146-163."

All of the spoke nipples I have observed pulling thru rims were tensions at or above 150 kgf. IME 146-163 is too wide a tension variance for a side.

The Park Tension meter requires consistent technique to produce uniform readings.. and periodic adjustment to verify accuracy.
Litespeed 2000 Appalachian 61 cm
Litespeed 1998 Blue Ridge 61cm

Fitness rider.. 1 yr from seven decades age.

That is my story and I'm stick'n to it.

Post Reply