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Technical & Reference Section => Tech and Restoration => Topic started by: oldschoolace on October 27, 2012, 04:34 PM

Title: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: oldschoolace on October 27, 2012, 04:34 PM: ...if any? does one put more strain on the rims/hubs or is it all about looks? :-\

I know i should know this but i only run mags normally ;)
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: stidds on October 27, 2012, 04:43 PM: Bitd 3x were generally used for race bikes, 4x for freestyle.

To be honest there isn't a massive amount of difference in strength between 3 or 4 cross lacing.
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: oldschoolace on October 27, 2012, 04:46 PM: Cheers, i was hoping you would chime in. Just been reading up in the resto stickies section :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: dj-paul-c on October 28, 2012, 11:05 PM: from memory what i read on a wheel builders website (adjusted version for bmx)
its to do with strength and aerodynamics
1x is very good for aerodynamics but weak for cornering
3x for bmx race as would give better aerodynamics and marginally lighter i recon with a shorter spoke length
4x for freestyle as it is a stronger set up with the spokes
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: BENDYCAT ELEVENTEEN on October 28, 2012, 11:16 PM: pictures people ~ pictures ::)
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: oldschoolace on October 28, 2012, 11:25 PM: Yeah some pics would be nice :daumenhoch:

I've got something very special planned and will reveal all very soon but 3's or 4's is my last decision to make ;)
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: stidds on October 29, 2012, 12:31 AM: Here are some picures for you....

Radial (0 cross)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v518/stidds/DeCoster/BOTYnewpictures003.jpg)

2 cross

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v518/stidds/SE%20Quadangle%202007/Quad07-04.jpg)

3 cross

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v518/stidds/Cook%20Bros%20Racing/SAM_2526.jpg)

4 cross

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v518/stidds/site_p5_blowup.jpg)

Here is a back wheel laced 1/2 radial (radial on the non-drive side and 3 cross on the drive side), oh what fun that one was to calculate spoke sizes and to lace.

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v518/stidds/DeCoster/BOTYnewpictures006.jpg)
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: Andy68 on October 29, 2012, 01:13 PM: Sexy wheels Sean!!! :smitten:
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: davym2112 on October 29, 2012, 01:41 PM: Do you have to calculate spoke length differently when lacing 4X as apposed to 3X ?
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: stidds on October 29, 2012, 01:46 PM: Quote from: davym2112 on October 29, 2012, 01:41 PM
Do you have to calculate spoke length differently when lacing 4X as apposed to 3X ?

Yes, use the how to guide that I put together for calculating spoke lengths.

http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php'topic=136816.0
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: dordymush on October 29, 2012, 02:01 PM: or just keep starting a thread about spoke length as i know sean just loves answering questions about spokes ;D
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: Andy68 on October 29, 2012, 02:10 PM: Dare I ask wot the theory behind 'radial' was without becoming the Rad idiot?? :crazy2:
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: Devilock on October 29, 2012, 03:21 PM: Shouldn't you be shouting this by now wielding weapons made entirely from spokes...?

Quote from: Stidds on October 29, 2012, 01:46 PM
YES, use the fu*king bastard how to guide that I put together for calculating the duration of your life
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: stidds on October 29, 2012, 05:19 PM: Quote from: Andy68 on October 29, 2012, 02:10 PM
Dare I ask wot the theory behind 'radial' was without becoming the Rad idiot?? :crazy2:

The theory is that radial lacing gives a stronger (stiffer) wheel due to the shorter spokes used, however that is an old wives tale really. I think the advantages it gives (with road and track bikes not so much BMX) is the weight saved on each spoke (being on average 10-12mm shorter) and aerodynamics (wind resistance) as the spoke profile (crossing over each other) will affect the way the wheel cuts through the air.

I wouldn't imaging anybody except pro cyclist will really feel any difference though.

On the plus side radial lacing looks incredibly cool. ;D
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: Peter J on October 29, 2012, 07:48 PM: So whats race lace :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: stidds on October 29, 2012, 08:40 PM: Quote from: Peter J on October 29, 2012, 07:48 PM
So whats race lace :coolsmiley:

Race lace is a 3x or 4x lacing pattern but with all the spoke heads on the inside of the hub.

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v518/stidds/GEDC4026.jpg)
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: Twesnik on November 04, 2012, 03:03 PM: Quote from: Stidds on October 29, 2012, 08:40 PM
Quote from: Peter J on October 29, 2012, 07:48 PM
So whats race lace :coolsmiley:

Race lace is a 3x or 4x lacing pattern but with all the spoke heads on the inside of the hub.

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v518/stidds/GEDC4026.jpg)

I´ve let all my wheel´s done in 4 over 1......
36 that =
Bmx or Free-style,inside/outside no diff!
Just stronger,that´s all.....
:D
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: outriding on January 05, 2013, 01:42 AM: I'm thinking about lacing a 48 spoke wheel on a high flange hub with the spokes all on the inside.

Race lace 4x would probably work, I never tried that... or maybe just a plain 2x?

Any examples?
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: Twesnik on January 05, 2013, 08:24 AM: (http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/oo324/twesnik/HPIM5390.jpg)
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: AKGOFF on January 05, 2013, 08:58 AM: Radial lacing looks super cool.
Title: Re: 3 or 4 ply laced wheels, what are the differences...
Post by: steve69 on January 05, 2013, 10:40 PM: Quote from: AKGOFF on January 05, 2013, 08:58 AM
Radial lacing looks super cool.

I would agree but much better suited to smaller/lighter builds i.e. 20x1-1/8, 20x1-3/8, 20x1.50

not so keen on Pro size builds :-\