Are you running 12gauge spokes in front?

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rgvkid

New Member
Sep 21, 2008
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Los Angeles,CA
Im building a custom frame with a degoverned 2.5 HF. Im running 24's and im going to run a 12 gauge chinese Heavy duty wheel in the rear with pirate sproket hub adapter. Im gonna run a disc brake up front but trying to save a few bucks. I can find 24" 14gauge freewheel hub wheels with cassettes at the swapmeet for $10. Or spend $50+ on a heavy duty wheel with a freewheel hub to mount the threaded disc adapter.
Im not sure if I need a 12 gauge wheel up front or not. The bike is going to have suspension forks and fatty up front. Its not gonna be a curb jumper but more of a low pro cafe. Top speed maybe 30-35mph.

Are you guys running 12 gauge on both wheels?
 

The_Aleman

Active Member
Jul 31, 2008
2,653
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el People's Republik de Kalifornistan
I put over 100k miles on pedal bicycles with 14ga spokes. Granted, they weren't motorized, but those bicycles were jumped here and there.

My first 3 MaBs had 14ga spokes. I never had any problems with them. My current bike has 12ga F and R, definitely overkill :D
 

mapbike

Well-Known Member
Mar 14, 2010
5,502
109
63
Central Area of Texas
Be sure the spokes are all tight, the wheel is running true/straight, this is the most important part of all spoke sizes but most important I would think on the smaller spoke dia. like the 14gauge.

I have 14g. wheels front and rear on one of my MB's that has 1500+ miles on it now, it gets rode on several miles of rough dirt roads 90% of the time, never an issue.

Bearings lubed well, bearings tensioned right, spokes tight, wheel running straight, you should be good to go.

Peace, map
 

rgvkid

New Member
Sep 21, 2008
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Los Angeles,CA
Thanks Guys. For sure Im going to run the 12 gauge on the rear. With the money saved on the front wheel being 14gauge I can get the fatty Tires front and back.
 

2door

Moderator
Staff member
Sep 15, 2008
16,302
175
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Littleton, Colorado
If you're a member of "The 20mph Club' don't worry about spoke diameter. If you're prone to pot hole bashing and curb jumping you might want to consider upgrading to a heavier guage spoke. I've accurued thousands of miles with the slimmer spokes a never had one loosen or bend; and that's on Colorado's infamous rough roads. But then, I'm also a slow, methodical rider who seeks out smooth trails.
Safety is always a good consideration. Do what you're comfortable with and then you can enjoy riding without worries.
Tom
 

rgvkid

New Member
Sep 21, 2008
110
0
0
Los Angeles,CA
I picked up a Taiwan 12spoke 24" HD yesterday with a coaster and wider rim for $4o. I thought the dude would give me a better deal but didn't budge. Im gonna remove the braking pads in the coaster and mount a Disc on the Jack Shaft. I'll be starting a build thread once I get the frame Jig setup.

Thanks guys.