Twisted Spoke Lacing

Great way to jazz up your wheel set.

Here's a link on how to do it:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Twisted-Spoke-Bicycle-Wheel-Lacing---flowers!/

bairdco said:

that "snowflake" pattern is usually done on show bikes like lowriders, and is probably the weakest lacing pattern there is.

i wouldn't recommend it on a motored bike. i've seen them buckle before.

Click to expand...

Ah, the "nay sayers".

As per "muskimo", a senior member of rotorburn.com, who did considerable internet research on different ways/styles to build wheels I quote: "the theory behind the snow flake or twisty pattern, is that the more contact the spokes have with each other the stronger the wheel build" but, he also went on to say, "this also makes it hard to tension and true a wheel".

I have serious doubts about what you said. I really can't picture how a wheel laced like that would "buckle". And after reading your reply and looking at other websites that have discussed snowflake lacing, I found no mention of it being weak of in danger of buckling.

Perhaps you can offer some evidence of your claim?

Baird and Norm, we all know each other from other than just here at the forum. I'd trust your judgement on many things. Baird, I had no intent on creating bad feelings in my reply but, since snowflake lacing is rarely seen, I couldn't help but question how you came upon your opinion.

I did more research on "snowflake" lacing and found this web page that might be interesting reading for both of you. There are a number of replies to a post from people who have/ had experience with snowflake lacing and have listed both pros and cons. Though the cons may outway the pros, none of them described the lacing style as weak.

http://www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=66330&pagenum=3

There are 2 styles to bike building, "function before form" and "form before function". To the guys, like myself, who build in the "form before function" style and who, rather than out of necessity, ride for enjoyment, I see no reason to "nay say" and discourage any idea which ads a little extra pizazz to any build unless it's obviously and definitely dangerous and life threatening.

I rest my case...