DrkAngel
1 GW
Broken Spokes seem to plague the EZip bikes.
Closer investigation was done!
Turns out, there are multiple reasons for these failures!
1. Torque is mono-directional, but typically, this is not accounted for.
The "torqued" spokes should have their elbows turned outward!
View attachment 6
All EZips, I've had, have one side turned inward, one outward. (4 EZips, 1 IZip)
2. Hub spoke flange is too thin, spokes are not supported, so there is excessive stress on the spoke "elbow" causing early failure!
Solutions?
1. Re-directionalize spokes. (Partial solution)
2. Use better hub. I lucked into a few of these, present source unknown.
View attachment 4
3. 12 gauge spokes with "proper directionality".
The EZip uses 14ga 258mm & 260mm spokes, I was able to find 260 & 261mm closest match, extra length was on purpose ...
This still doesn't address the issue of the spoke flange being too thin, so ... washers!
#4 SAE washers work nicely, and look impressive!
Nice and SOLID!
Oh! Why the "longer" spokes.
Well with the spokes "solidified" and capable of great strength, the weak point, is now the wheel, being a cheap alloy extrusion.
Might even pull the nipples, through the wheel.
So ... washers!
#10 SAE "stamped" washers have a nice concave side, that works nicely with 12ga nipples.
Aluminum alloy wheels don't particularly like steel, even zinc coated steel washers, against them, so I ran 2 wraps of duct tape between.
Also see: 14ga to 12ga Spoke Upgrade
Closer investigation was done!
Turns out, there are multiple reasons for these failures!
1. Torque is mono-directional, but typically, this is not accounted for.
The "torqued" spokes should have their elbows turned outward!
View attachment 6
All EZips, I've had, have one side turned inward, one outward. (4 EZips, 1 IZip)
2. Hub spoke flange is too thin, spokes are not supported, so there is excessive stress on the spoke "elbow" causing early failure!
Solutions?
1. Re-directionalize spokes. (Partial solution)
2. Use better hub. I lucked into a few of these, present source unknown.
View attachment 4
3. 12 gauge spokes with "proper directionality".
The EZip uses 14ga 258mm & 260mm spokes, I was able to find 260 & 261mm closest match, extra length was on purpose ...
This still doesn't address the issue of the spoke flange being too thin, so ... washers!
#4 SAE washers work nicely, and look impressive!
Nice and SOLID!
Oh! Why the "longer" spokes.
Well with the spokes "solidified" and capable of great strength, the weak point, is now the wheel, being a cheap alloy extrusion.
Might even pull the nipples, through the wheel.
So ... washers!
#10 SAE "stamped" washers have a nice concave side, that works nicely with 12ga nipples.
Aluminum alloy wheels don't particularly like steel, even zinc coated steel washers, against them, so I ran 2 wraps of duct tape between.
Also see: 14ga to 12ga Spoke Upgrade