Crystalyte with bent spokes

[Chuechco]

Hi,

I received the package from Crystalyte Europe today with my sensored HS 3540 laced into a 26" wheel.

I was a bit disappointed when I saw the spokes.

Some of them are bent as you can see.
I can't imagine Crystalyte hasn't noticed the curved spokes.
So is it a problem or not?

with regards,

Johannes

 

[bowlofsalad]

Was this wheel lacing something special you requested or original stuff that comes default?

Many seem to be of the opinion that the stock stuff that comes with these direct drive hubs, at least the spokes, are suspect and should be replaced. I cannot really tell you if that is an issue, but I can tell you that you probably would want to at least check the true of the rim and tension of the spokes.

 

[Chuechco]

Crystalyte-Europe offers the lacing on their homepage. I think many customers buy them laced.
I'm pretty sure the rim is of good quality since they're made especially for ebikes. The spokes are heavy duty, 13Gauge or even 12Gauge.

I sent Crystalyte an Email, let's see what they tell

 

[MadRhino]

The wheel is hand laced, and the builder had to bend some spokes to fit them in. It is not a top notch lacing job but nothing to really bother about. If the wheel is true, just ride it for a while and tighten it, it will be fine. It will be better than a machine laced wheel anyway.

 

[dogman dan]

I agree, as you ride in the wheel, and bring all the spokes to proper tension, most of that bend will vanish. If the spokes ever break, it won't be in the middle.

It's just how it is, a hubmotor wheel will likely need some break in riding, and a final truing at about 50-100 miles. Unless they rode it for you that distance. The motor power leads to stretching, and need for adjustments.

 

[Supertux1]

Like others have said, I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure the wheel is true and the spokes are tight.

Give them all a 1/4" or 1/2" tighter (or more) before you ride just as a matter of principle, because odds are the factory probably doesn't spend as much time as they should on it.

Also, learning how to re-lace a wheel is good for you and the cross-1 pattern on ebike hubs is the easiest to learn.

After you've had it for awhile and are comfortable working on it, go ahead and cut those crappy spokes out and lace it with some more standard spokes.

(I recommend Sapim single butted 13 to 14 gauge spokes.)

 

[Chalo]

Put a drop of oil on the head and thread of each nipple, and tighten the spokes more.

It's normal to have to bend spokes a little to get them laced up (I try to straighten them afterwards), but adequate tension pulls them straight.

If you choose to rework this wheel on your own, use 14ga spokes and lace the spokes all on the outside of the flanges if it's a front wheel, or all on the right side of the flanges if it's a dished rear wheel.

 

[Ypedal]

(I try to straighten them afterwards)

same here.. just grab it with both hands, thumb on the hump, and bend them back straight... then give all spokes at least a half turn extra tension, adjust as required... but half turns at a time :wink:

 

[Chuechco]

Thanks for your kind help.
I sent Crystalyte the picture of a bent spoke and they offered to send me a wrench tool to straighten the spokes.

Another question: The rim is an exal Ex 19 which is good for tyres with a width of 28-62 mm according to the website.
http://www.exal.be/main.php?kat=3&sub=11&type=EX19&offset=0
I have a downhillbike with a 70mm tyre. Does someone have experience with such wide tyres on rather small rims?

 

[The fingers]

My front rim is rather narrow compared to the 26x2.125" Electra Hotster tires. No problem whatsoever in two years. You might need to experiment with each model and size tire until you find the best one, some are sure to be better than others.

 

[dogman dan]

I wouldn't sweat the rim size that much. It will change the tire profile some, and affect performance some. But as long as the tire stays on the rim and clears the frame it should be fine.