Panniers and Rear Wheel strength

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #13314
    Fishy

    Hi guys, I’m riding a 3 speed sturmey on a frame with braze-ons, the hub is laced with 24 spokes. I can’t remember which rim, but a reasonably priced middle of the road option – all hand built.

    I’ve recently stolen my flatmates rack and panniers for a commuting experiment and loved it, but its just dawned on me that my low-spoke sturmey might not be strong enough!

    It’s only for commuting rather than touring, so no major loads, no more than a backpack. Do you think the wheel will hold up, or am I about to trash it?

    Cheers,

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Author
    Replies
  • #642559
    0
    davebinks

    The spokes material is more
    The spokes material is more important than the hub material, which is almost certainly steel.

    If they are stainless steel spokes, I wouldn’t worry because they are very tough.
    However, if the wheel is old and the spokes are the old “rustless steel” ones, I think you will soon have trouble.

    Before St Stl spokes came out, broken spokes were very common. Now they are almost unheard of.

    #642557
    0
    Fishy

    Ah apologies, my mistake –
    Ah apologies, my mistake – Yup the 28 spoke version.

    I am pretty light, <70 kilos - and to be honest given that me + backpack wasn't a problem, I'd assumed it'd be fine, but I was wondering if the different weight distribution would make a difference.

    Thanks!

    #642555
    0
    dave atkinson

    Do they do a 24-spoke version
    Do they do a 24-spoke version of the three speed? I thought the lowest they went was 28. or is it missing spokes at the hub flange?

    How much do you weigh? I’m 99kg and routinely ride a 24-spoke rear over fairly long distances. Assuming you’re lighter than me (most cyclists seem to be…) then you plus a pannier is unlikely to break a 24-spoke wheel.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.