I recently got this new bike wheel however when I was inspecting it I noticed that some of the spokes were showing threads (see pic) and not just one I mean every other spoke, and then I noticed the lacing of the wheel, I’ve never seen a wheel laced like this (see pic again), is this safe to ride long term? It spins true and seems very sturdy but I would like some second opinions
by Androm6da462
5 Comments
Some threads are normal. Spokes stretch slightly differently, in order for wheel to be true each spoke is threaded in at different amount.
However, the one in your pic does seem to be a little more thread than normal.
One-cross with all inbound spokes? Is there a good reason for this?
Wheel builder here. Was this an AliExpress find?
A few of those spokes are too short, and that lacing pattern has a nice aesthetic but isn’t built to last. It would likely be safe for light use, but i wouldn’t MTB/BMX/tour on it.
The budget wheel market can be unforgiving, unfortunately. Id try to return if that’s an option. Otherwise, ride it into the ground and try again when it starts breaking spokes.
I am looking at it and tbh I have never seen anything like it. I might be in the wrong here, but this looks like a botched result of something that wasn’t made with any plan in mind. The threads also shouldn’t be as visible as this… Please contact the seller and let us know what the thought process might have been – if any – for this lacing pattern.
It isn’t one crossed, it isn’t radial, not two crossed, neither is it three or four crossed.
Thank you everyone for the advice, I will be returning this POS and taking my money elsewhere, bezos failed me for the last time 😔🙏