Rim diameter, spoke length, rim depth and width: Effects on strengh?

What you have said is pretty much true...

MK_ said:

I am moving ahead with my new wheelset project and need a bit of advice/info/opinion. Here goes:

Rim to rim, given a constant width, it is safe to assume that a deeper/taller rim will be stronger?

When chosing a rim with weight as a predominant factor (aside from ballpark dimension), a rim that requires a shorter spoke will save weight. It will also make the wheel stronger and stiffer as less spoke is used?

What is the advantage of welded vs sleeved/pinned joints? (I obviously can think of a few, but would like to hear experts' opinion). I ask because it will help narrow down choice.

If a spoke calculator calls for 268.8mm spoke and the choice is between 270 and 268, going with 268 is still safe?

_MK

Click to expand...

but the strength differences between a couple of milimeters of extra material are going to be slight. Stiffness is where you are going to notice it most. A mm or so more material can make a very noticeable difference in stiffness. As far as a longer spoke being weaker than a longer one? Probably not, again stiffness is where it would be more noticeable. Remember stiff in not necessarily strong. The advantage of a properly welded rim joint over a pinned joint is really quite simple. The welded joint is stonger, no exceptions! A poorly welded rim will be nearly as strong as a well made pinned rim joint. A well done welded joint is many time stonger than even the best pinned joint.

If a spoke calculator calls for a 268.8mm spoke length and your choices are 268 and 270, bo with the 270. Always round up for anything over .5. You can go either way and be safe for .5 and go one down for .4 on down. The reason that I say this is that if you end up with spokes that are too short you can't use them safely. But a spoke that is 1 to 1.5mm too long can be used safely and will not compormise the strength of the wheel at all. An extra mm or so can be easily handled most rims.

Good Dirt