 Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37 |
I was thinking of switching from my TBA spoked rims to Speedmaster solids (I'm not sure what the term is) after a spate of flats among friends' bikes - all of which had spoked rims. A look around the web seems to suggest if you're going to do any cruising spokes have a habit of going flat very quickly when they puncture and leaving you marooned. Tubeless tires seem to be much easier to fix (plug and reinflate) as opposed to removing the tire repairing the tube etc. Ironically I have 16k on mine never had any trouble but I rarely go far, something that will change this spring. Any thoughts one way or the other?
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,736 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,736 Likes: 7 |
spokes look better 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
Best reason for tubeless: Lower unsprung weight. Quoted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unsprung_mass"The unsprung weight of a wheel controls a trade-off between a wheel's bump-following ability and its vibration isolation. Bumps and surface imperfections in the road cause tire compression—which induces a force on the unsprung weight. The unsprung weight then responds to this force with movement of its own. The amount of movement, for short bumps, is inversely proportional to the weight - a lighter wheel which readily moves in response to road bumps will have more grip and more constant grip when tracking over an imperfect road. For this reason, lighter wheels are sought especially for high-performance applications. In contrast, a heavier wheel which moves less will not absorb as much vibration; the irregularities of the road surface will transfer to the cabin through the geometry of the suspension and hence ride quality and road noise are deteriorated. For longer bumps that the wheels follow, greater unsprung mass causes more energy to be absorbed by the wheels and makes the ride worse." All that said, the wire wheels sure look better. 
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I'm with the guys above, laced wheels look better. However... the 12 spoke America wheel is not too bad looking either.Having said that, you might want to look around for a set of America wheels instead of Speemasters just so you don't have to deal with the front brake issue. (Of course if you have plenty of bux, the America chrome wheels are pretty sweet!)  I run with laced wheels but will soon switch to the 12 spoke mags. Why? Because I intend to do a lot of touring, AND I boogie in remote, less populated areas. With a mag you can run tubeless which (as you indicated) equates to a lot less hassle when it comes to a puncture. You can carry a repair kit and a small compressor and be on your way in most cases.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 430 Likes: 2
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 430 Likes: 2 |
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
Apples and oranges. If you have your bike for its looks only, then spokes are best. If it is your everyday vehicle I would go with mags unless you have the time to clean them everyday. Those chromed America wheels do look good. In the end it is whatever wins your heart. 
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I like spoked wheels for the looks, but those chromed mags are bitchin!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Flats are why I switched my laced rims for chrome America mags. Included is a link showing mine along with reasons why I switched. I wouldn't get the Speedmaster mags unless you intend on getting the dual front disc settup. The America mags have been on sale from the UK on EBay Cheap for at least 50% off. Not sure what the shipping would be but they really get a lot of positive comments and are easy to change.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
I run with laced wheels but will soon switch to the 12 spoke mags. Why? Because I intend to do a lot of touring, AND I boogie in remote, less populated areas. With a mag you can run tubeless which (as you indicated) equates to a lot less hassle when it comes to a puncture. You can carry a repair kit and a small compressor and be on your way in most cases.
Keith!
Are you the one who stole those wheels on fleabay? I was seriously thinking about buying them. What didn't I? Classic beauty of spoked wheels, that's why. Okay actually something about post Christmas money being short. I will eventually as they are touring dreams.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
There you go Max!  EVERY SINGLE ONE (except the two "oddballs" ) said "Spokes look best"!  And there's SEVERAL good reasons just listed, if you go with "Second best"! 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 430 Likes: 2
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 430 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Spokes sure look nice, but IMO Chrome looks even better.
NO not everyone.
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
I'm a spoke guy, though I dont clean them much. I cant see changing to mags if youre affraid to get a flat. Changing for looks is a whole different issue.
16,000 without a flat so whats the worry? Yeah one day it will suck, but its not like riding with a couple plugs in your tire is good either. At least its cheaper to replace a tube.
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
Quote:
... I dont clean them much ...
Ah, that whole "cleaning" thing is way overrated anyway.
Gotta take x years off ones life just for the worriment of it.
I've got mold growing on my back fender now.
I think it mighta gnawed it's way into the paint.
Still runs good though.
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Keith! Are you the one who stole those wheels on fleabay? I was seriously thinking about buying them. What didn't I? Classic beauty of spoked wheels, that's why. Okay actually something about post Christmas money being short. I will eventually as they are touring dreams.
No Moe... I got mine elsewhere. I've actually had them around for a while now but it will be this winter when I change them over. They came with low mileage tires so I'll have to give up my WWW until I wear them out. Should only take about half a riding season!!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37 |
I saw those wheels on Ebay too, just wasn't able to bid on them - on the road at the time. Thanks for the input, will probably stick with what I have until tire change time and in the meantime keep a look out for a set of rims. Practical beats out looks for me most of the time, probably why I don't spend much time cleaning those spokes and polishing chrome. Love my America, but I'm starting to think I might have prefferred the blacked out Speedmaster!
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Spokes and tubes are ancient technology fit for Luddites. Cast wheels and tubeless are the way to go. 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
Don't make me look up words tonight so I know what you are talking about "Luddites" What the ------- is that?
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Spokes and tubes are ancient technology fit for Luddites.
Cast wheels and tubeless are the way to go.
Hmmm, why was your bike out of commission when I visited in 2007? 
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Advanced technology has it's price 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Spoked rims vs solid, mags etc
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
I just took my ancient spoked custom made stainless steel wheels to shop nearby to put tyres on..... old were worn out...... no puncture
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