Issues with GT Grade gravel bike wheels

[robrichards]

I'm trying out two bikes on Monday a 2017 Specialized Diverge A1 & 2016 GT Grade Sora I'm just wondering if anyone's had any issues with the Grade wheels as I've been hearing the spokes break easily due to over tightening in the factory?

I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my D6603 using hovercraft full of eels.

[Brucey]

I've been hearing the spokes break easily due to over tightening in the factory?

they might break but the stated reason seems a little unlikely; spokes mostly break because (in order of likelihood)

- the wheel hasn't been stress relieved properly
- the spokes don't fit the hubs properly
- the spokes are bad spokes
- the wheel is a dumb design with too few spokes in it

With the vast majority of breakages (in wheels above a certain price point) being attributable to the first of these. Generally if spokes are 'too tight' the rim will break prematurely.

So my recommendation is to ask the retailer to comment/confirm that the warranty extends to cover spoke breakage. If you buy a bike (almost any bike) with factory wheels, it is nearly always a good idea to stress-relieve them.

cheers

[robrichards]

Thanks Brucey that's very helpful! So er, how I do relieve the stress?

I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my D6603 using hovercraft full of eels.

[Brucey]

try this

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/stress-relieving.html


cheers

[tomsumner49]

I've got a 2015 Claris version of the grade and have had no problems with the wheels in a year or so of commuting on rubbish South London roads and gravel tracks.
I'm not sure if/how the wheels may differ by year/model though.

Tom

[kylecycler]

try this

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/stress-relieving.html


cheers

Or even this - discussed at some length by yourself and others not so long ago, Brucey.

viewtopic.php?t=103903

[robrichards]

Thank you all I took the risk and tried out the 2016 GT Grade Sora & Specialized Diverge A1. The GT felt more comfortable, combined with being price matched for £525 which was a bargain and seemingly considerably lighter it seems perfect & worth the risk!

I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my D6603 using hovercraft full of eels.