2 cross OK for road bike wheels?

[niggle]

Got an old road bike with rusty spokes (some are still black). I have surplus spokes that I don't seem to be able to make use of (or sell through here). I did the measuring and realised that the spokes I have are too short to build it 3x but are spot on for 2x, so is that OK for 32h road bike wheels?

[mattsccm]

I have seen quite a few. None at the side of the road in bits. No idea if it is worth while.

[iandusud]

All depends on what sort of usage. I wouldn't hesitate on a front wheel unless it was being used for heavily loaded touring or with a disc brake. I don't think I would with a rear wheel. But if you were for example using it with a big tyre on the road then there probably wouldn't be an issue. Can you tell use what you intend to use it for?

Ian

[niggle]

All depends on what sort of usage. I wouldn't hesitate on a front wheel unless it was being used for heavily loaded touring or with a disc brake. I don't think I would with a rear wheel. But if you were for example using it with a big tyre on the road then there probably wouldn't be an issue. Can you tell use what you intend to use it for?

Ian

Road bike, no load apartment from 10 stone rider and multi tool and spare tube, 25mm tyres.

[hemo]

I use 2x on two of my ebike 700c rear hubs without issues, both used for towing and panniers. 2x is the max option available to me as the hub diameter doesn't allow 3x because of poor spoke entry angle in to the nipple.

[willcee]

Best guy for this answer is Brucey . Personally I would consider rider weight and rim strength as guiding factors and as someone else said what use the machine is being put to.. will.

[Mick F]

I'd give it a go.
You already have the spokes, so may as well use them.

If it doesn't work for you, all you have lost is the time to build. Personally, I enjoy wheelbuilding!

[niggle]

I'd give it a go.
You already have the spokes, so may as well use them.

If it doesn't work for you, all you have lost is the time to build. Personally, I enjoy wheelbuilding!

Yes I am thinking the same, not much to lose and a learning opportunity. I am bit confused re the lacing of 2 cross: 3 cross is over, over, under; so is 2 cross over, over or over, under?

[niggle]

Just to add, spokes are ACI Alpina DB apart from drive side rear being Sapim Leader PG

[Mick F]

My Moulton wheels are only 20" but are laced 2x. 36h rear and 28h front. The bike came with 28h front and rear both 2x.

They come out of the hubs and go under in one direction, and over in the other direction for the first cross, and then the opposite for the second cross.

I'll try and get a photo shortly.

[Mick F]

28h 2x front wheel.

[Mike Sales]

Radial spoking (zero cross) is not unknown.

[Mick F]

No, not unknown, but you need the hubs that will take the load.
Most(?) state that you should not use radial spoking.

[niggle]

28h 2x front wheel.IMG_0048.jpg

Thanks Mick, so if that works on 28h 20" wheels then I think it should be fine on 32h 700c. I suppose interlacing like this helps with lateral stiffness?

[niggle]

radialtight.jpg

Radial spoking (zero cross) is not unknown.

Of course not, so 2 cross front is certainly fine. I am mildly more concerned re the rear, but as Mick says it is not exactly a massive deal if it doesn't happen to prove reliable.