|   Spoke gauge | Lachlan
Jun 6, 2002 5:05 AM | | Can someone explain spoke gauges please? What the numbers mean. And what the difference is. |
| re: Spoke gauge | jimmie02
Jun 6, 2002 5:17 AM | | spokes are gauged in numbers.. the higher the number eg. (12G, 13G, 14G (most common)) the thinner the spoke, and the lower the number is much thicker.. hope that helps... |
| re: Spoke gauge | Seb
Jun 6, 2002 5:31 AM | | The common gauges correspond to spoke wire thicknesses thus:
14g = 2.0mm
15g = 1.8mm
16g = 1.6mm
17 g = 1.4mm (?)
Close enough for governement wheels, anyhow.
The difference is, thinner spokes stretch more under a given load. That is not always a bad thing, but it can lead to fatigue failue if over done (which usually occurs at the elbow), and may be a disadvantage for certain applications that require very stiff wheels. They also have a lower absolute yeild strength- like thin string vs thick rope, they just can't take the same load.
Thinner spokes are obviously lighter, and (less obviously) can sometimes build a wheel that stays true longer under normal riding conditions.
You didn't ask, but there's extra confusion in the form of "butted" spokes, which have variations in thickness (and sometimes shape) along thier length. Most common is a spoke that is .2mm thicker at the ends than along its central length. These are usually 14g/15g. or 15g/16g. The thinner central portion provides desirable elastic properties, taking pressure off the thicker ends and helping to resist fatigue failure. |
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