Conference noted::bicycle

     I haven't used them, but last night at the Rte. 140 TT there were
     no less than a half dozen people with them. Naturally (being who
     I am and trying not to miss anything close to a technical advance-
     ment) I asked how people liked them. They all loved them!
    
     They basically stated that you get the aero advantages along with
     a less harsh ride offered with disks and most tri-spokes...
    
     Chip

    <- Just to add, they're around the price of the Specialized Tri's...
       (what I run)

    Steve,
    
    Could you describe your disaster in a bit more detail?  I'm curious
    about whether 8-speed rear wheels are inherently weak (because of the
    severe dishing required).  Is this the sort of wheel you had?  Did the
    spokes rip out on the freewheel side, where they are in higher tension?
    
    It seems to me that a tri-spoke or similar design would eliminate the
    problem of unequal tensions.  Opinions....?
    
    I'm contemplating my next bike and would like to go 8-speed, but worry
    about the wheel collapsing in a tight corner.
    
    Rick
    

>    I'm contemplating my next bike and would like to go 8-speed, but worry
>    about the wheel collapsing in a tight corner.
 
Since the entire pro peloton is using 8-speed and, FAR more significantly,
so am I... and without rear wheel collapse, I'd say you shouldn't worry
about this. The dishing isn't that severe anyway, remember that 8-speed
hubs are wider (130mm instead of 126mm).

I'm interested to hear about this disaster too. Sounds unusual.


Rod

     Ditto... Two seasons with the 8spd (Campy) with no problems...
    
     BTW, you still get that extra torque on the drive-train side.
     It's impossible to eliminate, but is absorbed more by a composite
     wheel. I see it show up in wheel flex. I have to open my brakes
     up wide when running my Specialized. A guy I ride with also uses
     a Specialized and just pulls the brake blocks right off when TT'g.
    
     Chip

    The hub was a campy record 7 speed, circa 1982.  I have a Maillard FW
    with ergo shifers. Has seend pretty active use however certainly not the 
    only wheel used.  It was even 36 spoke. I attribute the problem to 
    aluminum fatigue.  Why the spokes didn't go first???
    
    Personally, I think Spinergy has invented something significant.  The
    concept of stressing the carbon, making similar to a spoke in a true
    areo wheel could become real hot.  They claim double the strength of a 
    regular 32 spoke wheel and more comfortable ride.  Time will tell.
    
    Steve 

    I don't know how close you are to Fitchburg, but think Gamache's has
    been letting at least some folks try out the Spinergy (I'm resisting
    the impulse, 'cause I'd probably want to get one myself).
    
    I would suggest you get in touch with Campy.  I snapped a 10-year-old
    crankarm once, and they replaced it (and my brother is currently riding
    on 17-year-old record hubs, with no problem, even though I beat the
    daylights out of 'em before he inherited).
    
    I've seen Spinergy used a lot in criteriums, and in their flyer they
    claim that their rear wheel has no dishing.  $599 for a rear cassette
    hub model.
    
    Justin
    

    Well, I bought one Wed eve at O'neils.  It appears these things are
    hot.  I bought the freewheel version and put an 8 speed Maillard hub 
    rather than messing around with spacing issues of shimano cassette with
    campy shifters.  Price is also much cheaper.  I am highly impressed
    with the wheel on first ride.  More comfortable, and my time up to the 
    top of one specific hill was the best this year...maybe it was just the
    heavy air and light tailwind.   Some designs come around just seem to 
    make sense, I think this is one of them.  
    
    At least I am supporting the Native American Indians, they are made in
    North Dakota.
    
    Steve
    

    Could someone give me a thumbwheel sketch of what a spinergy wheel is ?
    
    tnx
    	/rod

    They are made of carbon fiber and look like any other 4 spoke wheel
    however the differences are:
    
    1. Use of a regular alumimum rim.
    2. The process they use creates a spoke like tension in the 4 carbon
    blade.  Somehow they spring the carbon like a rubber band.  This is
    suppose to make the more comfortable effect, and supposedly stronger
    (2x they say than 32 spoke wheel) wheel.  
    
    It is being marketed as a replacement to your regular wheels, train,
    race, tt, on the same wheels. 
    
    Heavily marketed in Velonews this year.
    
    Steve

    Actually, there are 8 blades (split in the middle and appear to
    be tack-welded where they come together). I'm no Picasso, but...
    
                          / \
                         /   \
                         |   |
                         |   |
                         |   |  <- the spokes look "something"
                         |   |     like this
                         |   |
                         \   /
                          \ /