Building carbon wheels vs alloy... things to consider?

[deluz]

When I started building wheels I avoided aluminum nipples because I was afraid of them freezing to the spoke and then rounding off trying to adjust them. Also the tendency for them to break. But over time several things changed my mind and I now use them on all my wheels with exception of DS rear wheel.

1. The materials and quality of aluminum nipples have improved.

2. I learned from a pro to use Ted-Gel on the spoke threads. It provides long lasting corrosion protection.

3. Selecting the proper spoke length so that spokes go all the way through to the end of nipple reduces breakage.

4. A good spoke wrench reduces the chance of rounding. I use a DT wrench.

5. They come in pretty colors.

I can still understand why some still avoid using them.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by deluz

When I started building wheels I avoided aluminum nipples because I was afraid of them freezing to the spoke and then rounding off trying to adjust them. Also the tendency for them to break. But over time several things changed my mind and I now use them on all my wheels with exception of DS rear wheel.

1. The materials and quality of aluminum nipples have improved.

2. I learned from a pro to use Ted-Gel on the spoke threads. It provides long lasting corrosion protection.

3. Selecting the proper spoke length so that spokes go all the way through to the end of nipple reduces breakage.

4. A good spoke wrench reduces the chance of rounding. I use a DT wrench.

5. They come in pretty colors.

I can still understand why some still avoid using them.

Well, they are softer than chrome plated brass and over time, can deform in the rim and cause a loss of tension. I have done a couple of DT rims using Squorx..and have the tore-type tool...makes truing at tension easier..I have 2, 3 sided DT wrenches too.

Can they work? Sure BUT..you mention you don't use them drive side rear.
Why not?

For 64 nipples, 'about' 40 grams lighter...not 'worth' it IMHo..

BTW-I have a TON of alloy Squorx nipples, like hundreds..ya want any? freebie for shipping. I either use brass squorx or just Sapim 14mm brass.

[deluz]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Well, they are softer than chrome plated brass and over time, can deform in the rim and cause a loss of tension. I have done a couple of DT rims using Squorx..and have the tore-type tool...makes truing at tension easier..I have 2, 3 sided DT wrenches too.

Can they work? Sure BUT..you mention you don't use them drive side rear.
Why not?

For 64 nipples, 'about' 40 grams lighter...not 'worth' it IMHo..

BTW-I have a TON of alloy Squorx nipples, like hundreds..ya want any? freebie for shipping. I either use brass squorx or just Sapim 14mm brass.

Thanks for the feedback. I agree alloy nipples may not be as durable as brass and make more sense for somebody who works on their own wheels. I was also wondering about the nipple length. I have always used 12mm nipples on alloy rims, but it seems 14mm is better for carbon rims due to the thicker walls. Is that correct? What color are your alloy nipples?

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by deluz

Thanks for the feedback. I agree alloy nipples may not be as durable as brass and make more sense for somebody who works on their own wheels. I was also wondering about the nipple length. I have always used 12mm nipples on alloy rims, but it seems 14mm is better for carbon rims due to the thicker walls. Is that correct? What color are your alloy nipples?

I use 14mm, when I can get them, because for some more 'pointy' rims, you get a better purchase on the nipple with the spoke wrench. Plus 'SecureLock'.
Sapim is 'mechanical', a small divot in the nipple, whereas DT are 'chemical', with some goop in there. Don't like those. I lube nipple a lot and lube onto that wee glob of goop will basically 'eat' it.

All of the squorx alloy nipps I have are silver...

[truth]

Does anyone here de-burr their rims prior to building?

[cnighbor1]

Building carbon wheels vs alloy... things to consider?
Read in Road bike Mag latest article on Building carbon wheels

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by truth

Does anyone here de-burr their rims prior to building?

Right after Velocity brought their entire factory to the US, I needed to debrr some of them but not lately.

[deluz]

I did some more reading on this. Obviously aluminum nipples with an aluminum rim there is not much risk of galvanic corrosion, but with aluminum and carbon the risk is much higher. So I decided I will use use brass nipples for carbon rims.

[foo_fighter]

"Sapim’s high-end aluminum nipples have a special corrosion treatment and their salt spray tests show better results than brass nickel plated nipples."(Not sure if that also applies to galvanic corrosion).

https://www.lightbicycle.com/newslet...y-Nipples.html