Selecting a Wheel Builder and Components

[Yellow Saddle]

4x used to be your standard spec for well-built touring and tandem wheels. I'm not sure that, with modern (stronger) rims and spokes, it makes any difference.

In those days tourer and tandem wheels had 40 or 48 spokes. Making a 4X wheel with so many spokes is easier than with a 32-spoke wheel. On the latter the spokes would overlap and trap the head of the adjacent spoke.
On a 48-spoke wheel the spokes depart the hub at 30 degrees if they are crossed four times.
On a 32 spoke wheel the spokes depart the hub at 45 degrees if they are crossed 4 times. This should show why they would overlap the adjacent spoke head.

 

[Ian H]

Makes sense to me.

 

[fatblokish]

130 or 135 oln?

 

[raleighnut]

In those days tourer and tandem wheels had 40 or 48 spokes. Making a 4X wheel with so many spokes is easier than with a 32-spoke wheel. On the latter the spokes would overlap and trap the head of the adjacent spoke.
On a 48-spoke wheel the spokes depart the hub at 30 degrees if they are crossed four times.
On a 32 spoke wheel the spokes depart the hub at 45 degrees if they are crossed 4 times. This should show why they would overlap the adjacent spoke head.

Very true on a small flange hub, however on a wide flange they miss the spoke heads.......Just