Sort of dumb question about wheel design...

wamara · 03-18-2003, 12:51 PM

I'm under the impression that the strongest design for the center (spoke) portion of a wheel is the BBS/CCW mesh configuration. This would assume, I would think, that the wheel center would the same mass (weight) as another style, such as a 5 spoke or multi-spoke design. Am I right? Thanks for your input.

wamara · 03-19-2003, 12:03 PM

Bueller? Anyone?

Luke@tirerack · 03-20-2003, 12:15 PM

while design is important what is most important to wheel strength is construction technique i.e. forged is strong than cast

wamara · 03-20-2003, 01:58 PM

Luke, I'm hoping that my question can be answered while assuming the elimination of the multitude of variables that can go in the equation, e.g., forged versus cast, as you correctly noted. Assuming a clean sheet design, similar wheel mass, materials, construction technique, etc., is the mesh design simply better "engineering"? :)

TGrits10 · 03-23-2003, 03:01 AM

based on what I've observed (I want to make it clear that absolutely no real wheel knowledge goes into this), it don't matter what sort of spoke design you use, it will be plenty strong. I'd guess maybe the BBS style is lighter than most designs somehow, I dunno...Or maybe it just looks really damn cool :cool:

RCswish · 03-24-2003, 10:49 PM

A mesh design is stronger than a 5 blade. A center design like CCW's is essentially a round solid piece of forged aluminum with holes ported out of it. But as stated above, it has more to do with the materials used and the design process of the wheel. A 5 spoke can be just as strong as a tight mesh desing if built properly. Generally when a wheel is damaged, it is not due to the center design but the outer rings and overall build design.

Hope this helps,

Robert :)

wamara · 03-25-2003, 12:58 PM

Thanks Robert. I realize the question was hypothetical in nature, and all the mentioned real-world variables come into play when a manufacturer builds a wheel. I just wanted to know, ALL other thinks being equal, what was the strongest wheel, and it appears from the answers, it is the mesh design.

Luke@tirerack · 03-25-2003, 05:18 PM

all things being equal the more contact points between the center and the rim section of the wheel would produce a more consistent load on the entire wheel making it somewhat stronger

wamara · 03-26-2003, 11:28 AM

Thanks Luke for the reply.