Product Info
What’s up with the 3 flange hubs?
Apart from the obvious aesthetic differences this triple design offers some real world advantages.
Like a traditional 2 x flange wheel radial, lateral, and torsional loads are borne according to the same principles, so what’s unique?
To fully appreciate the dynamics of the triple, it’s necessary to consider side loads NEVER occur in riding without simultaneous vertical loads – the bike is always carrying our bodies. A tensioned wheel has only so much capacity for supporting loads. The task of holding up the rider subtracts tension from bottom spokes and hence reduces capacity to deal with opposing side or torsional loads. That’s why a “too light” wheel feels rubbery or lacks the ability to transfer power. A triple flange wheel benefits directly and indirectly from its center spokes.
• Aerodynamics
The wheel’s equal sized center flange and its 12 x 2 cross spokes sit directly behind the rim and tire, sheltered from the wind from ahead. Aerodynamically the wheel behaves more like a 24 spoke than a 36.
• Torsional Rigidity
The center spokes carry full tension and control the wheel’s radial roundness. The tall 78mm flange combined with 2 cross spokes goes further by creating a robust structure for torque loads, which are a serious rear wheel issue for getting power down, trick riding and skidding. The traditional outside spokes could conceivably be laced radial but for specialised track or fixed gear bikes we recommend they remain 2 cross.
• Latitudinal Stiffness
The center spokes are un-distracted by side loads and located directly beneath the rim are perfectly positioned for vertical loads like body weight. By carrying a full measure of vertical load, the center flange spokes permit the side spokes to more effectively provide full lateral strength and stability.
• Triangulation
Like a bikes frame or a race cars roll cage, strength is increased by triangulating loads. The same is true when you consider the cross section of a wheel. In a traditional wheel a strong triangular shaped is formed by the spokes either side of the wheel and the width of the hub. Using a triple flange, 2 x triangulations occur by adding the center row of spokes.
Apart from the obvious aesthetic differences this triple design offers some real world advantages.
Like a traditional 2 x flange wheel radial, lateral, and torsional loads are borne according to the same principles, so what’s unique?
To fully appreciate the dynamics of the triple, it’s necessary to consider side loads NEVER occur in riding without simultaneous vertical loads – the bike is always carrying our bodies. A tensioned wheel has only so much capacity for supporting loads. The task of holding up the rider subtracts tension from bottom spokes and hence reduces capacity to deal with opposing side or torsional loads. That’s why a “too light” wheel feels rubbery or lacks the ability to transfer power. A triple flange wheel benefits directly and indirectly from its center spokes.
• Aerodynamics
The wheel’s equal sized center flange and its 12 x 2 cross spokes sit directly behind the rim and tire, sheltered from the wind from ahead. Aerodynamically the wheel behaves more like a 24 spoke than a 36.
• Torsional Rigidity
The center spokes carry full tension and control the wheel’s radial roundness. The tall 78mm flange combined with 2 cross spokes goes further by creating a robust structure for torque loads, which are a serious rear wheel issue for getting power down, trick riding and skidding. The traditional outside spokes could conceivably be laced radial but for specialised track or fixed gear bikes we recommend they remain 2 cross.
• Latitudinal Stiffness
The center spokes are un-distracted by side loads and located directly beneath the rim are perfectly positioned for vertical loads like body weight. By carrying a full measure of vertical load, the center flange spokes permit the side spokes to more effectively provide full lateral strength and stability.
• Triangulation
Like a bikes frame or a race cars roll cage, strength is increased by triangulating loads. The same is true when you consider the cross section of a wheel. In a traditional wheel a strong triangular shaped is formed by the spokes either side of the wheel and the width of the hub. Using a triple flange, 2 x triangulations occur by adding the center row of spokes.
