Any problems with smooth laced wheels?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
Any problems with smooth laced wheels?
In another thread there have been reports of rusting, cracking, loose/broken spokes etc. on steel-rim laced wheels. I just wondered if anybody had any negative reports on the aluminum-rim laced wheels.
Thanks in advance for any & all info.
John
Thanks in advance for any & all info.
John
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
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From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Not sure this is the answer you are looking for but had Gorgeous Spoke Wheels on my 04 Heritage, but the maintenance of keeping them clean, rust free, and trued will not ever have Spokes again .. Although they do look Great of a Bike ..
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 568
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From: Republic of Texas
If I understand correctly you are talking about the upgrade aluminum laced wheels from the factory? If so, I have had them for almost a year now. There have been no issues so far. I live very close to the beach and believe me if it's going to rust it will rust at my house. This is actually the reason I upgraded to these wheels, the aluminum factor (no rusting) and the stainless steel spokes (again no rusting). I have a beach cruiser bicycle that has the same setup, aluminum rim with ss spokes. It is almost 20 years old, sits outside a lot, and the wheels look brand new, so I would say the aluminum/stainless steel combo is worth it.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 143
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From: Central Pennsylvania
I ordered the Aluminum laced wheels for my RKC thinking that it would eliminate the issues some have with the steel laced wheels... maybe should have posted the question here first. Any others have the Aluminum Laced with many miles on them ?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
If I understand correctly you are talking about the upgrade aluminum laced wheels from the factory? If so, I have had them for almost a year now. There have been no issues so far. I live very close to the beach and believe me if it's going to rust it will rust at my house. This is actually the reason I upgraded to these wheels, the aluminum factor (no rusting) and the stainless steel spokes (again no rusting). I have a beach cruiser bicycle that has the same setup, aluminum rim with ss spokes. It is almost 20 years old, sits outside a lot, and the wheels look brand new, so I would say the aluminum/stainless steel combo is worth it.
I'm getting ready to spec a new ultra and I really, REALLY dislike the look of the new cast wheels. I'm concerned as to whether the laced wheels will be up to the task of supporting a fully loaded ultra over many years of long trips. I've thought about getting a spare set of cast for use on long trips, but after looking at the pics on the harley site, there appears to be significant differences between the brake rotor diameter, front fork sliders, caliper position etc. I spotted it on the "paint and wheels" page. If you alternate between the two wheel styles, you can really see the difference. This only appears to apply to the front wheel.
Thanks,
John
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Dallas, TX & Santa Fe, NM when I can find the time....
I haven't had mine long enough to say, but I would imagine they would perform as intended as long as you make sure you or your Dealer checks the spokes on a regular basis.
Just had mine at my Indy for some mods, and he tightened mine. A few were a wee bit loose. He worked at a Dealer for 2-1/2 years and was one of 12 techs. He said only about 3 of them regularly checked spokes when bikes came in for service. He also told me about a girl who had purchased a new bike and always felt a wobble. Took it to 2 different Dealers to figure out why. They couldn't figure it out. She ended up bringing it to him and it was her spokes...apparently they were very loose in one of the wheels. He tightened them up and she was good to go.
Just had mine at my Indy for some mods, and he tightened mine. A few were a wee bit loose. He worked at a Dealer for 2-1/2 years and was one of 12 techs. He said only about 3 of them regularly checked spokes when bikes came in for service. He also told me about a girl who had purchased a new bike and always felt a wobble. Took it to 2 different Dealers to figure out why. They couldn't figure it out. She ended up bringing it to him and it was her spokes...apparently they were very loose in one of the wheels. He tightened them up and she was good to go.
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