On 2017-03-30 11:47, Frank Krygowski wrote:
> On 3/30/2017 11:15 AM, Joerg wrote:
>>
>> I have thick spokes and good rims right now. However, spokes keep going
>> every now and then, on the rear wheel. The "self-infliction" comes from
>> the fact that I often use my bikes as ... <gasp> ... utility vehicles.
>> Bringing heavy packages to Fedex when I couldn't make the pickup cut-off
>> time, schlepping parts from the valley up here, etc. This includes
>> sections where chugging uphill in low gear is required, almost standing
>> in the pedals.
>
> Joerg, I think you're overestimating your machismo. I use my bikes as
> utility vehicles as well. My last grocery run, just a couple days ago,
> had me carrying probably 50 pounds. It far exceeded the capacity of my
> large shopping panniers, partly because I realized at the last minute
> that we needed a big box of cat litter. I ended up with stuff lashed on
> top of the panniers and overstuffing the handlebar bag. (And since it's
> so important to you: yes, a dozen beers were part of the load.)
>
I am not macho but this is standard fare for me. I have an ESGE aluminum
rack on the road bike and panniers on that. This is where tools, water,
small loads of purchase stuff rides. The flat section on top is where
machine parts for client, Fedex boxes, supplies from the valley and such
ride.
> I also spent decades biking to and from work, over famously potholed
> streets, often with piles of books and lab reports to grade. I do
> remember breaking two rear axles over the years, but almost never a spoke.
>
I broke several axles on the old MTB and that was because it had one of
those dreaded freewheels where the right bearing is too far inside.
Strangely I do not break spokes on MTB but I broke lots of them on road
bikes, maybe because they have no suspension.
Whenever this frame gives up (if it ever does) I will transfer to a
cyclocross bike with disc brakes and then I can use MTB wheels. That
should fix the problem for good.
BTW, I am by far not the only one with wear failures. The extreme is a
friend who rides around 10k miles per year. He broke frames, BBs,
spokes, numerous hubs, cranks and so on. Everything he rides is
high-class expensive stuff, he only rides on paved surfaces yet it
breaks. He only weighs around 180lbs and doesn't even have a cargo racks
on his bikes. However, he sure steps on it and I can't keep up with him
for much more than 30 minutes. Not because of lack of muscle but because
then I am out of breath.