re:wire wheels

[Alex Rodriguez <adr5@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Are a nightmare. With the invention of cast or forged alloy wheels, there
is no reason to suffer the tribulations of wire wheels. Performance
motorcycles have switched. Some bicycles have switched (though the low
loading of bicycle wheels perhaps justifies the nearly impossible
maintenance regimen wires). No doubt cast alloy wheels descended from those
enormous alloy drum brakes on older cars. In any event, wire wheels are
cosmetic only. From an engineering perspective they belong in the museum.

For a bicycle wheel, a steel spoked wheel makes a lot of sense.  It's strength 
to weight ratio is hard to beat.  The non steel spoke wheels you have seen are 
either on a kids bike where weight is not an issue or on a bike where 
aerodynamic drag is more important than stability in the wind.  One reason you 
can't really compare car and bicycle wheels is because a bicycle, under normal 
conditions, experiences very small lateral loads.  Almost all of the loading is 
in the plane of the wheel, which is where it is very strong.  I would also add 
that a well built bicycle wheel needs no maintenance unless it is damaged.  So 
maintenance is not an issue on a a bicyle wheel.   
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Alex     __O 
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