Zongshen RX3: 21-inch Front Wheel

[SpudRider]

The center stand performed the same with the 21-inch front wheel, as long as I placed a 3/4-inch board beneath the feet. However, I decided to weld two, 1.25-inch extensions to the feet of the center stand. Now I don't need to worry about placing anything beneath the center stand.

I also welded a 1.25-inch extension onto the side stand of my RX3.

[BlackBike]

With my wot speed question I was under the impression that you had also upped the size of the rear wheel as well, thus increasing the speed/distance thing. Excusez-moi .

Do you think you may want to increase your rear shock height /wheel size in the future? Or did you, see it says warp on your rear rim too.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by BlackBike

With my wot speed question I was under the impression that you had also upped the size of the rear wheel as well, thus increasing the speed/distance thing. Excusez-moi .

Do you think you may want to increase your rear shock height /wheel size in the future? Or did you, see it says warp on your rear rim too.

No problema, amigo.

I am very happy with my size 2.50-17, rear rim, and I do not plan to change either the rear wheel size or the shock height.

I laced a size 2.50-17 rim to the rear hub to replace the stock, size 3.0-17 rim. The narrower rim makes it much easier to replace rear tires, and also affords me a greater choice of tires which fit the narrower rim. You can read about my rear wheel project at the following thread.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=14974

[BlackBike]

Thank you good sir

[Coloradogoose]

Been considering an RX3 and this may have sold me on it! My primary hesitation has been the front wheel size since I ride a fair bit of rocky mountain passes. I actually have a naked 21" rim sitting in my garage right now and I'm wondering what the spoke count on the stock hub is. If it matches I can powder coat the rim black, order spokes, and build up the wheel. Thanks.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Coloradogoose

Been considering an RX3 and this may have sold me on it! My primary hesitation has been the front wheel size since I ride a fair bit of rocky mountain passes. I actually have a naked 21" rim sitting in my garage right now and I'm wondering what the spoke count on the stock hub is. If it matches I can powder coat the rim black, order spokes, and build up the wheel. Thanks.

Both wheels of the RX3 have 36 spokes. I ordered my custom spokes from Buchanan's Spoke & Rim.

[Coloradogoose]

Excellent, thanks for the info. I've gotten spokes through Woody's before. Any reason Buchanan's is your preference? I'm not attached to either, just thought I'd check if there is an advantage of one over the other.
Also, did you happen to take measurements of the hub or know if they have them in their database now for calculating spoke lengths? I would love to have the spokes ready and waiting so I can lace the 21 as soon as the bike gets here. Thanks a ton, reading all your threads has been a great inspiration for getting an RX3!

[SpudRider]

I chose Buchanan's Spoke & Rim because they had a good reputation, and their website is easy to understand and negotiate. For example, here is the webpage describing their custom spokes.

http://www.buchananspokes.com/catego...spoke_sets.asp

I have never ordered spokes from Woody, but I am certainly willing to give him a try. Does he have a webpage describing his custom spokes? I thought he only built wheels, because I can't find a webpage describing his custom spokes. Perhaps I haven't searched hard enough.

http://www.woodyswheelworks.com/home.htm

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Coloradogoose

...Also, did you happen to take measurements of the hub or know if they have them in their database now for calculating spoke lengths? I would love to have the spokes ready and waiting so I can lace the 21 as soon as the bike gets here. Thanks a ton, reading all your threads has been a great inspiration for getting an RX3!

I told Buchanan's to record my order number so I can reorder the custom spokes again, without sending in sample spokes. If you like, I will check my records and find the order number for you. Using this order number, you can directly order the spokes without taking any measurements, et cetera.

[2LZ]

Spud, do you use a spoke torque wrench when you lace a wheel or is it "by feel"? I'm thinking of changing the rims on Mrs 2LZ TT250 to alloy but I've never laced a rim.

[Coloradogoose]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I told Buchanan's to record my order number so I can reorder the custom spokes again, without sending in sample spokes. If you like, I will check my records and find the order number for you. Using this order number, you can directly order the spokes without taking any measurements, et cetera.

If you are able to do that, that would be great! That's how Woody's did the spokes on my last build. It was on a Gen 1 KLR front hub and they had the data in their system. I really appreciate the time you are taking to help me out with this.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

Spud, do you use a spoke torque wrench when you lace a wheel or is it "by feel"? I'm thinking of changing the rims on Mrs 2LZ TT250 to alloy but I've never laced a rim.

No, I don't use a spoke torque wrench, and I have never had any problems. As with any fastener, it's important to torque the spokes tightly, but not excessively. I get the spokes good and tight, but I don't overdo it.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Coloradogoose

If you are able to do that, that would be great! That's how Woody's did the spokes on my last build. It was on a Gen 1 KLR front hub and they had the data in their system. I really appreciate the time you are taking to help me out with this.

You are very welcome. We are glad you joined us, and we are always happy to help.

I need to look through my records. Give me a day or two, and I will post my Buchanan's order number for the 21-inch spokes for the RX3 front wheel.

[Coloradogoose]

No worries at all. Will be a week or two until I can even place the order for the bike. Thanks again!

[Coloradogoose]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I chose Buchanan's Spoke & Rim because they had a good reputation, and their website is easy to understand and negotiate. For example, here is the webpage describing their custom spokes.

http://www.buchananspokes.com/catego...spoke_sets.asp

I have never ordered spokes from Woody, but I am certainly willing to give him a try. Does he have a webpage describing his custom spokes? I thought he only built wheels, because I can't find a webpage describing his custom spokes. Perhaps I haven't searched hard enough.

http://www.woodyswheelworks.com/home.htm

I had contacted Woody's when doing a build on a frankenbike a few years ago. I got the impression that ordering custom spoke sizes was a regular thing for them, though I didn't do a ton of research around them. They were suggested by folks on a KLR 650 forum so I went with them. I'll be happy to try Buchanan's this time. As long as the calculation comes out correctly and the price and product are fair, I suppose it's a toss up between the two.