external spoke nipples vs. internal

rivren5 · Jul 8, 2009

I have been researching wheels and notice that some have internal spoke nipples (they can't be seen) while others have external -I have noticed this in both handbuilt and factory wheels.

What is the difference and is there any advantage to building a wheel with internal vs. external.

Thanks -

Riv

CIOCC FAN · Jul 8, 2009

Smaller spoke holes.

Removing less material makes for more rim support right where you need it; at the highest stress points.

Take a look at a Zipp with external nipples, then look at an Edge with internal. You don't see the same puckering at the spoke holes with the Edge.

Plus the internal nipples look cleaner to the eye.

Downside is you have to remove the tire to true the wheel, but really you should do that anyway, not that you should need to true a wheel often, if at all.

kbiker3111 · Jul 8, 2009

rivren5 said:
I have been researching wheels and notice that some have internal spoke nipples (they can't be seen) while others have external -I have noticed this in both handbuilt and factory wheels.

What is the difference and is there any advantage to building a wheel with internal vs. external.

Thanks -

Riv

Internal nipples are theoretically more aero. How measurable is this? I don't know.

Zen Cyclery · Jul 8, 2009

Internals have smaller spoke holes which take less material out of the rim and thus making them stronger.

Spunout · Jul 8, 2009

I've seen an internal spoke nipple pull through a carbon rim though.

All about execution, and how easily you want to true a wheel (tubulars).

Kerry Irons · Jul 9, 2009

Over analyzing

rivren5 said:
I have been researching wheels and notice that some have internal spoke nipples (they can't be seen) while others have external -I have noticed this in both handbuilt and factory wheels.

What is the difference and is there any advantage to building a wheel with internal vs. external.

The short answer is that it is much more important how a given wheel is designed and manufactured than whether the spoke nipples are internal. The effect is tertiary at most. Worry about something else

rivren5 · Jul 9, 2009

what...worry?

Just wondering. But I do agree with your reply. Thanks

raymonda · Jul 9, 2009

I have both and unfortunately my internals are on my tubulars. However, they are my preferred wheels being carbon and all. If easy maintenance is what you prioritize then external is the way to go.

Otherwise I agree with all of the above.

rivren5 · Jul 9, 2009

raymonda said:
I have both and unfortunately my internals are on my tubulars. However, they are my preferred wheels being carbon and all. If easy maintenance is what you prioritize then external is the way to go.

Otherwise I agree with all of the above.

Why is it unfortunate that your internals are on your tubulars?

raymonda · Jul 9, 2009

Glue my friend, glue.

external spoke nipples vs. internal

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