I have a beautiful custom steel frame from a highly-respected frame builder, (to remain unnamed). I race and have been for quite a few years, various frames, but always went back to steel. I've had steel frames from another custom builder as well, so this isn't exactly unknown territory.
I'm a cat 3, all around type of rider. Not a huge sprinter or tiny climber. About 6'1", 170+ lbs. I'm including this as it may come up.
The reason I am writing is I hope to tap into the minds of the experts. I had the frame built to be fast, stiff in the right places, etc. And fast it is, very quick handling and stiff out of the saddle. Pretty amazing, in my opinion.
Finally, the problem. As stated above, I break spokes in every wheel I ride. This is getting expensive, as it's been 5 wheels now, 3 of which are rebuilds. This always happens when accelerating out of the saddle, but not always a hard effort. I'm not laying the bike sideways to sprint, just a little movement within the norm. Wheels have been well built wheels, 3x 32 hole - clincher and tubies, 3x 28 hole, Dura Ace wheels and a high end pair of Velocities. This is getting expensive, as the last one, in a race over the weekend, will cost me race entry, getting the wheel fixed and a new Record derailleur, as it ended up in my rear wheel.
I've had the frame alignment checked, and it's spot on. I also have talked with the builder about this in the past, and they said to ride high quality wheels, which I always have. I've reached out to them again as I need to resolve this.
I've also chatted with various mechanics, pro team and otherwise, and this seems to be a stumper.
If anyone has any thoughts, please let me know. I'd be very greatful.
Cheers!
I'm a cat 3, all around type of rider. Not a huge sprinter or tiny climber. About 6'1", 170+ lbs. I'm including this as it may come up.
The reason I am writing is I hope to tap into the minds of the experts. I had the frame built to be fast, stiff in the right places, etc. And fast it is, very quick handling and stiff out of the saddle. Pretty amazing, in my opinion.
Finally, the problem. As stated above, I break spokes in every wheel I ride. This is getting expensive, as it's been 5 wheels now, 3 of which are rebuilds. This always happens when accelerating out of the saddle, but not always a hard effort. I'm not laying the bike sideways to sprint, just a little movement within the norm. Wheels have been well built wheels, 3x 32 hole - clincher and tubies, 3x 28 hole, Dura Ace wheels and a high end pair of Velocities. This is getting expensive, as the last one, in a race over the weekend, will cost me race entry, getting the wheel fixed and a new Record derailleur, as it ended up in my rear wheel.
I've had the frame alignment checked, and it's spot on. I also have talked with the builder about this in the past, and they said to ride high quality wheels, which I always have. I've reached out to them again as I need to resolve this.
I've also chatted with various mechanics, pro team and otherwise, and this seems to be a stumper.
If anyone has any thoughts, please let me know. I'd be very greatful.
Cheers!