A web site we think everyone should know about.

It started off by ordering a top of the line 24" wheel. XT disk hub laced to a Alex ESD25 rim. Pretty pimpin stuff. Got the built wheel in from Norco and was appalled by the poor build quality. Exposed spoke threads, spoke heads not seated correctly, very poor tension, bent spokes, not to mention incorrect dish and a mild flat spot. When spending that much money on a wheel, it is only natural to expect perfection.

My shop said they would correct the problem and looked toward their mechanic, who happens to be the same person who is the administrator of the web site www.crazyrides.com. This web site contains a plethora of technical material that should interest anyone who is serious about the quality of their ride. Software contained at crazyrides.com includes a gear-inch calculator and a wheel building program that is the best I have ever seen. It goes beyond just calculating the spoke length required for various hub/rim combinations.

It actually spits out quantitative data regarding the optimum spoke length, recommended spoke tension, and correct spoke gauge. In addition, when comparing different build styles such as three cross, mirrored or non-mirrored, the program will allow you to compare the actual strength of the wheels you are considering. For example the wheel from Norco came with a three cross spoke pattern that was mirrored on both sides of the hub.

Through the Crazy Rides program we were able to determine that a two cross, non-mirrored build would provide almost twice the torsional strength of what Norco sent to me, (even if it was built well) and would distribute the loads associated with a disc brake more evenly across the entire wheel. In short, with this web site it is possible to avoid trial and error techniques associated with wheel building. Also, if you are a shop owner or employee and are not using this program, you are missing out on offering your customer educated choices when it comes to a new set of quality wheels.

- Black Cloud.