[iRider]

Throw a go pro on your bike aimed at the stiffest wheel you could possibly build with straight gauge spokes.

Why use a GoPro? I am old school and used rim brakes when I learned to build wheels.

I've had a butted front wheel with straight gauge spokes on the back with the same rims on many many bikes. I always end up having to true the front way more frequently. That's not because I'm hitting it harder.

A truly scientific test.

You yourself said they flex more. Why would it not follow that 32 of them flexing in conjunction allows a rim to deform to the point of bending the rim out of true easier?

Elastic vs plastic deformation

 

[iRider]

Do you guys build/true your own wheels? I'd like to learn, best resource/book/website to learn how to do it properly?

I have a spoke wrench, I've "trued" a wheel before, but I am sure the tension wasn't what it should have been and there was NO science behind what I did, it was pure trial, screw up, and error, finally got it a little better just ride it kinda deal......

thanks

I build and true my own wheels. Lately it seems that prebuilt wheels are cheaper than buying the components individually, so I sometimes buy them and check/re-true them.
I learned it from a really good wheel builder, but there are a couple of books out there too. http://sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html has some good info too.
I still think it is best if you find a good wheel builder that wants to share knowledge. Normally every good bike shop has a mechanic that is a fairly decent wheel builder. Cake/chocolate/beer/etc.... will convince him to let you in on the secrets.
But even with all these resources there is still a certain element of trial and error/experience involved in it. After some time you will get good at building wheels for yourself. And then there is the art of a really good pro wheel builder: they can understand from the descriptions of the customers what they need and how the wheel should be build and deliver something tailor made for the customer.

 

[kidwoo]

Elastic vs plastic deformation

Yeah butted spokes allow the rim to flex into the plastic deformation range.

You're catching on.

 

[kidwoo]

Do you guys build/true your own wheels? I'd like to learn, best resource/book/website to learn how to do it properly?

Since the mid 90s in school. The ability to build your own wheels is a good thing. Not just because you have more control over a build, but it also gives you the chance to try different things and see how they affect the life of the wheel. There are a few tricks out there to get your cross lacing dialed. Any good mechanic should be able to show you pretty quickly. Owning a truing stand is a good thing.

 

[no skid marks]

I use butted spokes but I'm light and want lift wheels. I thought they needed more trueing, maybe I'm wrong.