Track Wheel FAQs
How do you true Cane Creek's "Nipples At The Hub" Wheels?
Our Track Wheels with patented "Nipples At The Hub" are designed to stay true longer than the best-built wire-spoked wheels. This is because of the straight spokes (no elbow bends), high uniform spoke tension, and Nylock-reinforced nipples (which secure the threads).
But if truing adjustments become necessary, it's a simple job. A 3/16-inch open-end wrench (included with each wheelset) turns the nipples in much the same way as a conventional wheel—only at the hub. The hex nipples won't round out. And because of the fewer spokes, simpler crossing patterns, and higher tension, our wheels are actually easier and faster to true. Effectively, you get more impact with every turn of the spoke wrench.
There is a little learning curve to it, but truing a Cane Creek wheel is intuitive and ultimately quicker than dealing with a conventional spoked wheel. One other thing about that 3/16-inch wrench: It's common in U.S. hardware and auto-parts stores (same size as an ignition wrench).
But if truing adjustments become necessary, it's a simple job. A 3/16-inch open-end wrench (included with each wheelset) turns the nipples in much the same way as a conventional wheel—only at the hub. The hex nipples won't round out. And because of the fewer spokes, simpler crossing patterns, and higher tension, our wheels are actually easier and faster to true. Effectively, you get more impact with every turn of the spoke wrench.
There is a little learning curve to it, but truing a Cane Creek wheel is intuitive and ultimately quicker than dealing with a conventional spoked wheel. One other thing about that 3/16-inch wrench: It's common in U.S. hardware and auto-parts stores (same size as an ignition wrench).
Do your wheels need to be re-trued after a "break-in" period?
With a conventional wire-spoked wheel, such "break-in" adjustments are usually necessary. What happens is that regardless of the tension, the J-bend spokes seat into the hub during the first few rides, and the wheel loses its perfect trueness.
With a Cane Creek wheel, the superior design negates the causes of this break-in out-of-trueness. There are no J-bend spokes, the spoke tension is very high, and the nipples have a thread-securing insert. Every one of our wheels is hand-built every step of the way. When it leaves our wheelbuilding room, the wheel is perfectly true and pre-stressed. You can ride it without having to worry about the normal break-in period of conventional wheels.
With a Cane Creek wheel, the superior design negates the causes of this break-in out-of-trueness. There are no J-bend spokes, the spoke tension is very high, and the nipples have a thread-securing insert. Every one of our wheels is hand-built every step of the way. When it leaves our wheelbuilding room, the wheel is perfectly true and pre-stressed. You can ride it without having to worry about the normal break-in period of conventional wheels.
How easy is it to get replacement spokes?
Our "Nipples At The Hub" designed wheels use straight-pull spokes. These are not one-off or custom spokes or sizes. Most spoke makers produce straight-pull spokes. So any decent bike shop in many parts of the world can get you a Cane Creek replacement spoke, should you find yourself needing one.
Cane Creek's track wheels use deep-section rims. If these are heavier, what is the advantage of using them?
It is true that a deeper rim section adds weight compared to a more conventional rim profile. But the extra strength of the deeper rim section enables the wheel to use fewer (and lighter) spokes and still be plenty strong. Using fewer spokes saves some weight and gives a slight aerodynamic Edge. Some riders also report that our deep-section Crono wheels give a firmer ride, due to the stiffer rim profile.
Can I replace the rim on my Cane Creek wheel with another rim?
Generally, no. Our rims have a small custom drilling in the rim wall, and no other rim will do.
