Rad-Mini Spoke size and source

[cubdriver]

Howdy, broke a back wheel spoke on one of our rad-mini's.  RAD is out of stock.  Anybody know the correct size of the spoke and have a source?

Thanks in advance!

sj

[Ryan]

Perhaps you can get some of the other specs from Rad, but you'll want to get 12 gauge spokes. This website sells several different options, just not sure on length...

https://holmeshobbies.com/bike-and-moped/spokes.html?fbclid=IwAR2p_-92j8lrWQhnydEbp1lQyyFxx4lQr4W7131iLPAXZpTks5_GwJdRQcU

You may also want to try: https://sunnyspokes.com/

Let us know how it goes.

[cubdriver]

Yep, just need the length for the back wheel.  I will just pull one and figure it out I guess.

Thanks

sj

[Rjbur007]

I purchased a set of front spokes for my RadWagon from:
https://sunnyspokes.com/

These should be the ones I ordered for my RadWagon.  You have to select a length:
https://sunnyspokes.com/products/12-gauge-sapim-leader-silver-18-spokes-with-silver-nipples?_pos=1&_sid=d77485fb0&_ss=r

I figured I can cut them down for the rear, so I have a tool to cut and another that I'll thread them.  Of course, i probably should have just ordered a set of read as well.

Here's what I have:

Spoke Cutter: https://amzn.to/3kQFgds

Spoke Tension Meter: https://amzn.to/3zHuXyv

Spoke Wrench: https://amzn.to/3DH8yUI

Spoke threader:  From eBay originally but could not find again.  Here's the amazon links.

   Cyclo Spoke Thread Rolling Tool for 12g 13g & 14g
   (rollers available separately)
   https://amzn.to/3kR5sVd


   Cyclo Spoke Thread Rolling Head 12G (2.6mm):
   https://amzn.to/3zHGm1k

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[Rjbur007]

Just email Rad Support or give them a call.  That is how I found the info for the RadWagon.  Sent them an email request about length and tension specs.

support@radpowerbikes.com
(800) 939-0310 x2
Monday - Friday
6 a.m. - 5 p.m. PT
Saturday - Sunday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. PT[\quote]


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[gjv2020]

It would be good if someone could confirm the correct spoke length here - I've now emailed Rad to ask this very question too! It appears to be 130mm, at least that's almost the length of the bit that snapped off after the bend at the hub!

[RandyS]

For what it's worth, and to help a future reader, I had loose spokes on my Mini and called Rad to find out what the tension spec is so I could tighten and measure the tension to verify.

They told me that the correct tension for the Mini spokes is 100 kilograms force (kgf).  On the tension measuring tool conversion table for 12 gauge steel round spokes (2.6mm), that corresponds to a reading of "32"...

Amazon tension measuring tool link:
https://amzn.to/3kRbBRk

[RadJohn]

...
Amazon tension measuring tool link:
https://amzn.to/3kRbBRk

Have you actually used the linked tool to measure the tension on the rear wheel spokes on your Mini?

I already had a Park TM-1 Spoke Tension Meter and the two outer "measuring pins" are too far apart (4.0" centre-to-centre) to fit over the short spokes on the Mini rear wheel. Since the front spokes are a bit longer, the gauge fits (barely), but doesn't feel right to me, being off center and so close to the nipples.  I've always had trouble trying to use it on other 20" folder wheels.

What is the centre-to-centre dimension across the two round, fixed, outer pins on the gauge you linked (I couldn't find a spec on Amazon)?

12 gauge spokes are notoriously difficult to read tension on. Since they don't deflect as much as thinner ones, the variation you're trying to detect will be much smaller, and the possibility for reading error variation will be higher. Averaging multiple readings should help, but can take a lot of time, enough to make the job tedious instead of fun (at least for me) .

[RandyS]

John, as you know, the front wheel is easier to reach and measure (and that is where I had the most loose spokes anyways).  I did that wheel first and got accustomed to using the wrench and how "tight" it felt to achieve the proper level of tension.  The measuring tool doesn't fit on the rear wheel because of the motor, but I was able to tighten up a spoke or two that had loosened and just matched the feel to what I was able to achieve on the front wheel...Too bad someone doesn't make a smaller tension gauge....

[RadJohn]

...Too bad someone doesn't make a smaller tension gauge....

That's what I was wondering, whether someone finally did, or just made another copy of the Park gauge with 4 inch pin spacing, sounds like the later.

I'm beginning to wonder whether we'll ever see a reliable and affordable"smaller" one. Making a gauge of this type construction smaller (moving the end pins closer together) would likely make it more inaccurate, particularly in terms of reading variability and repeatability. Other type of tension gauges can be made smaller but were probably talking about seriously more $$$ for something that would be reliable enough, particularly with 12 gauge spokes.

[toledobastos]

Just in case someone ends up here with the same question, I contacted Rad and here's the specs for the RadRunner:

Spokes - 12-gauge, stainless steel, black

Spoke length front (metric) - 173 mm

Spoke length rear (metric) - 128 mm

Spoke tension (front, rear) - 100 Kgf​

[Veggyhed]

Wow some good reading in this post. I had no idea that was such an issue with trying to read spoke tension small wheels. I've been out very curious to know how they build the wheels and maybe this is why we have problems with our spokes.

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