Wire wrapped spokes?

[setspeed]

What is this wire/metal wrapping on the spokes, and what's the point of it? Can it be easily removed?

 

[novocaine]

It's an old trick for stiffening the wheel. it isn't needed and didn't really do much, but marginal gains and all that.

are they just wrapped or have they been soldered? if the latter then it's going to require heat to remove.

 

[setspeed]

It's an old trick for stiffening the wheel. it isn't needed and didn't really do much, but marginal gains and all that.

are they just wrapped or have they been soldered? if the latter then it's going to require heat to remove.

Dunno, I've not seen the wheels IRL, just on the internet. Looks like they could've been soldered so I'll steer clear. Thanks

 

[Frankenorange]

One of the most ridiculous things to do to a wheel. People paid good money for this nonsense even in to the 80's early 90's. If anything should be at the crossing of rear spokes it is a thin tie-wrap. It was something that downhill bikes would have, to stop broken spokes going into your legs/gears. Worked for whichever end the spoke failed at. Not sure if it is still a thing but was quite a few years ago.

 

[Spudalumps]

Fancy

 

[greencat]

Tended to be done on higher end/hand built wheels. I think it was also sold as reducing noise too.