We have a new article which describes how the spokes transmit pedaling and braking torque between the hub and rim. The spokes do it by changes in tension — but how much does the tension change? The article explains the drawing below.

What's new at sheldonbrown.com
We have a new article which describes how the spokes transmit pedaling and braking torque between the hub and rim. The spokes do it by changes in tension — but how much does the tension change? The article explains the drawing below.
A rail on your Brooks leather saddle broke? Our new page lists repair sites around the world. Your repaired saddle will be better than new, because it is broken in. Photo: Simon Firth, of Transport cycles, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, authorized Brooks repair site. Do-it-yourself repair is also sometimes possible and we tell how.
Check the level of spoke tension by ear — unless you are tone deaf, a musical pitch reference (pitch pipe, tuning fork, smartphone app etc.) is all you need to tell whether you have brought spokes up to the appropriate level of tension when building a wheel. It’s faster than using a tensiometer!
Major additions to our page on leather saddles — descriptions and photos of different Brooks saddle models, comments on other brands, lots more advice on adjustments and leather care.
New information in the wheelbuilding page about removing the bend from spokes where they exit the hub flange…