LAY-sing
Verb, Noun
The process of threading the ends of a spoke through a hub or rim.
Example usage: 'I need to lace my wheel spokes to the hub.'
Most used in: Cycling communities around the world.
Most used by: Cyclists who build or maintain their own bikes.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: spoking, wheelbuilding, truing, tensioning,
Understanding the Cycling Term 'Lacing'
Lacing is a term used in the cycling world to describe the act of fastening a wheel to the frame of a bicycle. It is the process of weaving the spokes of a wheel into a pattern to create a strong and durable wheel. It is a crucial step in the building of a bicycle and has been used for centuries.
The lacing process starts with the spokes. They are threaded through the hubs of the wheel and then woven into a pattern. The pattern depends on the type of wheel being created. For example, a three-cross pattern is commonly used for road bikes, while a radial pattern is used for mountain bikes.
The lacing pattern is important for the strength and durability of the wheel. It ensures that the wheel is strong enough to withstand any terrain and stress it may encounter. It also helps to evenly distribute the weight of the rider, which helps the wheel to spin faster.
Research has shown that lacing a wheel correctly can reduce the stress on the spokes by up to 20%. This helps to increase the lifespan of the wheel and reduce the risk of it breaking or cracking. It also helps to create a smoother ride for the cyclist, as the wheel is less likely to wobble or shake.
In conclusion, lacing is an important part of the cycling process. It is essential for the strength and durability of the wheel, as well as the rider’s safety. It is a skill that should be mastered by all cyclists in order to ensure their safety and the longevity of their wheels.
.The Origin of 'Lacing' in Cycling
The term 'lacing' has been used in cycling since the mid-1800s, initially in the UK and then in Europe. It refers to the process of attaching the wheel rim to the hub by means of spokes.
The term 'lacing' was first used in the 1850s, when wire spokes were introduced to bicycle wheels. It is derived from the weaving technique used to attach the spokes to the rim. The spokes are woven in a pattern, similar to that of a lace, to ensure that the wheel is strong and durable.
Today, the same technique is used to attach modern wheels to bicycle hubs, although the materials used have changed. Steel spokes are now commonly replaced with lighter and stronger materials such as carbon fibre, titanium and aluminium.
The term 'lacing' is still used to describe the process of attaching a wheel to a bicycle hub. It is an important part of the construction of a bicycle wheel and should be done with care and precision.
