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Corroding nipples


Oldernslower's picture

By Oldernslower - Posted on 30 December 2013

NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.

Anyone else had the problem of corroding nipples (wheel nipples!!) on their alloy nippled carbon rims? Just had the third one go on my Roval SL wheel, and looks like half the rest ready to let go to.

see here for longish ongoing discussion on failures in Enve Rim nipples (and others) http://forums.mtbr.com/wheels-tires/enve-wheel-n...

Another interuption to training !@**%^&!!

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obmal's picture

yes they corrrode, using some chain lube on them seems to slow it down.. perhaps there's a better product to put on them?
I prefer brass nipples and just accept the weight penalty.

hawkeye's picture

With alloy there seems to be an electrolytic reaction that happens between the dissimilar metals and perhaps the carbon if you let them stay wet.

Silicon lube (Nulon or similar, not WD40 - evaporates too easily) on the nipples after wet rides would probably help repel the water.

I had a (admittedly old) Cannondale Six13 frame fail earlier this year after water got in through cracks in the clear coat and weakened the top tube joint up near the head tube. Creaks like a banshee when pedalling out of the saddle.

Flynny's picture

Yep. Been replacing the original Al nipples in my Enve rims with Brass.

On a side note my DH rim had a busted nipple the other day. Replaced that and started straitening and the next on snapped, next one was corroded so thought it might be time to replace the lot. Thinking back I built the wheel almost 10 years ago now and haven't really touched it since. Not bad.

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