goldenchicken said:If I would bring the wheel down to my LBS (this acronym sounds like some
sort of disease) what would be the ideal measured tension for a 26 inch
3 cross laced uniwheel?
The short answer is 130-140 or so.
The long answer is there is no set value for optimum tension. As I
recall, in his book "The Bicycle wheel", Jobst Brandt recommends the
highest tension that doesn't cause the wheel to deform. Even if you
are brave enough find this value without causing harm, you might want
to go lower because at very high tensions spokes can (rarely) cause
cracking where they enter the rim (usually on non-reinforced rims).
In theory, rim manufacturers should specify a tension range for each
rim, with different values depending on how many spokes holes have
been drilled. Good luck finding this specification. Park Tool says
recommendations range from 80 "kilograms force" [excuse me while I gag
at the use of kilograms (mass) to measure tension (force)] up to 230.
The last 26" wheel I built measures about 150 and my LBS said 130 was
preferred, but I'd be fine.
Hope that helps.
Ken
