Serenade 4550 Wavy Wheelset SUB 1200g steel spokes 500USD

[frewster]

Because these wheels were built with aluminum nipples and after seeing zippyzoom's trouble with nipples breaking on his Easedon wheels with aluminum nipples. I took a closer look at them on my Serenade wheels. I'm a little concerned by what I see. Several spokes protrude out of the nipples by 1mm on each wheel which is fine since I'll run tubeless, but one or two are about 2mm below the slot in the nipple.

I'm worried they're too short and not engaging with the head of the nipple. One of them is in the drive side of the rear wheel and one is on the disc side of the front wheel. I contacted Serenade and they promised the lengths are right and that they even rebuilt one of the wheels to increase the disc side spokes by 2mm. This inconsistency with some too long, some flush with the head, some flush with the slot, and one below the slot is concerning.

What do you guys think?

[Sebastian]

+/-1mm should be no problem at all. Depending on nipple length maybe even a bit more. Hard to judge exactly from your photos. But one of them does look short. Are there threads showing where the spoke enters the nipple? That would be a definite no go.

For what it’s worth: I’ve built wheels - particularly when I first started doing it - with fairly short spokes. They’re still running fine and perfectly true. I’ve built exclusively with brass nipples in those days, however.

I got three wheelsets from Serenade now and I must admit that I haven’t really checked the spoke length on any of them. So I can’t tell you if your findings are consistent with my wheels.  Unfortunately all my wheels are taped but I might have a look in one of them for you. For what it’s worth: my gravel wheels have not had a single issue on more than 4K km of riding - some of it loaded.

[frewster]

I would appreciate you taking a look if that isn't too much trouble, but since yours are brass it probably wouldn't be a concern even if they were as short as mine. Part of it may be having these built with hubs Serenade isn't used to working with, which complicates spoke length calculation by a bit.

I took these to a local shop and the mechanics there recommended replacing three of the spokes with slightly longer ones so the nipple heads are supported. The worst two sit 2 to 3mm below the bottom of the slot and are not threaded into the head at all which is what concerned me and the mechanics agreed. I am trying to work with Serenade to get a credit for buying the replacement spokes and I will replace them myself.

[Sebastian]

My Serenade wheels use aluminium nipples. The examples I mentioned are wheels I built myself in the past.

[serenadebikes]

I would appreciate you taking a look if that isn't too much trouble, but since yours are brass it probably wouldn't be a concern even if they were as short as mine. Part of it may be having these built with hubs Serenade isn't used to working with, which complicates spoke length calculation by a bit.

I took these to a local shop and the mechanics there recommended replacing three of the spokes with slightly longer ones so the nipple heads are supported. The worst two sit 2 to 3mm below the bottom of the slot and are not threaded into the head at all which is what concerned me and the mechanics agreed. I am trying to work with Serenade to get a credit for buying the replacement spokes and I will replace them myself.

I appreciate your efforts and we are willing to cooperate with you. We hope that every customer has a better wheel.

When customers raise questions, we will take note of them and make improvements, trying to make them perfect.

We rarely hear users complain about broken nipples. We insist on using the same model and the same material.

Within the 2-year warranty period, if it is a material problem, we will replace it for free. If it exceeds 2 years, we will provide assistance so that everyone can balance.

[frewster]

Serenade was very helpful and reimbursed me for the cost of 3 spokes. I appreciated their responsiveness and willingness to work with me. Now that the spokes are replaced I'll start testing out the wheels and will report back once I have some time on them.

[Ludo]

That’s how you get returning business and gain new customers, well done serenade!

[frewster]

I was able to swap out the short spokes, tape the rims up, and go on a ride today. With tires and sealant they are 510g lighter than the stock wheelset. Not as big a difference as I expected, but that's not Serenade's fault as these weigh what they predicted. Very happy with the wheels so far. My stock alloy ones would pop and ping all the time during rides and these were silent. They feel stiffer laterally which gives me confidence in corners although I am learning I have to pick better lines as they do bounce off rocks a bit more. Time will tell how they hold up but so far I am very happy with this wheelset. Serenade's willingness to build them up with my preference of hubs was unique among most of the wheel vendors I contacted and the value for these is incredibly high.

I'll share periodic updates when I have more miles on them and/or if anything happens.

[serenadebikes]

Thank you for your feedback.

This is just the beginning. We will work hand in hand with you in the next two years.

We will continue to develop new products.

In countries and regions where local services can be provided, we will directly provide after-sales service. If there is no local service, we will do our best to assist.

You provide real money, and we must also provide real products and services.

[reckonair]

Well they’ve arrived and they look absolutely class, no squishy sides either.

[simo8891]

Well they’ve arrived and they look absolutely class, no squishy sides either.

They look lovely. What finish did you choose to get that textured look of the rims?

[reckonair]

Matt Marble!

[makl]

@Serenade: Will you offer the TRF4540S as complete wheelset with carbon spokes and some lightweight hubs (e.g. SR310C)? What weight would you expect (standard vs. fly weight)? What rider weight limit would you suggest?

[serenadebikes]

@Serenade: Will you offer the TRF4540S as complete wheelset with carbon spokes and some lightweight hubs (e.g. SR310C)? What weight would you expect (standard vs. fly weight)? What rider weight limit would you suggest?

Hello Sir,

SR310C is 21 spokes, only 5045 wavy rims for choice, regular rims we can do any holes.
https://serenadebikes.net/Full-Carbon-Spoke-Wheelset-Road-Bike-Carbon-Wheelset-50-Depth-21-Spokes-Clincher-Rims-p6546517.html

If you want 4540 wavy
we have another 24 carbon spokes hub. The weight is more 20 - 30g.
https://serenadebikes.net/Full-carbon-spokes-road-bicycle-wheelset-35-40-45-50mm-clincher-rims-p6295874.html
Carbon spokes wheelset, more stiff more reactive,
Max rider weight 100kg.


Thanks for everyone choosing Serenadebikes wheel.
Best regards
Wendy Lee

[simo8891]

Off the back of feedback in here I've ordered from Marya (super engaging and helpful) a set of their new sr268 hubs with 23 internal, 34 external widths rims and CXRay spokes for my LTK268 currently building. Asked for no decals and drain/pressure holes to be drilled. Marya confirmed this was possible. Estimated weight in 60mm is 1400g, with shipping GBP 450. I'm told these will be built up next week and pictures will be sent to me.

Should this go smoothly, going to order the sub 1200g sr148 hub wavey 45/50 wheels with carbon spokes for my R088 which I've decided to make my dedicated climbing/hillier day bike.

Will post a review of the new sr168 hubs once wheels received and ridden.