Does a tighter wheel reduce lateral flex?

Question

I built up some wheels with the spoke tension at 100kgf. The bike has very tight clearances (maybe 2mm with these tires) and the rim can flex laterally enough for the tire to rub the seatstays. If I tighten it up to 120kgf will it flex less? I don't want to bother if tension doesn't affect lateral flex.

Answer 1

To a point it will correct some lateral flex.  You still should make sure it isn't your seat and chain stays that are flexing and causing wheel rub. It also could be you are too heavy or strong of a rider for this particular design. What is the spoke count and what type of spokes are you using? If they're two small of a gauge or the count is too low for you, overtightning will put you at risk of a spoke failure at a bad time. Like in the middle of a fast hard turn. If you have a straight cross two or three wheel (both sides) and the wheel is rubbing to the left (non-drive side) you can try tightening both sides a little. The higher (like 28 or 32) your spoke count the more you can risk by tighten up the spokes because these are safer builds. If you are still rubbing on both sides, and the wheel is true, then you probably have some frame flex.  If you have a radial non drive side then try tightening the drive side spokes only but watch your dish. These are not hard and fast rules but should get you close.