G609 aluminum alloy, anyone know what the heck it is?

[DiTBho]

so i'm looking to assemble a new type of wheels made with classic "record premium" hubs (1992) and modern classic shape aluminum alloy rims, so not aero, with 36 sprokes and rather low profile.

While looking for an ideal set of rims, going through all the classic wheels Campagnolo produced in the 80s and 90s, I noticed there are some modern companies who replicate those rims sometimes with "6005" aluminum alloy, sometimes with "6061" or "6063" aluminum alloy.

There are tables which for every kind of alluminium allow define its properties

• deformability
• weldability
• workability
• corrosion resistance
• thermal treatments
• resistance to mechanical stress

At one point I came across the announcement of a company that claims to produce rims that are 30% more resistant (to mechanical stress?) than the 6061 alloy commonly used in the production of alluminium rims for racing bicycles.

__________irrational__WOW__effect_take_my_money_I_want_it!!!_____________

5 seconds later ...

.... but wait, it's advertized as "G609 aluminum alloy", but that what the heck it is? 
(cannot find it in any table)

[jpanhalt]

Some thoughts:
1) It's a sales gimmick like oxygen-free copper for audiofools;
2) It's a proprietary real alloy much like Reynolds alloy for aluminum foil;
3) It's a brand name for some common alloy (i.e., another sales gimmick);
4) It's a real alloy, but uncommon.

The use seems to be so specialized that having a special alloy just for that purpose seems unlikely because of cost.  A metallurgist cold easily determine its composition with modern equipment.

[thm_w]

H plus son I assume: https://www.hplusson.com/products
Looking at DT/Mavic they have their own "aluminum alloy" that they don't tell you the composition of. Mavic says "higher strength to weight ratio than 6106" (. So maybe its 7000...

All of them have similar weights and strength (based on recommended tension), so its essentially marketing gimmick, as jpanhalt says.
https://www.dtswiss.com/en/components/rims-road
https://www.mavic.com/en-us/road-and-triathlon/rims.html

They can also shot peen the surface, which will give some extra surface strength: https://www.mtbr.com/threads/spank-industries-all-in-on-shot-peening.1171770/ but this company only makes MTB disc rims.

[EPAIII]

6061 is a general purpose alloy. Probably the least expensive.

6063 is more resistant to corrosion and is used for outdoors.

For higher strength look for:

6013 Described as the strongest aluminum alloy.

7075 Originally created as "aircraft" grade. The tempered version is sometimes called Fortal. Scrap pieces of various sizes can be purchased on E-bay at somewhat attractive prices.

6061 T6 is the hardened version of 6061 and is considerably stronger.

Generally the hardened versions are stronger and machine more cleanly: no build up on the tool edges. And they cost more, of course. Good reading:

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/aluminum-alloys/

[DiTBho]

I am going to replace every wheel made with 6005 alloy rims.
I don't like front wheels with radial spokes, so I am also going to assemble my own wheels with double cross spokes and stronger rims.

Already assembled a couple of wheel sets:

• c-record 8sp hubs(1), inox 2mm spokes, H+Son-TB14 rims (G609 alloy: to be tested)
• c-record 8sp hubs(1), inox 2mm spokes, H+Son-SL42 rims (G609 alloy: to be tested)

(1) found it as "scrap", paid something like 20 each UKP because it "looked seized" as the shaft didn't turn at all, dismantled, cleaned, degreased, changed cones and balls, greased the shaft, reassembled, polished from scratches and regulated the two locking nuts.

They don't look new at all, the polishing came out rather rustic, but they are very smooth.

[DiTBho]

6061 T6 is the hardened version of 6061 and is considerably stronger.

Sweet dreams ... my ideal wheels are made of this