Making the move to a rope bridge, suggestions?

Richard Mumford-yoyoman

Richard Mumford-yoyoman

Been here a while
Location
Atlanta GA
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I'm making the move to a rope bridge, have a couple of thoughts and looking for suggestions.
I'll be using an Edge Harness with Leg Straps and in place of the ring but I'll probably leave the ring on, a ROOK Triple Attachment Swivel Pulley.
I suspect the ease of movement on the bridge will take some getting use to. Currently using a Nikosi Saddle and find I have to force the bridge to slide most of the time.
Tom, if your listening, I really like how you have the adjustable bridge, I'm all about making EVERYTHING adjustable! I don't remember if you attached that rope grip with a link or biner? As we discussed, my SMC rope grip is only rated to MBS of 5kN and even though with the pulley it will never see more than 50% of the weight distribution. Even when that pulley is 1" away for the D on one side and all the way over to the D on the other side, it will always be 50%.
How about a Microcender Clamp by Petzl, I don't think the MBS is listed on it, shows slip between 4kN and 5kN. I like a little slip built into things like this for a little cushion.
Question, if it shows slippage and not MBS, what happens to it when it hits your stopper knot. Seems that would be when MBS would be nice to know.
To get the extra length for adjustability, what is a good replacement rope for the bridge?
So far looking at the Rook pulley, I'm not liking the small holes and rubber lining for capture, it very much limits biner selection and is difficult to push them into the hole.

Looking forward to some thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks
 

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Yo,

Here's an old thread with relevant discussion. A few old friends are in this thread :)

Strength

Be sure to read Mahk's comments, always insightful.

My bridge is made from 11mm climbing rope. The color is different than any other rope that I'm using and I kind of like the stiffness of KMIII for the bridge.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I use vectran spliced cores with a cover and shrinkwrapped the whole length.

Great wear resistance and smooth running.

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I'd rethink that one if I were you. Technora and Vectran have proven themselves to be less than reliable in bridges.
 
IIRC the issue with Vectran (along with Technora and UHMWPE meterials) is a higher degree of self-abrasion when compared to materials like polyester, and not the damage done from external sources. The shrink-wraps durability wouldn't matter, since the Vectran on the inside would be weakening itself over time regardless.

Take that with a grain of salt, but that is what I recall about the previous rope bridge debate.
 
Ah, thats right- Vectran and Technora are higher danger while polyester and HMPE are low. I knew there was some aspect of that I was forgetting.

Thanks!
 
[ QUOTE ]
I make and replace on a yearly basis.

I'm sure that cures a few ill's.

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Should be six months max. Just do it right and get the manufacturers replacement. Sorry dude but you're showing up real late in the game on this issue, do your research.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Should be six months max. Just do it right and get the manufacturers replacement. Sorry dude but you're showing up real late in the game on this issue, do your research.

[/ QUOTE ]

Will I be limited to manufacture length and unable to make it an adjustable bridge?
What effect does running that bridge over a pully like the Rook or HC make on life span?
 
Yo,

Manufacturers are recommending shorter life spans for bridges. Even with proper rope choice it sure seems prudent to replace often.

Even with floating bridges most of the time the attachments are centered on the bridge. Having a large radius like using a pulley sure would be better.
 
Cut and paste from Sterling rope manual.

"Do High Tenacity Aramid Fibers (Twaron®, Technora®, Kevlar®) Break Down?
There is a lot of discussion concerning aramid fiber (such as Kevlar®) flex fatiguing over time. Most of the data available has been acquired through testing conducted for the sailing industry where a cord is excessively cycled through pulleys and blocks. The data shows that with time and cycling aramid fibers do break down. However, the level of cycling in sailing applications is far greater than of applications a climber or rescuer using aramid fibers for anchors might employ."


Being that this is a rope bridge passed thru paws and tied off with a double overhand knot, we are only talking about a few feet of rope at most, cost to replace often is just a few bucks.
Sounds like keeping that bridge in next to new conditions will work without compromise or worry.

Thanks for the good feedback here.
 
I use Sterling Tri-Tech for my bridge recently. Its thin, firm and smooth. THe durability is top notch too. Its a pricy rope but <$10 per bridge.
 
The economical side of me wins over cool and efficient when it comes to bridges. Pieces of climbing rope work. the money I save lets me buy other gear...or better beer ;)
 
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